L.J. Cryer has dazzled with All‑Big 12 honors and postseason heroics, yet the ultimate test lies beyond the college hardwood. His pre‑draft workout for the San Antonio Spurs on May 6, 2025, was just the beginning. Could the undersized, unflinching shooter become San Antonio’s next steal?
Could L.J. Cryer Be the Spurs’ Next Steal? Houston Guard Works Out in San Antonio
On May 6, 2025, the 6‑foot‑1 guard ran through individual shooting drills, ball‑handling exercises, and one‑on‑one defensive sessions inside San Antonio’s practice facility. “Former Houston guard L.J. Cryer recently had a pre‑draft workout with the Spurs, according to a source,” reported Joseph Duarte. Coaches praised his scoring touch and high basketball IQ, two attributes that have defined his collegiate career.
Former Houston guard L.J. Cryer recently had a pre-draft workout with the Spurs, according to a source. The All-Big 12 guard is scheduled to meet with a dozen more teams in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/VUWcMyDED9
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) May 6, 2025
The workout was confirmed via social media, with the Spurs’ beat reporter tweeting, “Spurs give a pre‑draft workout to Houston guard L.J. Cryer” minutes after the session concluded. Team insiders noted that the guards’ measured jump‑shooting percentages and agility drills were meticulously tracked, evidence of San Antonio’s interest in perimeter scoring.
This session marks the first of roughly a dozen private workouts Cryer is slated to complete before June’s draft, as teams look to assess his fit in varying schemes. In addition to shooting tests, franchises will conduct medical evaluations and in‑depth interviews to evaluate his work ethic, character, and potential to evolve into an NBA contributor.
Sharpshooter’s Journey: Houston to the Pros
Despite standing 6‑foot‑1, Cryer has drawn praise as a pure marksman and clutch performer. “Any player that lacks positional size in the modern NBA must be a top‑notch shooter, and Cryer is just that,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s draft analyst.
Over five college seasons, Cryer converted over 42% of his attempts from beyond the arc, a feat few guards in the 2025 class can match.
Beyond catch‑and‑shoot ability, Cryer naturally creates space off the dribble and has an advanced feel for timing. “One of Cryer’s biggest strengths is his ability to create his own shot and score at all three levels,” emphasized Hardwood Heroics, underscoring his multi‑level scoring package.
His family’s influence also fueled his relentless work ethic—“This boy would not put a basketball down,” his mother recalled—reflecting a lifelong devotion to the game.
Cryer’s knack for timely strikes was on full display when he nailed four 3‑pointers in a single half to spark Houston’s win over Gonzaga, live on ESPN.
He also poured in 15 points during a rout of Arizona, demonstrating his willingness to attack off the bounce and catch fire from deep. Those flashes of scoring versatility project well to San Antonio’s fast‑paced system.
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In just weeks, Cryer will learn whether his blend of shooting prowess, competitive drive, and polished skill set is enough to secure a draft-day fall into the Spurs’ lap.
If he capitalizes on this workout and the meetings ahead, San Antonio could walk away with one of the draft’s most compelling value picks. Time will tell if the undersized guard truly becomes the Spurs’ next steal.
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