LJ (L’Vonte Juaquin) Cryer is a basketball player Who plays for the Houston Cougars Guard. He’s currently an NBA second-round prospect. Behind every successful athlete stands an athletic supporter. LJ’s support comes from his parents, both former standout athletes at Gambling State University. Their athletic background, commitment to excellence, and support have been important factors in shaping LJ’s journey as a basketball player.
The Parents Journey
LJ Cryer’s parents’ athletic journey begins at Gambling State University in Louisiana; the university has a rich athletic tradition. LJ’s parents part cross in this historic campus; Tamica Cryer is a basketball player, and Lionel Cryer Sr is a football player.
Tamica found her way to Gambling State from Texas. She competed from 1991 to 1995. She’s one of the program’s most versatile and reliable players. Her playing style is characterized by precision and court vision.
She wasn’t just a scorer; she’s also known for having a good leadership quality and high basketball IQ, and she, on many occasions, helped her team, the Lady Tigers, earn many honors in the (SWAC) Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Also, Lionel played defensive back from 1990-1994 at Gambling’s storied football program. Under the guidance of coach Eddie Robinson in his final year at the helm, he transformed into a dynamic, disciplined defender with various skill sets and a team-first mindset. He was a valuable asset in the Gambling secondary due to his understanding of defensive positioning and anticipation.
Building a Home Centered on Athletic Excellence
Lionel and Tamica married and settled in Katy, Texas; they grew up in a family where athletics wasn’t just an activity but an essential way of life. Growing up, LJ was deeply in love with basketball as he always followed his mother to the gym, as she was a coach for youth teams, so LJ’s understanding of the game’s basics earlier in his career stemmed from his mother’s first basketball education; as the foundation is laid based on emphasizing; proper shooting, game fundamentals, and awareness.
In an interview with Houston Sports Publication, Tamica emphasized how she has been a key role player in shaping LJ’s foundation. ” I remember teaching LJ to shoot before he could dribble well. We focused on form first, elbow in follow through. The basic matter is so much, and I wanted him to build those habits early.”
Meanwhile, Lionel, drawing from his defensive football experience, contributed a valuable perspective to LJ’s development. The athletic culture learned from both parents has helped LJ to develop the stamina and mental toughness that would later propel him to thrive in the world of basketball.
Starting in his senior year at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, LJ’s talent became increasingly evident, and this was seen as an invaluable lesson the young star had learned from both parents.
In the feature about LJ’s sophomore year at Baylor, Lionel explains, “Having been through it ourselves, we knew college athletics was about much more playing time. It’s about academic character development and an environment where you can grow as an athlete and a person.”
KEEP READING: How To Watch the 2025 Men’s Basketball National Championship: Everything To Know About Florida vs. Houston
This mindset has been the anchor propelling LJ’s journey. His parents’ impact on him shone fort as his profile rose, with potential NBA prospects on the horizon.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
