LJ Cryer’s basketball journey has attracted renewed attention as the former Houston Cougars standout continues pursuing his professional career with the Golden State Warriors organization. Known for his accurate three-point shooting and confident offensive play, Cryer built his reputation through successful college basketball seasons at Baylor and Houston. Behind his achievements stands a family with a remarkable athletic background and a personal story shaped by determination.
LJ Cryer’s parents, Lionel Cryer Sr. and Tamica Cryer, were both college athletes at Grambling State University in Louisiana. Their experiences in sports, education, and professional careers helped create a supportive environment for their children. The family also overcame a major challenge when Hurricane Katrina forced them to leave New Orleans and rebuild their lives in Texas.
Who Are LJ Cryer’s Parents?
LJ Cryer was born to Lionel Cryer Sr. and Tamica Cryer, two former student-athletes who understand the commitment required to succeed in competitive sports. His father played college football, while his mother competed in volleyball.
The couple met while attending Grambling State University, a historically Black university known for its athletic traditions. Their shared interest in sports became an important part of their relationship and later influenced how they raised their children.
After establishing their family in Louisiana, Lionel and Tamica eventually settled in the Houston area. Their move was connected to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in August 2005 and displaced thousands of families.
The Cryers rebuilt their lives in Katy, Texas, where LJ developed his basketball skills and eventually became one of the area’s most accomplished high school players.
LJ Cryer’s Father Lionel Cryer Sr.
Lionel Cryer Sr. has an extensive background in American football and education. He attended Grambling State University, where he played linebacker under legendary college football coach Eddie Robinson.
Robinson was widely respected for developing talented athletes and emphasizing discipline, leadership, and academic achievement. Playing within that environment gave Lionel valuable experience that later influenced his coaching philosophy.
His performances at Grambling State earned him recognition in the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1992 with a degree in criminal justice before moving into education and coaching.
Lionel later worked within the Royal Independent School District in Texas. His professional responsibilities have included teaching and coaching football at Royal High School in Brookshire, where he has served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Although his own sporting background was in football rather than basketball, Lionel understood the demands of athletic development. His experience helped him guide LJ through competitive sports, particularly when balancing training with academic responsibilities.
LJ Cryer’s Mother Tamica Cryer
Tamica Cryer also has an impressive background combining athletics, education, and professional achievement. She attended Grambling State University, where she played collegiate volleyball.
Tamica graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Her academic interests eventually led her to Louisiana State University, where she earned a law degree.
After completing her education, she pursued a career in law before transitioning into the corporate sector. Her professional experience has included contracts and leasing-related responsibilities within Houston’s energy industry.
Tamica’s career demonstrates the importance of education within the Cryer household. While both parents encouraged their children’s sporting ambitions, they also understood the value of building opportunities beyond athletics.
Her experience as a college volleyball player also meant she understood the pressures associated with competition, demanding schedules, and maintaining academic performance.
Together, Lionel and Tamica provided LJ with a family environment that emphasized preparation, discipline, and long-term personal development.
How Hurricane Katrina Changed the Cryer Family’s Life
One of the most significant events in the Cryer family’s history occurred in August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.
At the time, the family was living in New Orleans. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, forcing many residents to leave their homes and relocate to other states.
Lionel and Tamica moved their family to the Houston area, eventually establishing a new home in Katy, Texas.
Although the relocation came under difficult circumstances, it also introduced LJ to the community where he would develop his basketball career.
Growing up in Texas, Cryer attended Morton Ranch High School, where his shooting ability and offensive performances attracted attention from major college basketball programs.
His success eventually earned him an opportunity to play at Baylor University, marking an important step toward his professional ambitions.
The family’s experience following Hurricane Katrina remains a meaningful part of LJ’s background, showing how an unexpected hardship helped shape the direction of his life.
LJ Cryer’s Brother Justin Cryer
LJ Cryer is not the only member of his family to pursue competitive athletics. His younger brother, Justin “Juice” Cryer, followed their father’s football tradition by becoming a linebacker.
Justin developed into a promising football player during his high school years and earned opportunities at the collegiate level.
He initially joined Florida State University before transferring to the University of Texas, continuing his development as a defensive player.
While LJ chose basketball and Justin pursued football, both brothers grew up surrounded by parents who understood the demands of competitive sports.
Their different athletic paths also reflect the family’s broad sporting background, with football, volleyball, and basketball all playing important roles across two generations.
LJ Cryer’s College Basketball Success
LJ Cryer first gained national recognition at Baylor University, where he joined a competitive basketball program under head coach Scott Drew.
He was part of Baylor’s national championship-winning team during the 2020-21 season. Although he played a limited role as a freshman, the experience introduced him to championship-level college basketball.
As his college career progressed, Cryer became a more important offensive contributor, particularly because of his perimeter shooting.
He transferred to the University of Houston in 2023, joining Kelvin Sampson’s program and becoming a central figure in the Cougars’ offense.
During the 2024-25 season, Cryer helped Houston reach the NCAA national championship game against Florida. He scored 19 points in the final, although Houston narrowly lost 65-63.
His performances throughout the tournament strengthened his reputation as a dependable scorer capable of delivering under pressure.
After completing his college career, Cryer turned his attention toward professional basketball, continuing his journey within the Golden State Warriors organization.
How His Parents Influenced His Career
Lionel and Tamica Cryer’s influence extends beyond their athletic backgrounds. Their experiences in education, coaching, and professional life helped establish expectations that supported LJ’s development.
His father’s football career provided an example of discipline and competitive preparation, while his mother’s academic and professional achievements demonstrated the importance of planning for life beyond sports.
The family’s relocation following Hurricane Katrina also required resilience and adaptability, qualities that became part of the environment in which LJ grew up.
As Cryer continues pursuing opportunities in professional basketball, his parents remain an important part of the story behind his achievements.
From their days as student-athletes at Grambling State to raising two sons who pursued major college sports, Lionel and Tamica Cryer have built a family legacy centered on education, commitment, and athletic achievement.