The Baylor Men’s Basketball team had quite a difficult 2022-23 season as they fell short of many preseason expectations. It’s difficult to play in the NCAA landscape in any year and especially in the Big 12 (there should be no argument against the Big 12 being the toughest conference in the nation), but I imagine there’s nothing harder than the years following a National Champion team. Several of the Baylor champions from 2021 (read my recap of the thrilling Baylor vs. Gonzaga matchup in this post) remained on the 2022-23 squad including F Flo Thamba, G/F Jordan Turner, G Adam Flagler, F Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, F Zach Loveday, and G LJ Cryer, but so much has changed since the confetti fell on their heads two years ago. After a career-high 30 games played this season, Cryer announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. This season alone as he played his best games after struggling with injuries over three years, Cryer shot 45.3% (163-360) of field goals, 41.5% (80-193) of 3s, and 89.4% (59-66) of free throws with 64 rebounds, 63 assists, 15 steals, and 465 points to average 2.1 rebounds, 2 assists, and 15 points per game. In his three seasons at Baylor, Cryer shot 45.3% (272-600) of field goals, 42.5% (148-348) of 3s, and 82.8% (96-116) of free throws with 104 rebounds, 110 assists, 2 blocks, 40 steals, and 788 points for an average of 1.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 11.3 points per game. According to Baylor Athletics, Cryer “set the Baylor single-season record for free-throw percentage in 2022-23 (.894) and set the program record for point in an NCAA Tournament game with 30 against Creighton.” Prior to the season, Cryer was named a Preseason All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection and he landed an All-Big 12 Third Team pick after conference play concluded. Cryer was a dominating figure on the court over three years and he’ll be a star wherever he ends up next!
