GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – While L.J. Cryer was fighting for a national title in San Antonio, his cousins back home were keeping things running at The Daiquiri Shoppe in Grand Prairie. For the Cryer family, Monday night was more than just a game—it was the culmination of years of love, support, and belief in one of their own.
“It’s a dream come true watching him,” said cousin Brandon Cryer. “I’ve known him since he was a little boy. This is a proud moment for all of us.”
Brandon manned the shop, dishing out gumbo cups, while Akaira Cryer-Simmons filled daiquiri jugs for customers—both proudly holding down the fort so other family members could travel to San Antonio for the NCAA championship game.
All Roads Lead to San Antonio
Barry Cryer hit the road Monday afternoon, leaving North Texas with high hopes for his nephew.
“I hope he has the best game he can. Stay focused. Win and bring it home,” he said, full of anticipation.
Inside the Alamodome, L.J. Cryer wore the #4 jersey for the Houston Cougars, battling the Florida Gators in a nail-biting national championship matchup. It was a chance for L.J. to etch his name in history—becoming the first player to win NCAA titles with two different schools, having previously claimed victory with Baylor in 2021.
Family Ties and Game Day Pride
For L.J.’s father, Lionel Cryer, the moment was just another step in a lifelong journey of fatherhood and support. With another son playing football at Florida State, he’s used to balancing the pressures of parenting elite athletes.
“We talk about other stuff,” he said. “My job is to support him.”
Inside The Daiquiri Shoppe, L.J.’s childhood photo with a local basketball team hangs proudly on the wall. His rise in status may be meteoric, but to the Cryer family, he’s still the same kid who beat Akaira at pool years ago.
“He’s always been very skilled, even at a young age,” Akaira said. “Great to see him doing great things and being amazing at what he does—effortlessly, too.”
The Cousins Who Coach from Afar
Though miles apart, Brandon Cryer didn’t miss his chance to offer some seasoned advice—texting his cousin a focused, distraction-free message on game day.
“Play defense. That’s what’s going to win the championship,” he recalled. “Steals, deflections—the little things that take you to the next level.”
He even wore a T-shirt signed by L.J. around the building—a subtle but heartfelt show of family pride.
Bittersweet Ending to a Historic Run
Despite a stellar performance and all-out effort, Houston fell just short in a 65–63 loss to Florida. The Cougars relinquished a double-digit lead, with Florida staging a dramatic comeback to clinch their third NCAA men’s basketball championship in program history.
Even in defeat, the Cryer family couldn’t be more proud.
“Few will have the story, no matter the outcome,” said Brandon. “He can tell it.”
And tell it, he will—from his early days in Grand Prairie to the bright lights of college basketball’s biggest stage.
