2025 Draft Preview: HoopsHD interviews Houston G LJ Cryer

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Finals have not even begun but it is already time for most of the league to start preparing for next season. The lottery will be held on May 12th, the final deadline for early entry withdrawal is June 15th, and the draft will begin on June 25th. We will spend the months ahead interviewing as many members of this year’s draft class as possible. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with Houston G LJ Cryer about his great postseason run with the Cougars and what it would mean to him to get drafted.

You were born in New Orleans and went to high school in Texas, where your 3488 career PTS was #5 in state public high school history: what is the secret to being a great scorer? It is not really a secret. Growing up I always had a knack for scoring, ever since the ball was put in my hands. I went to the gym a lot of days and put up a lot of shots. From my junior year on I never went to lunch because I shot every single day. Hard work is never a secret: it is just what you need to do to achieve great things.

As a freshman at Baylor you beat Gonzaga in the 2021 NCAA title game: what did it mean to you to win a title? It meant a lot. That year I had to sit behind a lot of good players who ended up in the NBA (including Jared Butler/Davion Mitchell). I could have transferred but decided to stick it out and learned a lot. Winning makes everything better so that year was a success.

Why did you decide to transfer in 2023, and what made you choose Houston? I felt that I could not showcase everything I wanted to at Baylor. I talked to Coach Kelvin Sampson, and he said that I could show more of my game in Houston. I also wanted to be held accountable on the defensive end, and he is 1 of the best defensive coaches in the country, so I felt that I made the right move.

As a junior you set a school record with 89.4 FT% and you led the conference in 3P% during each of the past 3 years: what is the key to being a great shooter? Hard work. I put up reps on reps on reps, and had a coach who gave me the ultimate confidence to go out there and shoot the rock.

You are the only player in college basketball history to win multiple regular season titles at multiple schools: what makes you a winner? Just being able to adjust to any role I am in: from not playing much during my 1st year to becoming a 6th Man to being the Robin to Jamal Shead’s Batman to becoming the leader of the team. I pride myself on being the best at whatever role I am placed in.

Last month you were named conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year/3rd-team All-American: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? I try to get my schoolwork done on time and not procrastinate. I do not use either 1 as an excuse to not do the other.

Take me through your magical 2025 NCAA tourney run:
In the Final 4 you scored 26 PTS/6-9 3PM in a 3-PT win over Duke: was it extra-special after losing to the Blue Devils by 3 PTS in the 2024 Sweet 16? We tried to not bring up last year’s game too much or let it affect our game this year. It is human nature to look back and want to get revenge, but we both had new teams this year. It was a special moment: I had a good game but we had a lot of other guys step up for us as well.

In the title game you scored a game-high 19 PTS/4-11 3PM in a 2-PT loss to Florida: how close did you come to becoming the 1st player to ever win titles for different schools? It was very close: just a couple of points away! We were 1 shot away from making history…but it did not go our way. That is all you can ask for, but there was a lot of good that came from that game, and it was a successful season.

Your father Lionel Sr. played football at Grambling, your mother Tamica played volleyball at Grambling, and your brother Justin plays football at Florida State: who is the best athlete in the family? Myself! I do not know what you are basing it on but growing up I have won my whole life in every sport I played and am continuing to do so.

What would it mean to you to get drafted, and what is the plan if you do not get drafted? It would mean a lot to hear my name called, as it is something you dream about as a kid, but it is not the end-all/be-all. I have seen guys who did not get drafted but ended up doing very well in the league (Fred VanVleet/Austin Reaves/etc.), so I am willing to do whatever it takes to break the door down.

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2025 Draft Preview: HoopsHD interviews American F Matt Rogers

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Finals have not even begun but it is already time for most of the league to start preparing for next season. The lottery will be held on May 12th, the final deadline for early entry withdrawal is June 15th, and the draft will begin on June 25th. We will spend the months ahead interviewing as many members of this year’s draft class as possible. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with American F Matt Rogers about winning his conference tourney and what it would mean to him to get drafted.

You were born/raised in Maryland: what made you choose American for college? The fact that it was close to my parents/grandparents (which meant they could attend my homes games) was the biggest thing. I also wanted to be in a big city rather than in a rural town up north so the location helped.

Your team only played 10 games during your freshman year due to COVID: was that season as weird as it sounds? Yes: it was a weird time. We played Loyola MD 3 times and Navy 4 times in a span of about 5 weeks: everybody knew each other pretty well by the end of that stretch! The hardest part was the uncertainty: we had 3-4 COVID outbreaks during that year and ended up playing the fewest games of anyone in D-1.

Last December you scored a career-high 33 PTS/15-20 FG/10 REB in a 3-PT 2-OT loss to UMBC: where does that rank among the best all-around games of your career? It is probably in the top-5: I do not rank it as high since it was not a conference game. However, I did not have a lot of double-doubles during my career so that part made it a cool game.

You only made 2-24 3PM during your 1st 2 years but during the past 3 years you have made a combined 39 3P%: how were you able to make such a huge improvement since your junior year? Just getting into the gym throughout the year and sticking with my routine. I had to build my confidence back up and my coaches helped me out a lot with my consistent work.

You were also named to the all-conference team each of the past 3 years: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It was a great recognition for all the hard work I have put in throughout the years. I also give the recognition to my family/girlfriend/coaches because all of them put their love into me.

Take me through the 2025 postseason:
In the conference tourney title game you scored 25 PTS/10-17 FG in a win over Navy en route to being named conference tourney MVP: what did it mean to you to win a title? It meant everything to me. The community deserved it because they have poured a lot of energy into our team during the past 5 years, so it was also great to win it for them.

In the 1st 4 you scored 7 PTS in 8 minutes but missed the rest of the game with a right knee injury in a loss to Mt. St. Mary’s: how bad was the injury, and how is your rehab going? It was an ACL tear, but thankfully there was no damage to any other part of my knee. I had surgery last month and rehab is going great. I am fully walking and will finally get some cardio in by getting into the pool.

Your mother Kristi played volleyball at Illinois State and your father David played college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? It is definitely me! Mom is #2 and dad is #3…although he would kill me for saying that. When I was growing up we definitely got some good runs in.

Speaking of your father, I read a rumor that he said you turned down “life-changing money” to stay at American last season: is that true, and do you have any regrets? There are always rumors going around, but I do not have any regrets about staying at AU. I am big on school and was able to get my master’s degree last year, which was great. I understood that our goal was to win a Patriot League title, and I got to live out my dream by going to March Madness.

What would it mean to you to get drafted, and what is the plan if you do not get drafted? It has always been a dream of mine to play pro basketball since I was a kid. If I do not get drafted, I know there are other options and I can work my way up from there.

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2025 Draft Preview: HoopsHD interviews LSU G Jordan Sears

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Jon Teitel

The NBA Finals have not even begun but it is already time for most of the league to start preparing for next season. The lottery will be held on May 12th, the final deadline for early entry withdrawal is June 15th, and the draft will begin on June 25th. We will spend the months ahead interviewing as many members of this year’s draft class as possible. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel commences our coverage by chatting with LSU G Jordan Sears about being a great scorer and what it would mean to him to get drafted.

You were born 6 days before 9/11: has your mom told you any stories about what I assume was 1 of the wildest weeks of her life? She told me about how people were affected and how the world was in shambles. She said that she was heartbroken about everything and could not imagine what she would have done if she was in that setting.

You began your college career at Gardner-Webb: why did you decide to transfer in 2022, and what made you choose UT-Martin? I had a great freshman year at Gardner-Webb and was shooting the ball very well, but I fell into a bad slump during my sophomore year and felt I needed a change of scenery to get myself going again. I entered the portal and had known Coach Ryan Ridder and he family since I was 9 years old, so I had that connection already. It was a no-brainer for me and felt that was where I needed to be at the time.

In your 2 years with the Skyhawks you were a 2-time all-conference player and a 2-time member of the all-tourney team: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It meant a lot and showed that my hard work paid off. I did not know what to expect when I arrived as a new PG/leader during my 1st year, but it was great to get those accolades. To help build the program and see how it turned out was beautiful.

In February 2024 you had 37 PTS/9 REB/9 AST in a win at Lindenwood: where does that rank among the greatest all-around games of your career? I was just in the flow state of playing basketball, having fun, and enjoying myself. It was 1 of my best games from a statistical standpoint, and the stats were cool, but it was just so fun to celebrate with my teammates due to the bond that we had.

Your 21.6 PPG that year was #9 in the nation: what is the secret to being a great scorer? There is a lot that goes into it: finding angles, creating space, knowing your spots, etc. If you are instinctive then you do not have to pre-determine everything you do, but some people just have a knack for putting the ball in the basket. I also have a lot of confidence because I put the work in day in and day out so I know what I can do.

You committed 3.2 TO/game that year but after transferring to LSU you only committed 2.2 TO/game last year: how were you able to improve your ball-handling so much during the past year? Just watching film and seeing what my mistakes were. I have a high usage rate, which means the ball is in my hands most of the time, but when I saw that my mistakes could be fixed it helped me become a better playmaker and give us more possessions.

Last year the SEC sent a record 14 teams to the NCAA tourney: what was it like to be a part of the greatest conference in the history of the sport? I agree that it is the greatest conference, so it is a blessing. Being able to play against the best teams in the nation and compare myself to the best players in the country made me feel so thankful.

You played in 153 games during your college career: how much of an advantage does all that experience give you on the court? You know what to expect out on the floor because you have been in those situations before. When you are a freshman you might not know what is going on or how to act, but as a veteran player I can help those guys by letting them lean on me. I know what college basketball is about so I just try to control what I can control. As you see every spring, most of the teams that make it very far in the postseason are the ones who have the most experience.

Coach Matt McMahon has already signed several transfer players this offseason including Marquel Sutton/Rashad King/Max Mackinnon/Dedan Thomas Jr.: how do you think the Tigers will do next season? I think they will be pretty good. Those are all big transfer portal additions and we also have some good guys coming back who have a lot of upside. Rob Miller III had a lot of impact toward the end of the season, and Jalen Reed had a big impact until he got hurt last December. I am excited to come back and watch them whenever I can because I am fired up for them!

What would it mean to you to get drafted, and what is the plan if you do not get drafted? It would mean EVERYTHING to me to get drafted: it is every kid’s dream to make the NBA. Hearing your name called to play at the highest level of basketball is great…but it is just the 1st step. If I do not get drafted then I will not get discouraged because there are plenty of options for me. I will continue to grind/work so that I can get to where I want to be and will make it happen by any means necessary.

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The Hoops HD Report – Season Finale

Posted on April 8, 2025 by David Griggs

The panel recaps the Final Four, which gave us three really thrilling games and served as a great end for a tournament that had been lacking in excitement prior to this weekend. Auburn had a historically great regular season, but it wasn’t enough. Houston was tough all year, but the Gators are who cut down the nets! We discuss all that, briefly cover the other postseason tournaments, and share our final thoughts over the whole season.

And, for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…

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Final Four Father: HoopsHD interviews Mike Uzan​ about his son Milos

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Jon Teitel

The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Final 4 is taking place this weekend in San Antonio and we could not be more excited to see all those #1 seeds trying to win a title! HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with Mike Uzan​​​​ about his son Milos making a game-winner in the Sweet 16 and his predictions for this weekend.

You are a Physical Education Teacher/coach at Desert Pines High School: how did you like coaching your son Milos, and when you could you 1st tell that he was good enough to play in D-1? I loved coaching all my kids. I guess we knew early on: he was a very small kid so we were just hoping that the size part would catch up because he always had the skill part. He was always around my practices and is a gym rat.

He started his college career at Oklahoma, where he was named to the 2023 Big 12 All-Freshman team: how was he able to come in and contribute right from the start? The kid has a high basketball IQ, was a winner everywhere he has been, and knows how to play. He played for a high school state title as a freshman/sophomore and has been in those positions for a long time: he knows how to compete.

He was named captain as a sophomore: what makes him such a good leader? He is a high-character kid who does all the right things, and a good person who always treats his teammates well.

Why did he decide to transfer last year, and what made him choose Houston? The opportunity to play for a championship was important to him. It is something that you always dream about doing and that was the best fit for him.

Last month in the 2025 Big 12 tourney title game he scored a career-high 25 PTS in an 8-PT win over Arizona: how was he able to play his best when it mattered the most, and what did it mean to him to win a title? He was very happy about it…but it was not the end-all goal. It was a heck of an accomplishment, but he has stepped up all year for these guys: he just lives for the moment.

In the Sweet 16 last week he scored 22 PTS including the game-winning layup with 0.8 seconds left in a 2-PT win over Purdue: where does that rank among the Uzan family career highlights? He is still the runt in the family: nothing changes! We have had a lot of basketball success, so it is just another great accomplishment for our family.

He only shot 29.6 3P% last season but is shooting 44.5 3P% this season: what is his secret to making shots from behind the arc? Consistency. He puts the time in and always has. He has always been able to shoot and the shots that he does take are efficient. He is having a lot more fun and if the situation is fun then fun things will happen. He is in a very positive space.

In the past 4 months the Cougars have lost exactly 1 game by 1 PT in OT: has it reached a point where you just expect them to win every time that they step onto the court? I do not expect anything because each game is a battle. I want him to win but I know how hard it is to win. I always expect him to do his best…but you cannot take wins for granted because they are hard to come by.

His brother Julian played basketball at USC and his brother Capri played basketball at Providence: who is the best athlete in the family? That is still up for debate: we always argue about it at the kitchen table! Milos is very athletic and can do all the fancy dunks. Julian was more of a 1-foot jumper due to his explosiveness, and while Capri was shorter in size he could still get up there.

Any predictions for this weekend? My only prediction is that we win it all!

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Final Four Florida Father: HoopsHD interviews Carter Andersen​​​​ about his son Bennett

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Jon Teitel

The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Final 4 is taking place this weekend in San Antonio and we could not be more excited to see all those #1 seeds trying to win a title! HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage by chatting with Carter Andersen​​​​ about his son Bennett playing for Coach Todd Golden and making the Final 4.

You are an attorney in Tampa, FL: how do you balance paying the bills with getting to watch your son Bennett play basketball? We drive to Gainesville and back several times/year and will often arrive home after midnight. It is exhausting…but so much fun: we love this team, so we bite the bullet.

At Jesuit High School he did basketball/track and field: which sport was he best at, and which sport did he enjoy the most? He was best at basketball and enjoyed it the most. He was co-captain of the basketball team as a senior along with his best friend, and they were later co-valedictorians. He was not a superstar but did lead his team in PPG/RPG/APG as a senior. In track, he made it to the regionals in the high jump and the 300-meter hurdles, and also did the long jump/triple jump.

You and your wife Dana both went to Florida for college: how easy a decision was it for Bennett to follow in your footsteps? He was an industrial engineering major and went to UF for academic reasons. He is a lifelong Gators fan but is wise beyond his years. He had some opportunities to go to other big-time schools, but received a large academic scholarship from the state to go to Florida. This was the 1st year that he was paying his own tuition…but at practice yesterday he was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship from Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (https://x.com/GatorsMBK/status/1907187578773643323). That will cover most of his grad school tuition, and I am so happy for him!

He spent 3 years as a manager for the Gators basketball team before becoming a walk-on in 2023: how was he able to finally make the leap? Coach Todd Golden finished his 1st year and was doing some recruiting out of the portal. As a manger Bennett would help pick up recruits at the airport/drive them around campus in a golf cart/get them a meal/etc. Golden was talking to 1 recruit and mentioned that he might make Bennett a walk-on…and about a month later he did!

What makes Golden such a great coach? He is the most positive leader you can imagine. I have heard stories about the concept of “gratefulness” and how infectious it is with him and his staff/managers/players. You kind of saw it during the postgame interview after beating Texas Tech: Walter Clayton Jr. said that in times of adversity they stick together, and Thomas Haugh said he was honored to be on the team. That is how Bennett feels: grateful and honored.

Last season he scored the 1st 2 PTS of his career on a layup vs. Grambling, then he made a couple more baskets this month vs. Alabama in the SEC tourney and vs. Maryland in the NCAA tourney: how exciting has it been to see him succeed in real games? It has been awesome. My wife and I were at the Grambling game in December of 2023. He got into the game in the final minute, cut to the basket, and made a reverse layup. We were so happy to be there to see it. I realized that he has played and practiced so much in his life that he knew exactly what to do with the ball when he caught the pass.

He wears #22 because your favorite former Gator wore the same #: what is your favorite memory of Emmitt Smith? Dana and I were freshmen in 1987 when Emmitt was also a freshman. He did not start the 1st game at Miami but still gained close to 100 yards in the 2nd half. Emmitt has been such a great ambassador for the school, and he is my favorite Gator ever.

He went viral last weekend after a wide-eyed locker room interview with a female student reporter for ESPN Gainesville (https://x.com/talia_baia/status/1905465594608320870): have you seen the clip, and what was your reaction? I saw the clip before it went viral and thought, “What a nice interview!”. Talia Baia asked him 3 questions and he gave 3 thoughtful answers: he is a nice kid and there was nothing going on. She has been the student reporter this season and we have seen her do great work all year. It was 2 innocent kids doing their jobs, so we thought the fact that it went viral was funny! Bennett later said that if you told him that he would make a basket in the Sweet 16 and reach the Final 4, then he would be happy to endure a little embarrassment along the way.

Your son Wilson played on USA Baseball’s 15-U team: who is the best athlete in the family? Can I plead the 5th?! My other sons Bennett/Carter would probably say that Wilson is the best, but I am a fan of all 3.

He won 3 school intramural titles: any predictions for the Final 4, and if he wins an NCAA title then will he retire as a 4-time undefeated champ?! I believe in the Gators. They have the right/people approach to get it done. It will be a dogfight against Auburn and against whoever is in the title game, but I like that we have Walter Clayton Jr. on our team.

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