Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston forward Ja’Vier Francis (5) leaps to block BYU center Keba Keita (13) during the first half of the Big 12 Semifinals, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

When people think of UH basketball and its fierce defensive identity, they picture relentless shot-blockers, rising at the perfect moment, palms meeting the ball before it has a chance to crash into the hoop.

The Cougars have three contributing bigs on the team, establishing their standout frontcourt that leads the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding defense; 6’8 graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, 6’8 senior forward Ja’Vier Francis with a 7’5 wingspan, and 6’8 sophomore forward Joseph Tugler with a 7’6 wingspan.

Being able to rotate three big men during the game is something not many other teams can do, but it is a great option that the Cougars utilize during every game. Having athletes like Tugler and Francis, who have great timing at shot-blocking, is a strength of the team. 

“Seems like we’re always top five in the nation with our block percentage, but that’s also a big part of our evaluation when we recruit,” Sampson said. “All three of those guys are extremely athletic, very long. They’re really good second jump guys and really tough kids.”

UH ranks second in the Big 12 with 4.64 blocks per game. The Cougars also had 11 blocked shots vs. Utah, which was the second most in Big 12 conference games this season. 

“We know what kind of defensive player JoJo is and J’Wan is right there with him, so we have a great front line,” Francis said.

J’Wan Roberts

The winningest player in Houston basketball history, Roberts has established himself as a leader in his sixth season with the program. Standing tall in the frontcourt, Roberts sets the tone for what Cougar basketball is all about. Ranking both in the top 10 for offensive and defensive rebounding last season, Roberts is currently 14th in the Big 12 on the boards overall, averaging just over six per game, and 11th in the conference in offensive rebounding. 

The Virgin Islands native previously recorded a career high five blocked shots vs. Auburn in the second round of the 2023 NCAA tournament. 

“They need the presence of us to come over and not even block the shot, but alter it and make the shot more difficult,” Roberts said. “Having shot blockers around the rim gives us the opportunity to get rebounds and runouts.”

Joseph Tugler

Tugler, the 2025 Big 12 defensive player of the year, is extremely disruptive for opponents. 

“Jojo is our most versatile big when it comes to rebounding and blocking shots,” Sampson said.

A 2023-24 All-Big-12 Freshman team member, the former four-star prospect out of Cypress Falls High School played 28 games for the Cougars last season before going down with a foot injury for the rest of the year. 

“I don’t think everyone got to see what he was fully capable of,” graduate guard L.J. Cryer said. “He gives extra effort all the time, he always tries to make up for any little mistake we make.”

Tugler has come back strong in his sophomore year, currently third in the Big 12 in blocked shots with two per game, and is currently a finalist for the Naismith defensive player of the year. The Monroe, La. native had eight blocks vs Alabama earlier this season. He became the first Cougar to block eight shots since 2005 in what he calls his favorite game of the year.

“I don’t care who you’re with, I’m battling, that’s how I am and how I play,” Tugler said.

Tugler also ranks sixth in offensive rebounding in the Big 12. Sampson calls his first, second and third jumps unique when it comes to rebounding. 

“He has impeccable timing around the rim, sometimes he surprises the referees with how quickly he can recover and block a shot, he plays so much bigger than he is,” Sampson said. “They assume because he gets there so fast.”

Tugler feels proud about people noticing him and what he’s doing as defensive player of the year, as teams clearly recognize him while preparing to face Houston.

“It wasn’t really a shocker to know that he was defensive player of the year,” junior point guard Milos Uzan said. “With his length, he causes so much trouble with the ball screen, he has great instincts.”

With his massive 7’6 wingspan, Tugler currently has 22 games with multiple blocks so far, something he calls his strength as well. 

“I love it, I just love going after it, I know I can go get it,” Tugler said. 

Shot-blocking isn’t even something that the team works on. 

“We don’t need to practice that, it’s just something we do. It’s our culture,” Tugler said. 

The powerful shot swatter mentioned how much he loves playing with J’Wan and Ja’Vier and how he’s taking in every moment with them. Roberts believes that Tugler is the one who gives them an edge defensively. 

“Jojo impacts things on defense in multiple ways; deflections, blocked shots, pick and roll coverage, he is an elite, elite defensive player,” Sampson said. “I would not trade him for another player in the country for our defense.”

Ja’Vier Francis

Francis was the starting big last year on a Big 12 championship and Sweet 16 team. While he lost his starting spot in his senior year after a groin injury kept him from his early-season work, Francis has the right attitude to be successful.

“Ja’Vier is a luxury, he’s the best rebounder on this team. A lot of nights he is our best five,” Sampson said. 

He stays true to his identity and his work ethic never waivers.

“Ja’Vier is a gentle giant and warrior, I can’t imagine where we’d be without him,” Sampson said.

In a tough road environment vs. UCF, where Houston was struggling in the first half, Francis was the one who stepped up and came through for the Cougars. The New Orleans native had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. In the most important defensive sequence of the season vs. Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Francis had the game-winning block.

With his 7’5 wingspan, three inches longer than NBA Hall of Famer and former Cougar legend Hakeem Olajuwon, Francis rightly believes shot-blocking is his strength.  

“It’s something I’ve been good at, it’s a natural instinct,” Francis said. 

A 2023-24 All-Big 12 honorable mention, he led the Cougars and was third in the Big 12 last season with 1.6 blocks per game. Francis has also taken a step up defensively this season to guard better around the perimeter vs elite forwards with a strong offensive game. 

Francis mentions how fun it is to play with Roberts and Tugler. 

“You got guys who can defend like they can, rebound, score, it makes it so much easier,” Francis said.

Roberts, Francis and Tugler have to go against a lot of talented big men during the Big 12 season, but what makes them excel, according to Sampson, is their clear understanding of their roles 

“A big part of our success is those three guys, I love them to death, they’re great kids, easy to coach and fun to be around,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“J’Wan, Jojo, Ja’Vier: Houston’s three J’s lead Cougars’ block party” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell poses for a photo with a fan after an NCAA men’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Former University of Houston star wide receiver Tank Dell’s story is the definition of resilience. From being overlooked early on in his football career, coming out of Mainland High School didn’t stop Dell from building his path to the highest level in the sport.

The 5’10 receiver first went to Alabama A&M and Kansas Junior College, where he made an early mark before transferring to Houston as a mid-year junior in 2020.

Dell became a star with the Cougars, with two 1000-yard receiving seasons. 

The Third Ward standout led the nation in receiving with 1398 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. Ultimately, the NFL became a reality for Dell as the Houston Texans drafted the UH product with the 69th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

This ended up becoming one of the best stories of the draft, as Dell was the first Houston player to get drafted by the Texans. The former UH Cougar famously sent a DM to the Texan’s Instagram page saying, “Don’t let me leave this city”, which is exactly what transpired as the former Houston football team captain continued his career in H-Town. 

Throughout the 2023 Houston Texans training camp and pre-season, Dell performed well and quickly formed a strong bond with fellow rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. This included a remarkable tip-drill touchdown in his first preseason game vs the Patriots. Dell then broke out onto the NFL scene and became one of the best rookie wide receivers in the league.

The Daytona Beach native exploded for 145 yards on seven receptions, including a 68-yard touchdown to put the game away at Jacksonville. Dell built strong chemistry with Stroud as he lit up the NFL with his incredible plays, including setting the Texans rookie record for most receiving touchdowns in just 11 games. 

However, Dell’s season was cut short with an unfortunate fractured left fibula at the goal line where he was blocking in the team’s week 12 win over the Denver Broncos. His left leg was caught in a pile of Denver defenders and his own teammates.

The star rookie ended up with 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. In January 2024, head coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell was on track with his rehab.

Toward the end of April, there was shocking news of Dell getting shot in Sanford, Fla., near his hometown, as a bystander in a private event. Dell was hospitalized with a minor injury but was discharged and returned to Houston. A traumatic event that Dell described as being in the wrong place at the wrong time changed his perspective. 

Dell overcame all that and returned, ready to improve from his rookie year. However, it was a slow start for the 2nd year wideout, receiving his first touchdown in week five. The targets, receptions and touchdowns were down but remained a reliable target for Stroud. The former Cougar then broke out in week 16 versus the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs for 98 yards on seven receptions. 

On his 30-yard touchdown, Dell collided with teammate Jared Wayne, where he suffered a severe dislocated knee injury that also tore his ACL, MCL and LCL, including meniscus damage. Dell was taken to the hospital in an ambulance as the entire Texans team surrounded him in prayer.

Stroud was visibly shaken up and crying after seeing his brother down. “It’s not easy seeing your brother go down like that,” Stroud said. “I’m just torn up. That’s my best friend.” 

Dell shared an Instagram post saying “Long Journey” and received a lot of support as he had the first of several surgeries on January 15th. A full recovery and return to playing is expected for Dell, most likely during the 2026 season. The 25-year-old made an appearance at the Texans home playoff game, where his teammates wore his shirt to support him as they wanted to win for Tank. Houston eventually won 32-12 over the LA Chargers. 

Dell posted on X, “Idk why I keep going through sh!t but my faith still strong.”

For a player who has shown so much determination and work ethic to succeed, this isn’t the end of the road for Nathaniel Dell. It’s just another bump in the road.

“He’s built for it,” Stroud said. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“Houston’s Tank Dell: Long road to recovery after a breakout start to NFL career” was originally posted on The Cougar