The national runner-up Houston Cougars enter the 2025-26 college basketball season with high expectations, boasting a blend of experienced veterans and fired-up newcomers.<\/p>\n
Head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has turned Houston into a perennial contender in the Big 12 and beyond, is carefully monitoring the development of two key frontcourt players: sophomore Joseph \u201cJojo\u201d Tugler and five-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr.<\/p>\n
Kelvin Sampson Anxious to See More From Joseph Tugler<\/p>\n
Tugler<\/a>, a sophomore forward\/center, made a significant impact as a freshman, appearing in all 34 games and starting the last 33. His defensive presence was elite, finishing 11th nationally in total blocks (77) and second in the Big 12 with 1.9 blocks per game. He also contributed 5.9 rebounds per contest, showcasing his ability to anchor the paint.<\/p>\n Houston Cougars big man Joseph Tugler shared a health update after undergoing offseason surgery on his right foot.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not sure when he\u2019ll be 100%, but in the mean time he has been working on free throw shooting. He\u2019s been walking without any assistance. pic.twitter.com\/qEuG9wcHQ6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pawd Slama Jama (@PawdSlamaJama) August 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Despite the production, Sampson admitted he is \u201canxious\u201d to see more growth from Tugler, particularly on the offensive end. The Houston coach highlighted how the Cougars\u2019 offensive rhythm often relied on running actions through Tugler, especially in games like the matchup against Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the Florida game, Jojo played just over 15 minutes, and I thought that affected us offensively as much as it did defensively,\u201d Sampson explained on the \u201cInside College Basketball Now\u201d podcast with CBS analyst Jon Rothstein<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cLJ [Cryer] got a lot of his shots off playing through Jojo in our boom and zoom actions. I\u2019m anxious to see us play through him a little more this season.\u201d<\/p>\n By utilizing Tugler\u2019s passing and decision-making from the five spot, Sampson believes Houston can diversify its half-court sets and maximize offensive flow.<\/p>\n Freshman Star Chris Cenac Jr. Still a Work in Progress<\/p>\n While Tugler is expected to take the next step in his sophomore campaign, much of the offseason buzz has surrounded Chris Cenac Jr., one of the highest-rated recruits in Houston basketball history.<\/a><\/p>\n Multiple outlets ranked the 6\u201910\u201d forward\/center as high as No. 6 overall nationally, choosing Houston over a who\u2019s who of powerhouse programs, including Kentucky, Texas, Baylor, and Arkansas.<\/p>\n Physically, Cenac brings elite tools: a 7\u20193\u2033 wingspan, 230-pound\u00a0frame, and rare mobility for his size. He has the versatility to defend multiple positions and the athleticism to finish plays above the rim. However, Sampson emphasized that the freshman still has plenty of areas to refine.<\/p>\n