10/28/2026 6:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Houston senior forward is one of 20 student-athletes to be selected nationally
HOUSTON – University of Houston Men's Basketball senior Joseph Tugler was named to the Naismith Starting 5 – Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List on Thursday afternoon.The award honors the nation's best collegiate power forward and is presented by the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Watch List will narrow down to 10 student-athletes in late February with the Final 5 being announced in March The award winner and presentation details will be revealed at the Final Four in Detroit.
Houston fans will be able vote for Tugler by visiting hoophallawards.com and following the appropriate links. The student-athlete who receives the most fan votes will earn an additional vote from the award's selection committee.
Tugler is the latest Cougar this week to receive preseason recognition from the Basketball Hall of Fame. Senior Dedan Thomas Jr. was named to the Bob Cousy Power Forward of the Year Preseason Watch List on Monday.
ABOUT JOSEPH TUGLER
Tugler has established himself as one of the nation's premier defensive players and twice been recognized as a finalist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE.
In 2025-26, Tugler averaged 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, leading the Cougars with his blocks average and ranking second on the team in boards.
The Monroe, La., native led or tied for the team lead in blocks in 27 games and finished eighth in the Big 12 with his average.
For his impressive efforts, Tugler was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and earned a place on the Big 12 All-Tournament Team after scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds and three assists against #2/2 (1) Arizona during the Title Game.
He ranks among the Cougars' Top-10 career leaders in wins and needs to compete in only 10 more wins this season to become the eighth student-athlete to record triple-digit victories during his career.
NAISMITH STARTING 5 – KARL MALONE POWER FORWARD of the YEAR TOP 20 PRESEASON WATCH LIST
| Student-Athlete | School |
| Joseph Tugler | Houston |
| Paulius Murauskas | Arizona State |
| Miikka Muurinen | Arkansas |
| Jaxon Kohler | BYU |
| Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje | Duke |
| Alex Condon | Florida |
| Braden Huff | Gonzaga |
| David Mirkovic | Illinois |
| Aiden Sherrell | Indiana |
| Keanu Dawes | Kansas |
| Malik Reneau | Miami (Fla.) |
| J.P. Estrella | Michigan |
| Jaylen Crocker-Johnson | Minnesota |
| Caden Pierce | Purdue |
| Keyshawn Hall | St. John's |
| Xavier Edmonds | TCU |
| David Punch | Texas |
| JT Toppin | Texas Tech |
| Na'jai Hines | UConn |
| Thijs De Ridder | Virginia |
UP NEXT
Tugler and the Cougars open their 2026-27 regular season when they play host to La Salle at 8 p.m., Monday, inside Fertitta Center.
It will be the first meeting against the Explorers since the 1975-76 season.
BUY REGULAR-SEASON TICKETS
Regular-season single-game home tickets for all games inside Fertitta Center are on sale now, and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly while supplies last. Houston will play host to 17 home games inside Fertitta Center with eight in non-conference play and nine in Big 12 action in 2026-27.
Fans interested in purchasing group tickets may complete this form to be contacted by a member of the Houston Athletics Tickets Sales staff.
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
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