University of Houston Athletics
Joseph Tugler Named Finalist for Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year
3/27/2026 11:41:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Houston junior forward receives recognition for second straight season
HOUSTON – For the second straight season, University of Houston Men's Basketball junior forward Joseph Tugler was named a finalist for the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE Award.
In 2025-26, Tugler leads the Cougars with 1.5 blocks per game and is second on the squad with 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per contest.
He stands eighth in the Big 12 with his block average this season and moved into sixth in Houston career history with 162 blocks.
Tugler posted a career-high 20 points with 10 rebounds against #2/2 (1) Arizona for his third double-double of the season in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament Championship. He was named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team.
The Monroe, La., native has recorded seven games with 3+ blocks, including a season-high five blocked shots against Syracuse during the first day of the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas, on November 24, 2025.
Tugler has posted 11 games with 7+ rebounds, including back-to-back double-digit performances in win over Big 12-rivals Texas Tech and Baylor in early January.
Earlier this season, Tugler was named All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention and earned a place on the NABC All-Gulf District Second Team.
He also was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team for the second straight season, establishing him as the first Cougar to be named to multiple conference All-Defensive Teams in program history.
A year ago, Tugler was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and received the Lefty Driesell Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player.
NAISMITH DEFENSIVE PLAYER of the YEAR presented by MOLECULE FINALISTS
BUY TICKETS
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.
In 2025-26, Tugler leads the Cougars with 1.5 blocks per game and is second on the squad with 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per contest.
He stands eighth in the Big 12 with his block average this season and moved into sixth in Houston career history with 162 blocks.
Tugler posted a career-high 20 points with 10 rebounds against #2/2 (1) Arizona for his third double-double of the season in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament Championship. He was named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team.
The Monroe, La., native has recorded seven games with 3+ blocks, including a season-high five blocked shots against Syracuse during the first day of the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas, on November 24, 2025.
Tugler has posted 11 games with 7+ rebounds, including back-to-back double-digit performances in win over Big 12-rivals Texas Tech and Baylor in early January.
Earlier this season, Tugler was named All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention and earned a place on the NABC All-Gulf District Second Team.
He also was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team for the second straight season, establishing him as the first Cougar to be named to multiple conference All-Defensive Teams in program history.
A year ago, Tugler was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and received the Lefty Driesell Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player.
NAISMITH DEFENSIVE PLAYER of the YEAR presented by MOLECULE FINALISTS
| Player | Class | Position | School | Conference |
| Joseph Tugler | Junior | Forward | Houston | Big 12 |
| Flory Bidunga | Sophomore | Forward | Kansas | Big 12 |
| Rueben Chinyelu | Junior | Center | Florida | SEC |
| Zuby Ejiofor | Senior | Forward | St. John's | Big East |
BUY TICKETS
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 –
Players Mentioned
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