Tugler's Defensive Prowess Earns Naismith Nod

0:00On March 27th, University of Houston, Jr. Ford, Joseph Tuggler is a finalist for the NACE Myth National Defensive Player of the Year award for the second year in a row. He leaves the Cougars with 1.5 blocks per game, ranks second on the team with 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, and sits, 8th, in the Big 12 conference for blocks. Tuggler also moved into 6th place in Houston Career Blocks with 162. This season, he nashed a career high 20 points and 10 rebounds and a win over number 2 Arizona during the Big 12 Tournament Championship, earning all tournament team honors. Tuggler has 7 gains with at least 3 blocks, including a high of 5 against Syracuse in late November, and 11 outings with 7 or more. Rebounds, like Back to Back Double Digit efforts versus Texas Tech and Baylor. Fans and coaches have praised his defensive impact, especially as the first Cougar ever named to multiple Big 12 all defensive teams.

1:00Earlier this year, he picked up all Big 12 honorable mention and NABC, all Gulf District 2nd team nods. Last season, Tuggler took home Big 12 defensive player of the year and the lefty dry sell award as the nation's top defender. He's up against tough competition from Kansas sophomore, Florian Badunga, Florida Junior, Ruben Chenyelu, and St. John Sr. Zuby Egeofor. Those highlight Tuggler's consistency, anchoring Houston's front court. With his stats climbing and accolades stacking up, Tuggler keeps proving why he's among the best shop lockers in college hoops as the Cougars push forward.