JA'VIER FRANCIS NEWS

Hyper-efficient off bench Francis finished with 13 points (4-4 FG, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds and one steal in 15 minutes during Thursday's 78-40 win over SIUE.

Impact Francis was perfect from the floor and needed only 15 minutes to finish just two rebounds shy of a double-double during Thursday's romp. The Cougars are back to full strength thanks to the return of J'Wan Roberts but Francis came up big by providing only his third double-digit scoring output of the season. The senior forward saw a dip in production after being relegated to the bench for all but seven games this season following starting all 37 games last season. Thursday's performance by Francis is a reminder of Houston's depth and why they're one of the favorites to cut down the nets.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Plays season-high 29 minutes Francis supplied eight points (3-4 FG, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds in 29 minutes during Saturday's 72-64 victory over Arizona.

Impact Francis played a productive 29 minutes off the bench for the Cougars, providing his typical physical presence while seeing his most floor time this season. The senior forward saw additional run due in part to the continued absence of J'Wan Roberts, who did not play in either of the final two games of the tournament after injuring an ankle Thursday. Roberts is expected to return for the NCAA tournament but Francis is an experienced thumper who has started 45 games during his four-year Cougar career and will be a capable replacement if his expanded role needs to continue.

MARCH 15 • ROTOWIRE

Moving back to bench Francis is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Baylor.

Impact Francis got the start against Kansas on Houston's senior night Monday, posting three rebounds, two blocks and a steal across 15 minutes, but he's back on the bench for this one. Don't expect him to play a meaningful role off the bench for the Cougars.

MARCH 8 • ROTOWIRE

Notches senior night start Francis will get the start for Houston's senior night on Monday against Kansas, Chris Baldwin of PaperCity Magazine reports.

Impact Francis hasn't started since Nov. 30 against San Diego State, but the senior will get the start in Houston's last home game of the season in place of Joseph Tugler. This will be a ceremonial start for the forward; expect him to still play the role of rotational front court contributor who averages about 15 minutes per-game.

MARCH 3 • ROTOWIRE

Available Saturday Head coach Kelvin Sampson revealed that Francis (concussion) has been cleared to play in Houston's game against Colorado on Saturday, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.

Impact Francis was previously listed as a game-time decision after missing the team's previous game against Oklahoma State with a concussion. The 6-foot-8 senior has averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Cougars in what has largely been a reserve role throughout the season.

FEBRUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Out Tuesday Francis (concussion) will be unavailable for Tuesday's game against Oklahoma State, Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Francis will sit out during Tuesday's showdown with the Cowboys as he recovers from a concussion. The 6-foot-8 senior, averaging 5.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and a block on 15.5 minutes per game this season, will have his next chance to suit up against Colorado on Saturday.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double off bench Francis supplied 16 points (5-6 FG, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds and one block over 25 minutes during Saturday's 69-68 victory over UCF.

Impact Francis came off the bench to contribute his initial double-double of the season, posting season-best marks in both scoring and rebounding. It was the first time the reserve forward has achieved the feat since December 2022. Francis also saw a season-high 25 minutes while starting forward Joseph Tugler got in early foul trouble and only played 12 minutes. After starting every game last season, Francis has seen a production dip this season and was moved to the bench after making six starts. However, over the last three games he's had his two most productive performances of the season and could continue to see his role increase as the season wears on.

JANUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Solid contribution off bench Francis totaled 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-3 FT), nine rebounds and one steal in 14 minutes during Saturday's 87-57 win over Kansas State.

Impact Francis collected season-high marks in points and rebounds, finishing one board shy of a double-double during Saturday's dominant win. The senior forward started every game last year for Houston and started during his first six appearances following missing the team's opening game, but has been relegated to the bench over the last eight after losing his starting role to Joseph Tugler. Francis will look to continue the momentum from this performance into his next game set for Wednesday at home against West Virginia.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Available Saturday Francis (groin) will make his return during Saturday's game against the Tigers, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports.

Impact Francis is active for Saturday's game against Auburn after sitting out against Jackson State in Houston's season opener. The 6-foot-8 senior averaged six points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks across 37 starts last season.

NOVEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Wednesday Head coach Kelvin Sampson revealed that Francis (groin) returned to practice Wednesday, per GoCoogs.com.

Impact Francis was previously held out of Houston's season opener against Jackson State with a groin injury, but the senior was apparently able to return to practice on Wednesday. Francis' return bodes well for the Cougars heading into a tough matchup against Auburn this coming Saturday, and though he is still listed as a game-time decision, The 6-foot-8 forward appears to be closing in on a return.

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Held out with groin injury Francis (groin) will not play in Monday's season opener against Jackson State, Chris Baldwin of Paper City Magazine reports.

Impact Francis was considered questionable for the contest, but with Houston entering as massive favorites, the team will take a conservative approach with his usage to begin the season.

NOVEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for season opener Francis (groin) remains questionable to suit up in Monday's season opener against Jackson State, Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Impact Head coach Kelvin Sampson is reportedly still not sure whether Francis will suit up against Robert Morris despite the fact that it was reported that he'd be available earlier this week. The 6-foot-8 senior is a big piece in the Cougars' frontcourt, averaging six points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks across 37 starts last season. If Francis is ultimately unable to suit up in Houston's opener, Cedric Lath and Joseph Tugler should see a larger role against a lower-tier opponent.

NOVEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available for first game of season Francis (groin) is available for the Cougars' game against Jackson State on Nov. 4, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Impact A groin injury prevented Francis from participating in the 2024-25 Cougars' preseason. However, he will be available when they begin their regular season on Nov. 4. Francis averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across his 37 games started for the 2023-24 Cougars.

OCTOBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Injury publicly revealed Francis is out for Houston's exhibition game Sunday against Texas A&M due to a groin injury, per Joseph Duarte of The Houston Chronicle.

Impact Previously undisclosed, Francis' injury is a groin problem that Duarte has publicly revealed a few hours before the exhibition game. However, Francis' absence is a precautionary measure, and all signs are that he will be available for Houston's 2024-25 season opener on Nov. 4.

OCTOBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out for exhibition game Francis (undisclosed) is out for Houston's exhibition game Sunday against Texas A&M, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Impact Sunday will include Houston's only exhibition before the team begins its 2024-25 regular season. It is scheduled to begin Nov. 4 w ith a home game against Jackson State.

OCTOBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

DNP for latest scrimmage Francis did not play during Houston's secret scrimmage last week, according to Joseph Duarte of The Houston Chronicle.

Impact Duarte's update on Francis suggests the senior is unavailable, unhealthy or both going into Houston's upcoming scrimmage Sunday against Texas A&M. A litany of injuries have plagued the Cougars this preseason, and their starting center being included is especially not something they want to deal with going into regular-season action in under two weeks.

OCTOBER 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to return Francis is considered questionable to return to the floor Saturday against Kansas due to a lower back injury.

Impact Francis compiled just two points on one shot attempt prior to his exit from Saturday's contest, and it appears he may not be able to rejoin the action. If not, he'll turn his sights toward Tuesday against Oklahoma State for his next chance to play.

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Contributes on both ends Francis had 10 points (4-4 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and three blocks over 23 minutes during Saturday's 57-42 win over UCF.

Impact Francis made all four of his field-goal attempts, including three dunks, to spark his sixth double-digit output of the season on the offensive end. While the offensive production is a bonus, his production on the glass and on the defensive end has been a consistent for the Cougars. Francis posted his ninth-consecutive game with at least five rebounds and he's posted multiple blocked shots in seven of his last eight. While Francis is way down the list in scoring, averaging 6.4 points, he ranks second on the team in rebounds with 5.4 and first in blocks with 1.7 per contest.

JANUARY 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Moves back to bench role Francis contributed four points (2-2 FG, 0-1 FT) and three rebounds over nine minutes during Tuesday's 80-60 win over Tulane.

Impact After starting in place of Jarace Walker in the teams previous contest, Francis returned to his role as a rotational player, though he ultimately did not see too much playing time. Francis held his own as a starter, tallying six points (2-4 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, three steals and three blocks in last Wednesday's 83-77 win over South Florida. Returning to his role in the rotation off the bench, Francis made the most of his minutes once again.

JANUARY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Wednesday Francis will be in the starting lineup Wednesday against South Florida.

Impact The sophomore will be in the starting rotation Wednesday in place of Jarace Walker. The forward is averaging 6.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season.

JANUARY 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dominant inside Francis finished Thursday's 87-53 victory over SMU with eight points (4-4 FG), seven rebounds and two blocks across 21 minutes.

Impact Francis was extremely dominant off the bench in Thursday's win. The Cougars forward tallied his second straight game finishing with at least eight points and seven rebounds, including four offensive boards on Thursday. Francis has seven blocks over the last three games.

JANUARY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Collects 15 rebounds in win Francis chipped in 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-4 FT), 15 rebounds and three blocks across 28 minutes during Tuesday's 74-46 victory over North Carolina A&T.

Impact Francis tallied his second double-double of the season in Tuesday's blowout win. The sophomore forward was a monster on the offensive glass, collecting seven offensive rebounds and tallying his fifth game with three or more blocks this season. Francis has provided an efficient scoring threat from the bench all season long for the Cougars.

DECEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double as backup Francis logged 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks across 17 minutes during Houston's 83-45 win Monday versus Oral Roberts.

Impact Francis has his first double-double as a collegiate athlete. Currently, the sophomore is Houston's backup center while Sadarius Bowser (illness) recovers. Francis averaged 4.3 points and 4.7 rebounds as a freshman.

NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

College basketball 2022-23 countdown: No. 3 Houston

The Houston Cougars are talented, tough and steeped in Kelvin Sampson's culture. They're also No. 3 in our preseason countdown.

NOVEMBER 2, 2022