Heading into this season, head basketball coach Kelvin Sampson knew that then-unproven junior center Ja’Vier Francis was going to take time to grow into his new role as the Cougars’ new starting big man.
After all, Francis hadn’t had much experience in college after two years in Houston. He barely saw the court in his freshman year, sitting behind experienced big men Josh Carlton and Reggie Chaney. Then in 2022-23, the lanky Louisiana native showed flashes of potential off the bench throughout the season, but still looked awkward at times and not quite comfortable using his 6-foot-8-inch frame and astonishing 7-foot-5-inch wingspan to full effect.