University of Houston Athletics
Houston Signs Ja’Vier Francis to National Letter of Intent
11/11/2020 10:03:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Monteverde Academy (Fla.) product and New Orleans native will compete as freshman in 2021-22
HOUSTON – Monteverde Academy (Fla.) forward Ja'Vier Francis inked his National Letter of Intent on to join the University of Houston Men's Basketball program, Head Coach Kelvin Sampson announced Wednesday.
A New Orleans native, Francis – whose first name is pronounced Jay-Vee-A – competed for his first three seasons at Westbury Christian in Houston. He measures 6-foot-8 and weighs 205 pounds and will compete as a freshman in 2021-22.
"The more I watched Ja'Vier, the more I said 'that kid is one of us.' He plays hard. He is a tough kid and a young kid, so he has a lot of developing to do. He is a quick, quick jumper," Sampson said. "We think his upside is tremendous. As Ja'Vier continues to develop, he has a chance to be special."
As a junior, Francis averaged 14.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 6.1 blocks per game to lead Westbury Christian to the TAPPS Class 5A state championship game, where he poured in nine points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots against Legacy Christian.
Francis made a tremendous impact throughout the state playoffs, averaging 17.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 9.3 blocks per game. He posted a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 15 blocks against St. Augustine.
For his impressive performance, he was recognized as a finalist for the Guy V. Lewis Award, presented to the city of Houston's top high school player.
Francis also was named the District Most Valuable Player and earned a place on the All-State Team.
Francis will compete for Monteverde Academy and Head Coach Ben Wisniewski in Monteverde, Fla., as a senior during the 2020-21 campaign.
"Jay is a high-energy guy. He doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to make a big impact. He has a great motor and can do so many little things. He has a gift for finding the ball on both ends of the floor," Wisniewski said. "Jay is an extremely respectful young man and has a wonderful family. He has been a pleasure to coach."
Francis also considered Washington State, DePaul, SMU, North Texas and Stephen F. Austin before choosing Houston.
JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
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.
For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (46874).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter 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.
A New Orleans native, Francis – whose first name is pronounced Jay-Vee-A – competed for his first three seasons at Westbury Christian in Houston. He measures 6-foot-8 and weighs 205 pounds and will compete as a freshman in 2021-22.
"The more I watched Ja'Vier, the more I said 'that kid is one of us.' He plays hard. He is a tough kid and a young kid, so he has a lot of developing to do. He is a quick, quick jumper," Sampson said. "We think his upside is tremendous. As Ja'Vier continues to develop, he has a chance to be special."
As a junior, Francis averaged 14.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 6.1 blocks per game to lead Westbury Christian to the TAPPS Class 5A state championship game, where he poured in nine points, nine rebounds and six blocked shots against Legacy Christian.
Francis made a tremendous impact throughout the state playoffs, averaging 17.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 9.3 blocks per game. He posted a triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 15 blocks against St. Augustine.
For his impressive performance, he was recognized as a finalist for the Guy V. Lewis Award, presented to the city of Houston's top high school player.
Francis also was named the District Most Valuable Player and earned a place on the All-State Team.
Francis will compete for Monteverde Academy and Head Coach Ben Wisniewski in Monteverde, Fla., as a senior during the 2020-21 campaign.
"Jay is a high-energy guy. He doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to make a big impact. He has a great motor and can do so many little things. He has a gift for finding the ball on both ends of the floor," Wisniewski said. "Jay is an extremely respectful young man and has a wonderful family. He has been a pleasure to coach."
Francis also considered Washington State, DePaul, SMU, North Texas and Stephen F. Austin before choosing Houston.
JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
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.
For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (46874).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter 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.
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