The speculation is growing that New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley favors joining the Texans, when the former No.2 overall pick and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Rumors have it that Barkley has reached out to quarterback C.J. Stroud. The addition of Barkley would be exactly what the Texans need to take some pressure off Stroud and add a needed punch to the ground attack. Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavier Howard has also expressed interest in joining the Texans.
UH Cougars ascend to No.1 national ranking
The University of Houston Cougars have moved into the No.1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll for the first time this season. Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars (24-3), who had occupied the No.2 spot, took over the top spot from defending national champion UConn, which had been No.1 for six straight weeks. UH is now the fifth team to hold the No.1 spot this season.
Yordan Alvarez could be moving to 2 nd in batting order
New Astros manager Joe Espada said he is planning to move Yordan Alvarez to second in the lineup with the hope of increasing his plate appearances this season. Alveraz, who was the Astros top hitter since 2021 under Dusty Baker, had consistently hit in the three spot and sometimes cleanup. With the shift of Alvarez, the Astros’ top of the lineup would also include Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker. The plan is also to have Alvarez, who reported to spring training for the first time in the last three years, play in left field about 50% of the time.
Kayla Smith leads 42-point bench effort
Prairie View guard Kayla Smith came off the bench to lead the Panthers with 20 points in 66-57 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Jamal Shead gives UH double-double output in win
University of Houston guard Jamal Shead contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists during the 82-76 overtime win over Baylor.
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I’ve been with The Defender since August 2019. I’m a long-time sportswriter who has covered everything from college sports to the Texans and Rockets during my 16 years of living in the Houston market….
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