Convenience Big Store: The next step in Rockets' rebuild is a building

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Today's starting lineup

On the court, the Rockets' rebuilding efforts are taking shape with an 11-9 record in the first quarter of the season. The team is taking a big step off the court as well, with a building.

The team unveiled its new training facility and basketball headquarters, which will be ready next year. The facility will be on par with similar buildings around the league and can be another tool used in recruiting free agents.

Back to the court, the Rockets will put their 10-game winning streak at home on the line on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Texans suffered a big loss to the Jets on Sunday but if there was a bright spot, it was the play of Jonathan Greenard, who is the first Houston player with 10 sacks in a season since J.J. Watt in 2018.

When the Texans face the Titans on Sunday, Ka'imi Fairbairn is expected to be back at kicker, which means farewell to Matt Ammendola.

In college football, new Texas A&M coach Mike Elko is facing a bigger challenge than expected as the Aggies are seeing several players hit the transfer portal or leave early for the NFL draft.

At UH, standout receiver/kick returner Matthew Golden is in the portal as well.

It's UIL state football championship week in Arlington. A look at players and teams to watch plus all our coverage will be linked here.

Stat of the day: $43.3 million. Justin Verlander's salary for next season is the highest among Houston pro athletes. A look at the top 10.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, second from left, gives a tour of the team's $70 million practice facility alongside head coach Ime Udoka, third from right, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Houston. The complex is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Rockets unveil new headquarters, next step in rebuilding a winner

The 75,000-square-foot complex will be the team's basketball headquarters and another tool in recruiting free agents.

Up next: Dillon Brooks faces the Memphis Grizzlies, his former team, for the second time this season as Houston tries to extend a 10-game home winning streak.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett during the first half an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

How Texans' Jonathan Greenard hits personal goals in team concept

In a contract year, a more mature Jonathan Greenard is finding sacks and wins within Houston's team concept.

Thanks, Matt: Houston's starting kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn is set to return from injured reserve after missing five weeks so team will relase Matt Ammendola

College Football

Photo by: Sam Craft, Associated Press

Why Texas A&M is facing a bigger rebuilding job than expected

As more players enter transfer portal and interim coach Elijah Robinson leaves for Syracuse, new coach has more holes to fill for 2024.

Strong move: Tommy Moffitt has been away from football for two seasons but was part of three national teams at LSU under three different coaches and is headed to A&M as strength coach.
Going pro: Edgerrin Cooper, an AP All-American selection, will head to NFL and miss Texas Bowl against Oklahoma State
In the portal: Matthew Golden, one of Houston's most exciting players, is in the transfer portal along with a pair of defensive linemen.