Convenience Big Store: What do Texans' offseason moves say about their direction?

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Today's starting lineup

The Texans making splashy moves and acting like a team that wants to win now? That's not the type of offseason Houston fans got used to seeing the past few years. Jonathan M. Alexander looks at what the Texans' moves this week say about where they're headed.

As a local guy making the majors on his hometown team, Corey Julks was a feel-good story on last year's Astros. This offseason, he put in the work to try to stick in the big leagues. And a look at how a small hitting adjustment has paid off for outfielder Jake Meyers.

Fresh off sweeping a three-game road swing, the Rockets welcome the Wizards, the dregs of the NBA, to Toyota Center tonight.

Texas A&M lands its new athletic director in Nebraska's Trev Alberts, who's leaving his alma mater for College Station.

It's all but certain UH will be a No. 1 regional seed in the NCAA Tournament. But the No. 1 overall seed? That's hardly clear-cut, writes Cougars insider Joseph Duarte. Up next for UH is a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal today against TCU, the one league opponent they didn't beat this season. Texas' stay at its final Big 12 tournament lasted a couple hours after the Longhorns got bounced by Kansas State thanks to a second-half letdown. Meantime, Texas A&M looks to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive today against Mississippi at the SEC tournament.

How about the Rice women? The Owls throttle East Carolina to win the AAC tournament and clinch their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2019.

Stat of the day: 4. Athletic directors at Texas A&M over the past decade: Eric Hyman, Scott Woodward, Ross Bjork and now Trev Alberts.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

The addition of disruptive ex-Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter represented one of the Texans' splashy moves in free agency as they look to build off a turnaround 2023 season under coach DeMeco Ryans.

Photo by: Jeff Dean/Getty Images

All about the present

The Texans made splashy moves when the NFL free agency began. Jonathan M. Alexander analyzes what that says about the Texans as they try and build off a turnaround season.

On the move: In a surprising move, the Texans are trading veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers for a late-round draft pick.

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros outfielder Corey Julks (9) during the full squad workouts for the Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fl.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Making his roster case

Growing up and living in Houston meant Corey Julks spent his offseason at Minute Maid Park working with Astros staff to get stronger and improve his swing.

Tinkering pays off: Astros outfielder Jake Meyers tweaked the position of his hands in his stance this winter and is starting to see the benefits this spring.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Back on their floor

After sweeping a three-game road swing, the Rockets return home tonight to host the NBA-worst Wizards.

Texas A&M Athletics

Nebraska's Trev Alberts has emerged as the leading candidate to become Texas A&M's new athletic director.

Photo by: Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

Meet the new boss

Nebraska's Trev Alberts leaves his alma mater to be Texas A&M's new athletic director, replacing the departed Ross Bjork.

Men's College Basketball

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, left, speaks as J'Wan Roberts, center, lifts the Big 12 trophy next to Emanuel Sharp, with phone, and Ramon Walker Jr., with sign, as they celebrate their 76-46 win over Kansas after a Big 12 baskeball game held at the Fertitta Center Saturday, Mar. 9, 2024 in Houston.

Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor

Not cut and dried

While UH is considered a shoo-in to be a No. 1 regional seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Cougars' case to get the top overall seed is hardly clear-cut.

UH vs. TCU preview: Breaking down UH's opener in the Big 12 tournament today against TCU, the one conference opponent the No. 1 Cougars didn't beat this season.
Little margin for error: Texas A&M and Mississippi will meet for the second time in six days today with much more on the line at the SEC tournament, specifically their March Madness hopes.
Kansas State 78, Texas 74: A cold-shooting second half makes Texas' last trip to the Big 12 tournament a one-and-done showing.
Wichita State 88, Rice 81: Wichita State sends Rice packing with a first-round loss in the AAC tournament in Fort Worth.
TCU 77, Oklahoma 70: TCU's win over Oklahoma sets up a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal matchup against No. 1 UH.