While signs are pointing to the Rockets dealing their first-round pick (No.3 overall) they have been busy working out draft-eligible players for next week’s NBA Draft. Last week, they hosted UH point guard Jamal Shead, who is currently rated as the 11th-best player at his position in this draft. Shead, who has also worked out for the San Antonio Spurs, has seen his stock rise as he has gone through the individual workouts and is seen as a potential steal in the second round. “My first response is, ‘Who are the other 10?’” UH coach Kelvin Sampson said. “Those other 10 must be pretty good because I think Jamal is really good.”

Astros cut ties with José Abreu

In a surprise move, the Astros have released first baseman José Abreu. This comes after the team signed Abreu to a three-year, $58 million free agent contract in 2022. Abreu is still owed $30 million on the contract, which the Astros will have to eat. Abreu had been struggling during the early part of the season, even being optioned to the minors in April. He was batting a dismal .124, with a .361 OPS and had just two runs working as both an infielder and designated hitter for the Astros.

Prairie View slated to play eight ESPN games this season

The SWAC recently announced that it will have 34 football games on ESPN this season. And Texas Southern and Prairie View will definitely get plenty of exposure, starting with the season-kickoff Labor Day Classic between the two rival programs to be carried on ESPN+ on Aug. 31. The Panthers, the defending SWAC West champs, are slated to play in seven additional ESPN games this upcoming season. All five of their home games will be aired on ESPN+. The Tigers will play on the ESPN platform a total of three times.