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Sports Columnist

Brian T. Smith

Brian T. Smith has been a sports columnist for the Houston Chronicle since 2015 and joined the newspaper in 2012. He has been honored by the Associated Press Sports Editors, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, Pro Football Writers of America and Pro Basketball Writers Association in a variety of categories. Smith was a Texans beat writer for the Chronicle from 2013-15 and an Astros beat writer from 2012-13. The New Orleans-area native previously covered the NBA's Utah Jazz (The Salt Lake Tribune) and Portland Trail Blazers (The Columbian), among other beats. He is the author of the book "Liftoff."

Stories By Brian T. Smith

Smith: In Nick we trust? How Caserio fares in draft holds answer

General manager made safe and frugal moves in free agency, but he's under the gun to get it right in his third draft in Houston and with two picks in top 12. Brian T. Smith

Smith: A good coach is just a small part of Rockets' many needs

If the franchise's master plan is to be taken seriously, Stephen Silas' successor must foster a quick awakening. Brian T. Smith

Smith: Carolina's smoke screens keep Texans' draft options hidden

It's that time of year where one the day the Panthers like C.J. Stroud and the next it's Bryce Young Brian T. Smith

Smith: Stephen Silas deserves better but Rockets must move on

As the Rockets rebuilding continues, perhaps with Victor Wembanyama on the team, it's time for a new voice on the sideline Brian T. Smith

Smith: Dan Hurley sets unrelenting example for UConn

Without their coach watching, studying, directing and screaming on the sideline, the Huskies wouldn't have dominated the NCAA Tournament like they did. Brian T. Smith

Smith: UConn, San Diego State are best teams left, and that's OK

This is the best that college basketball has to offer in 2023. All we can hope for is that it is one heck of a memorable game. Brian T. Smith

Smith: MLB has picked up the pace, and the sport is better

Give commissioner Rob Manfred credit for changing the rules to help the game keep pace in modern era Brian T. Smith

Smith: Is this year's Final Four the new normal?

While one-and-dones guarantee the bluebloods nothing, consistency can lift a program like Florida Atlantic, led in scoring by three players who've totaled eight seasons with the Owls. Brian T. Smith

Smith: What's better than the Final Four? The Astros, of course

Connecticut, Florida Atlantic, Miami and San Diego State? Meh. Minute Maid Park offers the most desirable team to see starting Thursday. Brian T. Smith

Smith: When will Astros stop spoiling us? Not any time soon

Some of the names have changed — goodbye, Justin Verlander; hello, José Abreu — but the golden era is primed for an extension. Brian T. Smith

Smith: It was all there for Longhorns until Miami took it away

Longhorns were 13 minutes away from Final Four in Houston until Hurricanes added No. 2 Texas to list of NCAA upsets Brian T. Smith

Smith: For UH basketball, the Big 12 and bigger challenges await

After years of dominating the American Athletic Conference, Cougars will move to Big 12 next season. The tougher league could pay off come NCAA Tournament time. Brian T. Smith

Smith: In Houston's NCAA loss, the sound of silence says a lot

The Cougars' locker room, often full of talk which Kelvin Sampson says is mark of a good team, was quiet after stunning loss to Miami Brian T. Smith

Smith: Houston wasn't tough enough when it mattered most

The top-seeded Cougars were outplayed by the Hurricanes and fell two wins short of reaching Final Four in Houston Brian T. Smith

Smith: Reggie Chaney defines a Houston team without ego

Veteran center is a prime example of selflessness that is a big reason to Houston's success under Kelvin Sampson Brian T. Smith

Smith: UH's win over Auburn a reminder of why they are No. 1

When the Cougars play defense like they did in second half, they are a team that no one wants to face Brian T. Smith

Smith: It's all about attitude for UH in win over Auburn

Top-seeded Cougars do all the things that made it an NCAA favorite to beat Auburn to reach Sweet 16 for fourth year in a row Brian T. Smith

UH's Jarace Walker almost went to Auburn

UH's Jarace Walker was heavily recruited by multiple schools as a five-star athlete from the IMG Academy. Brian T. Smith

UH's Kelvin Sampson reaches across aisle to Alabama fans

UH coach Kelvin Sampson took time Friday to appeal to Alabama fans to support the Cougars during Saturday's second-round game against in-state rival Auburn. Brian T. Smith

Smith: This UH team will find out if it is Kelvin Sampson-tough

With Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead hurting, the top-ranked Cougars will need to reflect their coach's demeanor when they face Auburn in the second round Brian T. Smith