Courtney Paris Pens USA Diary

Courtesy of USABasketball.com

TUNIS, Tunisia -- Each member of the USA Basketball Women's U19 World Championship Team has been asked to take a turn and enter their thoughts in the team's diary which in turn will also be posted on usabasketball.com. Going alphabetically, each player will give their own impressions and thoughts of whatever occurs on the road as the USA squad prepares for and competes in the 2005 FIBA Women's U19 World Championship.

Following the big win over Russia in the opener, the USA returned to the court on Saturday afternoon against Congo. It was a one-sided affair as the U.S. rolled to a 124-37 victory and in the process broke or tied seven USA single game records.

Soon to be Oklahoma Sooner Courtney Paris, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds against Congo, makes the eighth entry into the USA team diary.

Coach G surprised the team with books for us to read over the summer. It wasn't the best surprise, but there is one book that I have come to love - The Fred Factor. It's about people who take ordinary task and make them extraordinary.

I guess there are a lot of things I could talk about even though the day was pretty much uneventful. We got to wake up at 10 a.m. (which is pretty unusual) and we beat Congo a hund120-something to 30-something (editor's note: it was actually 124-37). I could go on about how truly amazing Tunisia is but instead I will write about the wonderful people who are making this summer one I will never forget...

Other Diaries | World Championship Schedule | USA Central

It was great. We ran out on to the floor yesterday (July 15) to about 50 American loving fans cheering us on. But even more so than the USA they all seemed to love Nicky (Anosike). They'd chant "Nicky, Nicky..." whenever she was on the floor and "we love you #14" when she walked off. But even though Nicky seems to be the fan favorite over here, Crystal (Langhorne) is my personal favorite.

The girl is scary good. Seriously, looking at her and her mannerisms on and off the court you would never know how talented she is. She's finesse and power! And her feet, OMG (oh my God) her feet! She has the footwork of a ballerina dancing in heaven - everything she does looks so graceful. Marissa (Coleman) is so lucky to have her as a teammate, just as lucky as I am to have Marissa as a teammate on this team. Seriously, I don't know what this trip would be without the "movie queen" and all her "The Family Guy" DVDs we can't stop watching ??

Abigail (Abby Waner) has to be one of my favorite kids on the team. It's always funny watching Coach G try not to smile after her future star drains a three two-feet behind the arc. And since I mentioned smiling I will go ahead and let you know "JoJo's" (Jolene Anderson) replacement teeth haven't fallen out since Washington, D.C.

More medical updates - Erika's (Arriaran) knee is looking better, well that was until she slipped down the steps walking from breakfast and broke her room key. Thanks to Tina (Christina Wirth) I will be able to coexist with my country music loving Oklahoma coaches. She's the only one who doesn't tell me to shut up after repeating "Johnny's daddy was taking him fishing" for the millionth time.

Oh, if you haven't read Essence Carson's journal entry please do (click here). You will see that she is not only a very talented basketball player and musician, but an amazing writer as well.

It's always the best tossing up shots with Erlana (Larkins), then running past her and saying "UNC will lose the game unless Larkins can stop Paris from scoring," then celebrating in her face as if my layup actually advanced OU to the Final Four. And there's Sharnee' (Zoll), who seems to know so much about basketball. You can always find her in a time out pointing out something she sees going on in the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see her coaching after her time at Virginia.

Speaking of coaches, let me talk about ours. First, there's Coach G, our "head ball coach." And let me tell you Coach G might be a small lady, but she's fierce (and she has a mean kicking leg, she should seriously take up soccer). But the best part about her is when we're off the court and the 'fierce woman' goes into hiding and a fun-loving lady comes out.

Then there's Coach Ross - who is quickly becoming one of my favorite people. She's so nice and genuine. Not to mention a great coach. She's one of those coaches that you always try to do your best for.

Last but not least there's Coach Jack. She is so intense, it's great. She has got this energy for basketball that scares me and pumps me up all at the same time. But she can soften up in a moment's notice when it comes to talking about her six-year old son Maceo (my newly adopted God son).

And then there is the support staff behind this trip. First of all and most importantly Carol Callan - she's the mastermind plus she's the one in charge of our spending money. She has really gone out of her way to make sure this trip not only ends with a gold medal but also with golden memories. Then there's Carol's son Greg who does a whole lot of everything. Oh, and he wanted me to write that he really misses his brother and best friend Tom (how sweet is that?).

I can't forget "Craigory" my main man in charge of media. He's the guy who will tell you about the Congo game, seeing that I neglected to do so. Ed (Ryan) our wonderful trainer, who schedules all of Erika's treatments appointments for times like 9:47 and 6:34. Whatever happened to 10:00, 9:45 and 6:30? Then there is Jim the executive director of USA Basketball and Dave one of the most accomplished doctors in USA Basketball, but more importantly they're our scrimmage guys.

Needless to say I look "Freds" in the eye everyday - from freshman Kodak All-American Candice Wiggins (the funniest girl I know) to BJ our team manager (but more so our friend). Thanks to these extraordinary people, I am having the time of my life and I am grateful!

Courtney Paris - #15
Sooner Boomer (I know it's Boomer Sooner but I put Sooners first)

P.S. Jo wants me to say hi to her family. And to my family and friends I love you guys, see ya soon!

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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