Stellar Rookies Share Nickname, Skills

NORMAN, Okla. -- Both are rookies in their respective levels of play. Both have been thrust into the leadership role on their respective teams. Both are former McDonald's All-Americans. Both have the same initials, jersey number and nickname, CP3. Courtney Paris and Chris Paul are both taking the Oklahoma basketball scene by storm in what is their first year in the state, Paris with the OU women's team and Paul with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

Even though the two play at different spots on the floor, Paris the inside and Paul the outside, the two are putting up numbers that are not usually reserved for a first year player. Paris leads the Big 12 Conference averaging 21.4 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. Her scoring and rebounding totals respectively rank sixth and second nationally. The freshman from Piedmont, Calif., has also blocked 46 shots on the season, good for second in the Big 12.

“I don't get to see her too often, but I do get the paper and see her stats,” said Paul. “Her stats are unheard of for a freshman. She is putting up numbers like a professional playing in college.”

Paul, a leading candidate for NBA Rookie-of-the-Year award, is also posting respectable numbers and playing like a seasoned vet. The Wake Forest alum is averaging 16.2 points per game, tops for the NBA rookie class. The 6-0 guard has also tallied 242 assists and 73 steals, good for eighth and third in the NBA, respectively.

“I watch him on TV every chance I get,” said Paris. “I haven't been able to watch him in person, but we get to watch him play tomorrow, so I'm really looking forward to that. He's really exciting to watch. I'm really happy for him. He's brought a lot of excitement to the state of Oklahoma.”

The two met Thursday following the Hornets' practice inside the Lloyd Noble Center in preparation for their Friday night game versus the Sacramento Kings with Paul giving Paris the rights to the nickname CP3.

“In Oklahoma, she is the real CP3,” said Paul. “When you hear CP3, you think of her. If you go back to my hometown of Winston-Salem, everybody will say that I'm the real CP3, but here, she is the one. Every time I open the paper I see her picture.”

Another topic of conversation was the assets that the two bring to the court, Paris' post skills and Paul's ball-handling skills.

“Coach (Sherri) Coale doesn't really let me use them, but I definitely have the same ball skills as him,” joked Paris.

“I really do have the same post skills, maybe a little bit better,” added Paul. “I don't know though, Coach (Byron) Scott doesn't really let me play in the post except for practice.”

As for a game of one-on-one, the two had differing opinions, both claimed victory for themselves.

“He would probably dribble past me, but I could probably knock his shots down then drop-step and get some inside baskets on him,” said Paris.

“She could probably get a couple of my shots, but I promise you that if we are playing to 11, I'd be the first one there,” countered Paul.

Paris' Oklahoma team hits the road this Saturday as they take on Bedlam rivals Oklahoma State in Stillwater at 1 p.m. The Sooners return home to Lloyd Noble Center on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to take on the Texas Tech Lady Raiders at 7 p.m.

Bedlam Saturday | Game Notes | Gameday Central

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Stellar Rookies Share Nickname, Skills

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