Playing A Supporting Role Gives Paris Another Perspective

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma women's basketball player Courtney Paris found out this summer how the other half lives and says she's better off for it. <br/><br/>Paris told reporters during the

Friday, October 26th 2007, 8:07 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma women's basketball player Courtney Paris found out this summer how the other half lives and says she's better off for it.

Paris told reporters during the Sooners' media day Thursday that the lessons she learned while competing on the USA Basketball senior national squad have taught her to better appreciate the roles her teammates play and have given her additional incentive for this season.

Paris has an ongoing NCAA-record streak of 61 double doubles, has helped OU reach the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament both seasons and has twice received first-team All-America honors.

She played a key role on the U.S. team that captured the gold medal in the under-21 age-group World Championships in Moscow.

But on the senior national team, she did more watching from the bench than playing.

Paris said the experience of not being a go-to player was strange at first, but she used it to try and broaden her knowledge of the game.