Tulsa World: OU: Player to watch

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OU: Player to watch

Nyeshia Stevenson's range is better this season, says coach Sherri Coale. STEPHEN HOLMAN/ Tulsa World file

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/6/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/10/2009 2:08 PM

Nyeshia Stevenson

5-10 Sr. Guard

Nyeshia Stevenson had a season to remember last year. The University of Oklahoma guard earned the Big 12 Conference Sixth Player of the Year award while helping the Sooners reach the Final Four for the second time since 2002.

She would just as soon forget the ending, though.

Stevenson had a chance to send the Sooners to the national championship game with a 3-point basket. Instead, the ball rattled in and out, ending OU's season 61-59 against Louisville.

She has finally put it behind her and looks forward to another breakout season.

"It was hard at first, real hard," she said. "It took a while, but it's finally behind me."

Head coach Sherri Coale agreed.

"She has not carried that with her at all," Coale said. "It's ironic — her range is even better than last year. I think she will have a breakout season."

NOTEBOOK

Full speed ahead: With a smaller, quicker lineup, the University of Oklahoma women's basketball team could resemble head coach Sherri Coale's 2002 team that played for a national championship.

"I can't wait," point guard Danielle Robinson said. "It's been a lot of fun experimenting with our speed. We're definitely going to look different from last year. We do have experience. Every team has an expectation of going to the Final Four. After having gone last year, we believe we can get back. We understand how hard it was to get there."

X-factor: Carlee Roethlisberger could play a pivotal role in the Sooners' success this season.

The junior forward had a remarkable run in the NCAA Tournament last spring and will be counted on for her mid-range game this season.

"Everyone likes to talk about the X-factor and Carlee may be one of those for us," Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said. "She showed signs of brilliant play last year. At times she was very, very difficult to guard and at other times was inconsistent. She's going to have to be more consistent, more aggressive this year."

Olajuwon sheds 30 pounds: Senior center Abi Olajuwon dedicated herself over the offseason to losing weight.

"I'm so excited for the world to see Abi," Coale said. "She has made a physical transformation. Her body looks fantastic. She's in the best shape of her life and what is starting to come now is that confidence that can only come from demonstrated ability."

Said Olajuwon, "I wanted to put myself in the best shape to help my team. By losing weight, I have done that."

Repeat performance?: Can OU fans expect another solid performance from sophomore guard Whitney Hand this year?

There's no doubt that Hand benefitted from having Courtney Paris in the low post. Opponents had to decide who to guard, often leaving Hand free enough to score.

"I expect to see some new defenses," Hand said. "Hopefully, Abi can fill that role. If she is hitting shots, opponents will still have to decide." By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer

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