Tulsa World: Duke trip excites senior

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Duke trip excites senior
Hardeman says playing at storied Duke shows how far Cowgirls have come.

Taylor Hardeman says of the Cowgirls' opener Friday at Duke: "I'm so excited to play a game there." Both teams are ranked in the top 15 in the country. JACOB HAND/ for the Tulsa World

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/14/2008 2:12 AM
Last Modified: 11/14/2008 3:16 AM

Hardeman says playing at storied Duke shows how far Cowgirls have come.

Taylor Hardeman intends to soak up every bit of atmosphere she can from famed Cameron Indoor Stadium on Friday when No. 14 Oklahoma State travels to No. 8 Duke to open the 2008-09 season.

For Hardeman and classmate Shaunté Smith, this is a reward for enduring some of the darkest days in OSU women's basketball history. They are the only holdovers from head coach Kurt Budke's first season in the Big 12 when the team finished 0-16 in regular season league play.

"I'm so excited to play a game there," said Hardeman. "Shaunté and I have dreamed of this. For so long, OSU basketball was nothing to everyone. Ever since coach (Budke) told us we were going to open the season at Duke, I have counted down the days."

Hardeman understands the Cowgirls face an uphill challenge against one of the top women's teams in the nation.

"We know we're not favored to win. That's OK," said Hardeman. "We like the underdog role. But if we were to get a win from a program like Duke, that would be huge. It's always been my dream to play there. I remember watching my sister's (Sunny) team play there when she was at Oklahoma. It's the ACC. I can't wait."

Blue Devils center Chante Black will pose a tough match-up in the low post for OSU.

The 6-foot-5 senior averaged 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds a game last season.

OSU junior preseason All-American Andrea Riley and 5-10 senior Abby Waner anchor

each team's backcourt. Riley averaged a team-high 23.1 points per game. Waner averaged 10.3 for the Blue Devils.

Hardeman, who will likely spend time defending Waner, is just glad she's still in the OSU program.

"When coach (Budke) came, I really wasn't sure I would keep my scholarship," she said. "We were at rock bottom that first year. We couldn't go anywhere but up. I remember three years ago it was like, 'You play at Oklahoma State? They have a basketball team?' We've been fortunate to bring in some good players and after last year. I think people know who we are."

Hardeman said she scoffs at those who say Cameron Indoor Stadium is small.

"People say it's like a high school gym," Hardeman said. "I don't care, it's Coach K's (Mike Krzyzewski) court. That's good enough for me."

Lynn Jacobsen 581-8461
lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer

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