TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

ESPNU Invitational: Icons Clash

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOEY JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 15, 2007

Updated: 11/15/2007 12:13 am

TAMPA - It's probably the women's college basketball version of Bird-Magic. For die-hard fans, who already have chosen sides, it's hoops heaven. Even for curiosity-seekers, it's an event.

Here's Tennessee junior Candace Parker, a dazzling 6-foot-4 athlete who shoots, passes, rebounds and, yes, even occasionally dunks. Versatile? She's officially listed as forward/guard/center.

There's Oklahoma junior center Courtney Paris, a charismatic personality and unstoppable 6-foot-4 post presence who has 62 consecutive double-digit games in scoring and rebounding, an NCAA record.

"I'd definitely buy a ticket to see those two play against each other," USF junior center Jessica Lawson said.

That won't be necessary.

Parker and Paris clash for the first time ever tonight as No. 1-ranked Tennessee takes on No. 9 Oklahoma in the ESPNU Women's Basketball Invitational at the St. Pete Times Forum. The doubleheader, arranged because the Forum hosts the Women's Final Four in April, begins with No. 10 Duke meeting Lawson's USF Bulls at 7 p.m.

"We're not playing a game of one-on-one," said Paris, daughter of former NFL offensive lineman Bubba Paris. "Candace has a huge following. I have a following. So it's cool that we're getting to play, although this game isn't just about us."

But even Paris, an aspiring writer, said she understands the irresistible story line.

Paris averaged 23.5 points and 15.9 rebounds last season while earning recognition as Associated Press player of the year. Parker, who averaged 19.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, was recently named AP's preseason player of the year.

"They are already two of the icons in our game," Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale said. "There may not ever be two players like this again on the floor together in college.

"They are both so extraordinary at what they do. You can't stop them. You can just try to limit their touches. Put it this way: If either one of them touches the basketball, you're in trouble."

Parker and Paris - both known as CP3 (they wear No. 3) - seemed more amused than harried over the game's buildup upon arriving in Tampa on Wednesday. Both laughed off the notion of a rivalry.

For one thing, they were teammates last summer on the U.S. national team that qualified for the 2008 Olympics.

"Courtney's enjoyable and we relate to each other," Parker said. "What a jokester. She's so funny."

"For as much as she has accomplished, Candace is one of the most humble people I've ever met," Paris said. "And what a player."

Parker made her first national splash in 2004 when she beat five male competitors to capture the McDonald's High School All-American Game's Slam Dunk contest, joining previous winners such as Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.

SheBron?

Parker has six dunks with Tennessee, including two in an NCAA Tournament game.

"It gets attention, and anything that brings attention to the women's game is great," Parker said. "Some people expect it dunking every time. I've gotten some boos. And I'm like, 'What are you booing? I made the shot.' It's fun."

Paris is surrounded by her own ridiculous expectations. In Sunday's 76-66 loss at No. 4 Maryland, she finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, preserving her double-double streak on a layup with 2:53 remaining.

"We've completely lost count," Coale said. "I don't say that in a disrespectful way because what Courtney has done is off-the-charts mind-boggling. But the only time it comes up is if we're winning handily and she's only played like 18 minutes. In that case, we want to make sure she gets to her numbers."

"I hear about it double-double streak a lot, but it's my job," Paris said. "I'm in a position where I should be able to get 10 rebounds and 10 points a game. I like being consistent. But more than that, I like to win."

Winning is tonight's bottom line. Tennessee might be a big favorite to earn a return ticket to Tampa in April. Oklahoma, trying to toughen itself with a rugged early schedule, could mature to that level.

"It's two great players," Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said. "When I saw Candace in high school, I said to myself, 'I never want to play against that young woman!' Coaching Candace has been like a dream come true. And what Courtney Paris has done for Oklahoma just speaks for itself.

"People have been waiting a long time for this matchup, and I'm just excited for our sport."

Split Decision

Last season was the sixth time since 1995 that different women's basketball players received The Associated Press National Player of the Year Award and the Wade Trophy, presented by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

Compiled by Joey Johnston

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353 or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT