July 2, 2007

Call it the double-double dilemma.
 
Courtney Paris takes a string of 36 double-doubles (double digit points and rebounds in the same game) into Sunday’s 2 p.m., contest against Northern Colorado.
 
She extended that string last Sunday in OU’s win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

In the post-game interviews, the question was raised for both Paris and head coach Sherri Coale, “Do you track the double-doubles?” The point being, does the statistical achievement figure into substitution patterns, especially late in lop-sided games?
 
A seemingly harmless query, it’s really a double-edger, especially for any coach. Most coaches turn a dim eye towards statistics, choosing instead to focus on team goals.  It only makes sense.
 
But media and PR people constantly hit at the numbers involved with sports and when a string of anything is in place, people pay attention.
 
Coach Coale confessed to being aware of Paris’ numbers during games in which the final outcome was secure. It was a good answer.
 
Don’t think less of a coach that admits as much.  Such a confession does not hint at misplaced values. Instead, it recognizes an impressive achievement that gathers more recognition for the program.
 
Two weeks ago, USA Today ran a graphic dedicated to Paris’ amazing feat. That kind of attention registers with pollsters, awards voters and, perhaps most importantly, recruits.
 
A savvy coach sees the bigger picture and OU’s women’s basketball coach is nothing if not savvy.
 
Sherri Coale and Courtney Paris have their priorities in the right place. First and foremost, they’re about team play and winning. If they have the opportunity to also think about a very special statistical accomplishment along the way they should not feel restrained or embarrassed.
 
From my perspective, their approach is not only honest, it’s refreshing.
 
   
Mossman Prophecies Archive
 
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Kenny Mossman, Associate Athletics Director for Communications, provides his perspective on Oklahoma Athletics in his regular column on SoonerSports.com.