Emails in on Sherri’s hair & Capel’s job status

The new emails are in, and it’s heavy on OU basketball. The women in the Final Four, Sherri Coale’s hair, the OU men’s demise in Memphis and the job status of Jeff Capel.

Rance wrote about Bubba Paris’ call-out of Sherri Coale: “To me, if the characterization of the administration has some validity, it encapsulates why women’s basketball just doesn’t get it. I think it shows a lack of understanding about press coverage. Bubba and Courtney’s comments were repeated around the United States in news reports, online blogs, sports websites etc. Their comments weren’t anything other than opinion and they had the sports world TALKING ABOUT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL! It wasn’t a police report, it wasn’t about steroids, it wasn’t about a player getting pregnant. It was just good old fashioned opinion – followed by a number of stories that included discussion ON OKLAHOMA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL! You can’t buy that kind of exposure. Well I guess you could – but we’d have to borrow the money from the football program.”

Great points. I still think Bubba’s comments were goofy, but women’s hoops has gotten a lot of traction out of the Parises.

Barry wrote about our Press Row discussion about Courtney Paris on newsok.com: “You claim that Courtney hasn’t evolved, or something to that effect. You can’t be serious can you? She was arguably, the best player in the country as a freshman. How can she get better than that? You pointed out that Ashley elevated her game and progressed. Well, Ashley wasn’t as well rounded as Courtney as a freshman/sophomore/junior. You guys are missing the fact that there was not much room for improvement with Courtney. She was already a stud. How do you improve on what she’s accomplished? She’s like no other women’s basketball player to ever grace the court, yet some people sit around and look for ways to tear her down or make her look bad.”

I don’t buy it. When Courtney arrived at OU, there was talk that she might one day be unlike any other player in women’s history. But she not only didn’t go that direction, she went the other direction. Her production is down. She did not become a transcendent player. Yes, she’s been a great player. But she also hasn’t improved, and there is always room for improvement. She could be a better foul shooter. She could have learned to hit a 5-foot bank shot. She could have gotten into shape where she’s not the last person down court by four seconds. She was the best player in the country as a freshman. And as a senior, she’s not the best player in the country.

Jim: “Has the whole Paris family gone goofy? Courtney owes the school nothing if they lose, and OU should say so publicly. She has repaid them through the large crowds they have had and the recruiting of other players. Bubba is just showing his rear end and maybe trying to protect his daughter from making good on her promise!”

Well, OU has said so publicly. Otherwise, you’re right on track.

Roger wrote about the OU women playing at the Ford Center: “I agree no team should apologize for games they win in front of their home crowd. It happens all the time – Villanova. I’m an ACC fan and it kills me that both UNC and Duke play NCAA regional games right in their own backyard every year. However, as much as I would love to see OU win, the truth is Louisville and OU are playing for second place. UConn will not lose; they are just so tough and they’ve been there many times. Truth is, Courtney needs to plan on paying back her scholarship.”

Like I said the other day about NCAA sites, they don’t do it for fair.

Mark: “The OU girls had me worried last night, but I am glad for Coach Coale. However, they need production right from the first whistle. They can’t have a bad half against UConn or Louisville. Those teams will make them pay, and they won’t have home court. I see them getting beat next round, but it was a good run.”

Oh, heck. I’ll make a prediction. OU 74-69 over Louisville.

Clarice wrote about Sherri Coale’s hair: “Thank you soooooo much. I thought I was the only one who noticed. What is going on with Sherri? Loved the picture. Those long tresses have got to be extensions. If she doesn’t get a haircut today, they can’t say you didn’t do your best to help her. Even my husband agreed.”

I actually wasn’t trying to make a statement. I was just trying to have a little fun.

Lois chimed in: “In my humble opinion, I like her short, curly and tussled look best. She is too old for the teeny look of long-in-your-eyes look. Very unprofessional. Check the do’s of the other female coaches. Trimmed and under control.”

Uh, I’m starting to regret even mentioning Sherri’s hair.

Faye: “You may tell Sherri that we like her hair much better curly. With it straight, she is just another pretty blond, but with it curly she is unique.”

The last thing in the world you want to be is just another pretty blond.

Jo, our resident Bob Stoops critic, wrote: “Sherri Coale has a lot, and has had for 2-4 years, of the highest rated recruits in the country. If Capel had the equal amount of highly rated players that Sherri has, would he have made it to the Final Four or better? Sherri and the gymnastic coach are sitting on the pole (NASCAR reference) for OU sports unless baseball comes around?”

Berry Tramel

Emails in on Sherri’s hair & Capel’s job status

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