Courtney Paris Bets Her Scholarship On A National Title

Oklahoma women's hoops star Courtney Paris is so confident that she can bring a national championship back to Norman, that she says she will pay back her entire college scholarship if she fails.

If anyone has earned the right to talk a big game, it's Paris. She was AP national player of the year as a sophomore, will likely win her third Big 12 Player of the Year award this season, and has had a double-double in all but four games for her entire career. But while lots of athletes like to guarantee wins, few would risk a four-year scholarship in the event they couldn't back it up.

"If we don't, which is not even an option," Paris said after the applause died down, "just to put something on the line - and it might take me the rest of my life - I will pay back my scholarship because I didn't do what I said I was going to do."

In other words ... up yours, Joe Namath. There is one little problem though—Connecticut, which is undefeated and possibly the best women's college basketball team of all time. However, even after having a few days to think about it, Paris stands by a promise that would cost her roughly $64,000 if she fails.

"So when you're good enough and don't do something, then you have to take accountability for that and that's your own fault. We can win a national championship. If we don't, I'll feel like I didn't earn my scholarship."

In case you're wondering, WNBA rookies make less than $45,000 a year. On the other hand, her dad is former '49er Bubba Paris, so maybe she can borrow it from him.

Courtney sticking by guarantee [The Oklahoman] Courtney Paris Guarantees National Championship [Crimson And Cream Machine] OU wins, Paris says team will win it all [Tulsa World]