By John Helsley
The Oklahoman
The overhaul of the Oklahoma women's basketball roster continues, now stretching to the recruiting class of 2008.
OU received its first commitment for the '08-09 season Tuesday, with Dallas-area shooting guard Whitney Hand saying she'll be a Sooner.
The 6-foot-1 Hand is considered one of the top five prospects in Texas. She chose the Sooners over Southern Cal, Stanford, Texas, Baylor and Texas A&M.
Hand, who plays at Argyle Liberty Christian, offers an added dimension as a big guard. OU's tallest returning guards are 5-foot-9 Rose Hammond and Nyeshia Stevenson, with point guard Jenna Plumley at 5-foot-4. The Sooners have two guard recruits arriving for next season: 5-foot-7 Danielle Robinson and 5-foot-9 Jenny Vining.
OU coach Sherri Coale is in the midst of a roster makeover, seeking more speed and athleticism after her team was ousted in the Sweet 16 the past two seasons.
The Sooners lost six seniors from this year's team, yet will be considered a Big 12 favorite with Courtney Paris and several other key pieces in place. Coale also will welcome a recruiting class – four prep players – ranked as high as 10th nationally and expected to infuse energy and quickness.
Originally Posted by Big Red Ron
