Upcoming Event: Women's Basketball versus #16 Baylor on November 3, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Women's Basketball
vs #16 Baylor
Abby Waner Checks In From The Road
11/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Well, it's that time of year again and we are loving it! I am lounging in a Westin hotel bed (the ones with about 13 pillows and a comforter straight from heaven), watching SportsCenter for the second time today (Kobe needs to share the top 10 with other people, it's just not fair), and slightly mocking my friends in class through instant messenger. Err, I mean, I'm sitting at the desk diligently working on my paper due next week! Well, not quite, but hey, at least I'm honest.
The above scenario means that college basketball season is finally here, classes are conducted through emailing professors, and my wardrobe consists of blue, gray, or black sweats. As for any social life, get back to me in April. How do we do it, you ask? It's easy ? we love basketball. Now, film, practice and weights ? it's pretty safe to say none of us are going to be walking out of that weight room at night jumping with joy because we love the game and consequently have a five page paper looming that night. But ultimately, there is nothing we would rather be doing with our time at Duke. Sure, we are students first (clearly ? see the opening paragraph). But basketball is what brings us all together. That being said, I'm not going to write a dumb jock, stereotypical, overused phrases at their finest, “Basketball is life, the rest is just details” blog. It's just that the first road trip, Cameron Crazies voices reverberating through Cameron, and Jay Bilas back on ESPN gets me all giddy inside. (Did I just say “giddy inside?” What am I, 12 years old?) Well, here are some details of the commencement of the most wonderful time of the year. (And not referring to Christmas...yet!)
I have now been to the other side. No, no...I'm not sporting anything baby blue. I have had the opportunity to become part of the most loved/hated entities of the game ? that of the media. I have an interest in sports broadcasting once I am through playing, and recently a few openings around Duke media have allowed me to be on the mic and in front of the camera. I am so grateful to Cable 13 and Duke Radio Network for the debut in my opinion, Abby's Humorous, Humbling, and Humiliating Broadcasting Career. Who knows, the career could have already come to an end! Nonetheless, I had so much fun sitting up in the over heated, 2-by-2 space of the Crow's Nest, and being on the floor donning what has been termed the “Mickey Mouse Headset” with excitable Cameron Crazies ever so mildly stating that Marty, does in fact, not foul.
They were both incredible experiences and I guess I can never really learn until I throw myself into it ? and throw I did. There were moments of stuttering, repeating, stifling laughter at my stupid remarks, and trying not to yell into the mic when Kyle Singler outright toyed with a defender or Gerald Henderson seemingly flew from the free throw line and practically somersaulted before dunking. So let it be heard here, Abby Waner has a brand new respect for the media and the tough jobs they have. People, just think twice before you yell some choice words at your TV while proceeding to press mute and swearing that your grandma could do a better job commentating than broadcaster X.
We have been in Tampa, Fla. for the past day and a half, and on Wednesday I felt like I was more on vacation than a basketball trip. This was the ESPNU Invitational and we went on a cruise ship dinner last night. Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Florida, and us got all fancied up and mingled amongst each other for the night. While every one of us is pretty fierce competitors, it is nice to see the friendships that have developed amongst the teams despite wanting to embarrass each other on the court. Hey, Pat Summitt was the one who brought up our 19-0 start against Tennessee last year ? not us! And Coach Summitt, your rendition of Rocky Top was quite spectacular; however, the version in the cheerleading outfit from last year was a tad bit more entertaining. We are trying to talk Coach P into wearing the Blue Devil mascot outfit and directing Cameron Indoor Stadium in a sing along to our fight song, what do you say you help join the cause?
There was a point in the night where one player and the head coach from each team were part of a question and answer session with ESPN play by play announcer, Beth Mowins. Now, I need to clear something up and try to salvage a friendship.
Courtney Paris and I have played together for about four summers now and I definitely consider her one of my closest friends in college basketball. Not only is she the most dominant post player in women's basketball history; she is one of the greatest characters and personalities as well. Traveling the world with her and winning gold medals has been a blast, but we developed quite a sarcastic, and rather than a poking-fun-at, it was more like a full out punching-fun-at relationship.
She sure can dish it out, and unfortunately I didn't feel like I got back at her as much as I would have liked to this summer. Therefore, when Beth opened the mic up for questions to other players, I had to jump at my chance. It was really a simple question, and began with, “Court, I think it's amazing that you already have 584 double-double games in a row.” Quite impressive when you think that she has only played in 60 some games. I then proceeded to ask, “But do your teammates get upset at you when you miss your lay ups on purpose just to pad your rebounding stats and blow their assists?”
Her response was exclaiming our friendship is over. So, the secret to Courtney Paris' success is revealed...thank you, thank you very much. However, I am going to publicly throw my heart and dignity on the line and ask Courtney Paris for her friendship back. I apologize, Court, you win.
On a different note, I just want to thank the state of Colorado for making mine and Emily's return home so wonderful. While it was very obviously a season opener with out of sync offense and our fair share of fouls and turnovers, it gave me goose bumps to look up at the end of the game and see an almost sold out arena. Emily and I would not even have had the chance to attend Duke if it weren't for the Colorado coaches, teammates, friends, teachers, and family who shaped us as people and as basketball players. Coming out after the game and seeing people from my elementary school teachers, my fourth grade coach, old classmates, boys I grew up playing against, and the little girls who now dream of playing at Duke, was absolutely surreal. While Duke is on the other side of the country, Colorado is home to me and a place filled with people that have influenced and touched me in a way that is irreplaceable. So thank you to Coach Pam Tanner, Coach P, my parents, and my brother for making this trip happen and one that I will always remember as a highlight of my playing career.
Now that I covered the endorphin filled, sarcastic and sentimental sides of my life ? I'm emotionally spent! Up next, Duke vs. UNC Greensboro at home on Sunday at 2 pm. Come out and help us try to sell the place out! Until then, just remember, basketball is life and the rest is just details!
P.S. The shout out today goes to one of my best friends growing up, Andrew Brown, 21 points and 7 rebounds for Lafayette in an OT win the other night! Too bad he still denies those times I beat him in one on one and still can't beat me in HORSE. Love ya, AB!
Players Mentioned
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