But coaches realize that newcomers have a lot to learn. Goestenkors said Waner, who has the benefit of veteran leadership around her, sometimes needs to slow down and take fewer risks.

Baylor coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson tries to simplify things when her freshmen take the court. That happens often since the Bears have just 10 players on their roster.

"You want to keep it simple and make them comfortable with what you're doing," Mulkey-Robertson said. "You don't want them to have to think so much."

It seems to be working. Baylor has three freshmen who are averaging at least 13 minutes a game. But as simple as coaches and teammates try to make things, mistakes will still be made.

Baylor senior Chameka Scott recalls a game in which freshman Rachel Allison threw a pass from the block. The ball flew straight to the Baylor bench.

"She threw the ball to nobody," Scott said. "Our bench was wide open, but they couldn't play."

Whether they're there for the pass or not, Scott said it's up to everyone to be there for the newcomers.

"Sometimes, there's so much information, they look at you with this blank look, and you just shake your head," Scott said. "You know they aren't listening, but you understand. You've been there, and it's a lot to take in. It's on our shoulders to show them how to be prepared."

Five fabulous freshmen

Marissa Coleman, Maryland, 6-1, G/F -- She has earned rookie of the week honors three times and is making a push for ACC Freshman of the Year.

Rashanda McCants, North Carolina, 6-1, F -- Brother Rashad was a star for the Tar Heels, and Rashanda will be too. She's the Heels' top scorer off the bench, with 8.9 points per game.

Courtney Paris, Oklahoma, 6-4, C -- She is ranked second in the nation in rebounding (14.7 per game) sixth in scoring (21.4) and 12th in field goal percentage (.612).

Candace Parker, Tennessee, 6-3, F -- The much-awaited return of Parker, a redshirt freshman, is a major reason why the Lady Vols are the favorites to win the national title.

Abby Waner, Duke, 5-10, G -- A versatile contributor who can play either guard spot, she leads the Blue Devils with 2.6 steals a game.

Safe at home

Kansas had the right idea. With 11 non-conference home games, the Jayhawks built a perfect record and a lot of confidence. That even carried over to a victory in their Big 12 opener. Kansas upset Texas, beating the Longhorns for the first time in seven tries. The 12th consecutive victory was also a school record.

The only problem is you can't play them all at home. As soon as the Jayhawks left Allen Fieldhouse, they lost two straight.

Stronger than expected

Many expected Michigan State to struggle a bit in the paint with the graduation of Kelly Roehrig, who provided muscle on the block. But forward Liz Shimek seems to be doing just fine. She leads the Big Ten in scoring with 19.6 points a game and is also averaging 8.8 rebounds -- tied for first in the league. In December, the WBCA chose her as co-player of the month. She shared the honor with Oklahoma's Courtney Paris.