By Steven Bartolotta, October 27, 2009, 3:39 p.m.   

It's less than nine days until the North Texas women's basketball team begins the exhibition season and through nearly two weeks of practice Shanice Stephens continues the feeling out process of her team.

Over 40 percent of this roster is made up of freshman so when you think of a learning curve, think of this. (That is my favorite economic buzz word for some reason).

Lekevia "Keke" Taylor is getting the first shot to win the point guard position. At 5-5, she is small but possesses lighting quick speed. The problem for Taylor will be, she's a freshman. Learning the system and position is just going to take experience for her. Stephens has used a lot of these practices getting ready to handle the quarterback position.

Behind Taylor and competition with her are Ravven Brown and even Caitlin Hawkins. Brown was the late signee in the summer from George. Hawkins, who is a natural shooter, is getting some time at the PG spot because there isn't much depth there right now.

The common denominator with all three. Freshman. Not an excuse, just a reality.

The one player getting a lot of attention for her play thus far is Brittney James. Heading into her senior season, James has really embraced a leadership role on this team. Her ability has never been in question, but her ability to show it for 40 minutes hasn't always been there. This year looks different.

Her body language, attitude, and play on the court seem (which is the bottom line) in line with her talent thus far.

The transfers, Niq'ky Hughes and Brittney Hudson are going to have big impacts. Hudson, coming off off-season knee surgery, is still working herself back into form but she has reminded me of why I wanted her to be eligible last season.

Hughes, is a lanky athletic player who is going to do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to scoring and filling the void. A lot of people are wondering who and how is North Texas going to replace the 75 percent scoring it lost from last season? Hughes, a Texas transfer, is gonna be one answer.

One of the newcomers is bringing back memories of Kim Blanton from 2003 season and that would be Jasmine Godbolt She is built a lot like Blanton, except bigger and maybe stronger. Blanton, if you remember, was one of the best athletes the program has ever had, but not the best basketball player. She was an all-conference performer before her career ended but was feared for her athletic ability.

Godbolt, not nearly as raw as Blanton was as a freshman, looks the part on both sides of the ball. She is much more polished than Blanton, so don't be surprised if she cracks the starting lineup.

A lot still needs to be worked on for this team between now and Nov 5. At times "94 feet of heat" has been a code word for running when the mistakes have kept piling up for this team, but as we inch closer to the start of the season, the heat is only just beginning.

The question is will North Texas have the last laugh.