Editor's note: Oklahoma's Stacey Dales, a Kodak All-American in 2000-01, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season.

Dec. 3, 2001

I can't believe December is already here. It seems like just yesterday that the semester was beginning and now it's coming to an end. I'm not complaining about it being December, though, because that means basketball is in full swing and Christmas is right around the corner.

	Stacey Dales was the 2000-01 Big 12 Player of the Year.

Basketball has been going good so far this season. The team is 8-0 and we are improving with every game. It took me a few weeks to find my rhythm, but I just have to learn to relax and concentrate in order to play my best game. Unfortunately, we still have a lot of weaknesses to work on, but that's to be expected at this point of the season. I don't think we have played to our potential this far and that's to be expected, as well. There were some hints and glimmers of our potential in our games against TCU and Wichita State, but there's still a lot of work to be done between now and the conference season.

Speaking of last week, I had no idea I broke the assists record against TCU. After the game that night, my parents called and congratulated me. That was the first I knew about it. I think it's a great accomplishment in my basketball career, and I am proud of it. I take a lot of pride in passing the basketball. It shows that you play for an unselfish basketball team, and that's what I like.

I feel that I am not only an unselfish person on the basketball court but in everyday life. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. This is my view on Christmas: I would rather give someone 10 gifts and receive nothing because that brings me the greatest joy. I love figuring out things to get my parents, maybe clothing they wouldn't go out and buy for themselves.

Christmas is the one time of the year you get to celebrate family, and I always look forward to the holidays so much. I am going to spend Christmas here with my fianc´, Chris, and my two dogs. My parents will be here on the 26th for a week, and Chris' parents will be here a few days later to celebrate New Year's.

I have already managed to get some shopping done. The team had last Friday and Saturday off, so I went shopping and got some presents. As far as my Christmas list, it is short and practical. I asked for sheets, cookware and maybe a sweater. Is it December 25th yet?

Go Sooners!

For more on Stacey Dales and the Sooners, visit Oklahoma's official athletic site.