10 Questions with UIC's Ruvanna Campbell

INDIANAPOLIS--After UIC's victory at Butler on Dec. 7, Cam Fuller talked with Ruvanna Campbell. After sitting out the 2012-13 season due to NCAA transfer rules, the sophomore guard has the Flames off to a 6-2 start.

Meet Ruvanna Campbell
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’3”
Position: Forward 
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
High School: Crane
Previous: La Salle

2013-14 Season (Sophomore)
- Averaging 15.0 points, 10.9 rebounds per game. 
- UIC is 4-1 in games in which the forward posts a double-double.

2012-13 Season (Transferred to UIC)
- Transferred to UIC and sat out per NCAA transfer rules.

2011-12 Season (Freshman)
- Started 25 games for La Salle and averaged 28.2 minutes per game.
- Ranked as the Atlantic 10's top freshmen rebounder (7.6) and shot blocker (1.5).

UIC never trailed in the team's 62-57 win at Butler on Nov. 7. What were the keys to victory?
Well, basically it just took all of us to come out and do what we practice and I just played my role and did what coach wanted me to do. Rachel Story did exactly what coach wanted her to do and so did Katie Hannemann, they played well.

The win against Butler matches the Flames’ best eight-game start in the program’s Division I era. After starting the season 0-2, what has been the biggest difference over the six-game win streak?
The first two loses were basically a wakeup call for us. We knew we had to get in the gym and get better and make some changes. We’ve been getting in the gym on our own, getting shots up and working harder and competing in practice.

Senior guard Rachel Story was injured and didn’t participate in the first two games. What does the guard bring to the line-up that was missing? 
Rachel is a good, impact player. She goes hard to the basket and she’s a good shooter so she has been a good addition to our team.

Through the first eight games you are averaging 15.0 points, 10.9 rebounds per game. Individually, can you think of a better way to start your career in a UIC jersey?
No, no. I just want to go out there and play my best.

In your freshman campaign at La Salle you led the Atlantic 10 freshman in rebounding (7.6 per game) and this season you lead the Horizon League in rebounding (10.9 per game). What do you attribute your success on the boards to?
I mean I just go and get it, I know I want every rebound. If I don’t get the first shot, coach wants me to get the second so that’s what I do.

After starting your playing career at La Salle in Philadelphia, Pa., how exciting is it to be back in your hometown of Chicago?
It’s very exciting, I wanted to get back closer to home. My family gets to come and I’m around friends and all of my high school friends. It’s just very exciting.

If you had to explain coach Regina Miller with one word, what would it be?
Exciting. Just the way she coaches, she’s always happy and she wants us to go and get it. She just tells us she wants us to have the attitude she has.

Who is the funniest girl on the team?
Megan Wallace. She’s just funny, I can’t really explain her you just have to meet her.

Where is the best place to get a meal in Chicago?
The chipotle buffalo wings at Lucky’s (Sandwich Company).

If there’s one thing to expect from UIC this season, what is it?
We are always going hard, working hard.