Rebounding Leader
(I wasn’t able to put in everything I wanted, my recorder broke so I couldn’t get all the quotes but he is what I got.)
Quickly, how many can name the Big Ten’s leading rebounder in conference play? Of all the great players in the league this year, many people may not have guessed Iowa’s Aaron Fuller was number one. But after coming off a double-double of 30 points and 13 rebounds in a loss against Michigan on February 16, Fuller has solidified his spot atop the league in conference games.
“I didn’t even know till coach [Lickliter] told me,” Fuller said. “It’s an effort thing, I try to help my team out and I go hard to the glass on the offensive and defensive side.”
Fuller is a sophomore forward from Mesa, Arizona who has seen his role on the team become more prominent this season. His success may be pointed to the fact that he has raised his bench press to 285 pounds or he has gained 15 pounds since last season. Or it may be the fact that his dad is his childhood hero and the major influence in his life.
“He always taught me to play hard,” Fuller said, “He wanted me to stay focused and make every play.” Fuller’s success on the glass this season may come as a shock to some, but to his coach, he was not in awe one bit.
“Our offense is really playing to his strength now,” Lickliter said. “We send three guys to the boards every shot and he seems to find the ball, he’s as good as an offensive rebounder as there is.”
Lickliter mentioned how impressed he is that Fuller can play the whole game and not get worn out. He mentioned how having to rebound and get back on defense can be quite tiring and he has shown toughness.
Spending your winters in the cold blustery state of Iowa can be a turn off to some recruits but Fuller liked what he saw in the program. “I liked the togetherness that coach preached, I liked the family atmosphere,” Fuller said.
Fuller’s time isn’t all centered around basketball though. He is majoring in informatics, and he wants to have a career somewhere in the computer software field. When not playing basketball or studying for his classes, Fuller likes to take a lot of naps and play video games.
“I can’t think of what my best video game is,” Fuller said, “But it is fun to play the NCAA basketball game and play as yourself, I personally prefer the shooting games though.”
As far as the music he delves into, Fuller mentioned how a lot of his teammates say he looks like the hip-hop artist Drake. “I listen to all types of music, but I would have to say I enjoy rap the most,” Fuller said, “And as far as favorite artist, I would have to say Drake.”
With such a young team, players can be forced to overcome many obstacles. Fuller was injured early in the season with a high ankle sprain and he sat out a few games. Coming off the injury he stayed focused and played had just like his dad always taught him.
“It’s tough losing all these games,” Fuller said. “But we are a team that is very close and we all play hard.”
Fuller next will see the court Thursday, Feb. 25 at Northwestern with tip off at 6 p.m. When Iowa played the Wildcats at home a few weeks ago, they had their best shooting performance of the year and won handily. Fuller had 13 points and 11 boards in the contest and he hopes to continue the trend of double-doubles in Evanston tomorrow night.
