Jan. 18, 2000

by Kara Stachowiak,
Athletic Public Relations Student Assistant

KS: Why did you choose to be a part of the Fighting Illini basketball program?
VC: "They were the first to show interest in me. There was also a sincerity in the way they recruited me. I felt this was where I belonged. I also liked the idea of staying in the state."

KS: What were your expectations when you decided to come to the University of Illinois?
VC: "I came to obtain a quality degree. I also wanted to be the best player I could be, and I wanted to be on a team that was successful at the highest possible level of competition."

KS: How has your experience at Illinois lived up to your expectations?
VC: "I'm graduating in May, so as far as the degree goes, I'm almost there. We are playing against great competition night in and night out. I've been a lot of places I probably would not have had a chance to visit otherwise, and I've met a lot of great people and close friends."

KS: What would you still like to accomplish during your Illinois career?
VC: "I'd like to get a 4.0 grade point average. I have one semester left, so I'll be working hard this semester to achieve that. I'd like another ring too--Conference or Final Four, it doesn't matter. I'll take whatever. I'd also like to keep in touch with my friends. I don't want to lose them once my basketball career is over."

KS: Which one of your teammates are you closest to?
VC: "Nate Mast. I have the most respect for him. In his position as a walk-on he had the cards stacked against him, and he has still accomplished a lot. He earned the scholarship and the playing time. Even in his position he is not afraid to speak up, even if it is not the popular thing to do. He's not worried about what other people might think."

KS: If you had to use one word to describe your career, what would it be and why?
VC: "Misunderstood. A lot of people don't know what goes on beneath the surface. I have had to deal with a lot more than what people know about, and it alters their image of me."

KS: What do you wish could have been different about your career?
VC: "I wish we could have beaten Purdue. That is something that is going to live with me forever. It will always be in the back of my mind. I only have a few chances left."