Fuller's health crucial to Iowa's success

IOWA CITY - Aaron Fuller's back on two healthy legs, and Iowa is reaping the rewards from it.

Fuller, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, posted his second consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound performance on Saturday, and both resulted in wins for Iowa. He was physical at both ends of the court, but particularly on the offensive end. Fuller grabbed seven offensive boards, including five in the first half.

He's come a long way since spraining his ankle against Bowling Green in mid-November. He could barely walk on it for a month. He missed two games and played just sparingly in eight others.

“I think he finally has two good wheels,” Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter said when asked about Fuller's recent surge.

Fuller, 20, showed flashes last year, including a 16-point effort at Penn State, but he was overmatched inside by stronger, more physical players. Now Fuller can match interior players in strength, and his skill is apparent.

“If you look at him, you can see how hard he's worked in the off-season,” Lickliter said. “He was always a good offensive rebounder, but now he has the strength to add to it.

“You can't ask a kid to get double-doubles all the time, but as long as he keeps going to the offensive glass like that, he's going to be very productive.”

Fuller now averages 7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds a game. He said getting in good position is one key to his success.

"I just want to keep being aggressive,"  Fuller said. "Opportunities have come to me and I just took advantage of it. I'm not trying to force any shots, just trying to take good shots and get my guys open."