Rukavina places focus on team

The story behind Lana Rukavina's jersey number 34 entails a touch o humor.

"I was taking a math test in sixth grade at McArthur Middle School (Prospect Heights)," said Wheeling's 6-foot-2 three-time all-area forward.

"I had no clue about one of the answers for a question, so I just put down 34. And it was right!"

Things have been all right for Wheeling's girls basketball program ever since Rukavina put on the No. 34 jersey as a freshman.

That was also the year coach Shelly Wiegel took over the program, which had gone 11-16 the previous season.

Since Rukavina and Wiegel arrived on the scene, the Wildcats have won at least 20 games each year and become a Northwest suburban girls basketball power.

Wheeling currently is ranked No. 4 in the Class 4A state poll with a 9-1 record.

"We all knew who Lana was, and Derek (Swierczek, assistant coach) and I had officiated some of her feeder games as an eighth grader," Wiegel said.

"She had also attended summer camp the previous year, so we had high expectations of what she could do for the program."

Rukavina hardly let anyone down. This season, she scored the 1,000th point of her career.

"I had never really thought about 1,000 points," said Rukavina, who is a University of Illinois recruit. "I've had so many great memories it's hard to pinpoint just one."

Rukavina sure knows how to pinpoint her bank shot. She can post up and hit the turn-around or she can whirl to the basket and scoop it in underhand.

And don't ease off her when she's not near the basket. Rukavina can burn you with a 3-pointer.

As a child, Rukavina could hardly get away from the game.

Her older brothers Dan and Damir both played at Wheeling and her father Davor played professionally in Europe.

Davor and his wife Mirella brought their family to the United States in 1983 from Croatia.

Each summer, Lana returns to their home country to visit relatives and take a break from competitive basketball .

"My first language is Croation," Lana said. "Obviously being here I had to learn English so I just incorporated both languages."

She also incorporated basketball into a daily routine, attending camps and playing for the Full Package Club during the off-season.

"Basketball just came easy for me," Lana said. "It was almost natural. I don't know how to describe it. It was just a good fit."

Rukavina was always considerably taller than her opponents.

"I felt comfortable right away playing the post," she said. "Sometimes I thought I would try and dribble the ball because it was fun for me."

It's been a fun three years for Rukavina, who has helped turn the Wildcats into an annual power. They compiled records of 25-6, 28-4 and 23-7 the last three seasons and won two regionals.

Each year, Rukavina improved her game. She expanded her shooting range, developed her inside game and blocked shots at a record pace.

Several Division I schools such as Northwestern, Illinois, Iowa, Northern Illinois, University of Chicago and the University of Miami began recruiting Rukavina, who finally chose Illinois.

"When coaches would call and ask about Lana, I would tell them all 6-foot-3 of her is filled with personality," Wiegel said. "She can be very serious at times but can also make the entire team laugh out loud.

"She knows what we expect from her, and she is not afraid to ask questions or talk with the coaching staff about what she sees on the floor in games or practice."

Rukavina plans to study economics at Illinois.

"I like anything that deals with our economy," she said. "I enjoy real life domestics.

"I don't really watch TV much. I'd rather read in my free time. One of my favorite books is The Count of Monte Cristo."

Wheeling will once again count on Rukavina to help lead the Wildcats fortunes this winter.

"Lana understands the game, and we are looking forward to a great senior season from her," Wiegel said. "This is our most talented squad in my four years as head coach, and with her anchoring the inside game, we plan to be a force in the regular season as well as playoffs."

In addition to her 1,150 points, Rukavina also has more than 600 rebounds, 150 blocks and 200 assists.

"Lana is a great team player, and has always put winning ahead of any individual goals," Wiegel said. "Lana has been playing with and against Ashley Wilson and Lindsey Mills every day in practice the last few years, and all three of them have become forces down low."

Wiegel believes Rukavina will have an immediate impact at Illinois and looks forward to following her career in Champaign.

"Before she leaves, though, we hope to take care of a lot of business," the coach added. "Our two goals are winning conference and winning a trophy at state. Lana will have a big part in helping us achieve those goals."