Qualls gets pointers from partner
Had there been a 2-on-2 basketball event for couples, Rain or Shine import Michael Qualls and his partner, Ruvanna Campbell, would have formed an instant winning combination.
Campbell was a standout of University of Illinois and La Salle, where she played college ball, before embarking on a professional basketball career.
Standing 6-foot-3, which is close to the height of Qualls, Campbell also played professional basketball in Israel, Italy and Switzerland.
“She also won a (championship) ring while playing in Switzerland,” Qualls told Daily Tribune in a telephone interview.
Campbell also had a solid campaign playing in Australia and several times was voted Player of the Week while playing for the Mackay Meteorettes.
Four years ago, Campbell was playing in Greece, the same year when Qualls also played in the Philippine Basketball Association with NorthPort, which he helped carry all the way to the semifinal round of the Governors’ Cup.
While playing in Greece, Campbell was one of the key players of AS Niki Lefkadas, averaging 8.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Then, Campbell became a mom and decided to stop playing.
In Qualls’ return tour of duty in the Philippine Basketball Association, he made sure he’ll bring along his family and Campbell has beem nothing but supportive.
During practices, Campbell would work out with Qualls, acting as if she’s a personal trainer, guarding him during the 1-on-1 skills and helping the import in improving his shooting skills.
“She’s there and been helping me out. I made sure that my family would come along with me in my return to the PBA because the Philippines is where I expect to receive phone calls and a possible call up. It’s good that they’ve joined me here,” Qualls added.