1) What is Charlie's ethnic background?
Some people believe Charlie is either Puerto Rican, African American, Indian, Mixed, or even Filipino because of the last name, but Charlie's background comes from the Caribbean Islands of the Dominican Republic (DR). His mother, Dora Mejia, is from Cabrera, DR and his father, Robert Villanueva, is from the Capitol of Santo Domingo, DR.  

2) Where exactly was Charlie born and raised?
Charlie was born and raised in Queens, NY, a town called Elmhurst, around Elmhurst Avenue and Denman Street. He was actually born in Elmhurst Hospital Center. Charlie now resides in Brooklyn, NY (East New York), where he has spent the last couple of years growing up throughout his high school & college period.

3) Why doesn't Charlie have any facial hair?
This is one of those questions that gets asked a lot and at times can be complicated to answer because it's personal. But, Charlie actually suffers from an autoimmune skin disease called Alopecia Areata, which results in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere in the body. It was something that Charlie had a difficult time with growing up as a child, but also something that has emotionally made him stronger and the man he is today. The skin disease is relatively common, affecting over four million Americans. It is not a life-threatening disease, nor contagious. Charlie is shown a lot of courage being out spoken about his condition and continues to be an example to others as Spokesman for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Read more about Alopecia here: http://www.naaf.org

Charlie's Direct Responses

4) What was the best thing Charlie liked about UConn?
CV: The best thing has got to be the people. Man, they are so friendly and supportive up here. It's tough when entering school year at a new place, but they've been so  welcoming here its unbelievable. I'm happy to be here.

5) What was the best & worst thing Charlie liked about Coach Calhoun?
CV: The best... he let's you make mistakes, then tells and shows you how to fix it the right way. He's all about experience. The more you play, the better you get - practice makes perfect and I'm with that. The worst... hmm, there's nothing really bad to say about him. He's great. I guess the worst would be getting screamed at in the sideline, but that's him doing his job in teaching me the right way of things. There's nothing bad I could say about the man.

6) What made Charlie decide to attend the University of Connecticut?
CV: Simple, just wanted to play with the best and be around the best. Plus, it was close to home, so my family can check out the games.

7) What was going on through Charlie's mind in the beginning of your freshmen college season, during the NCAA investigation?
CV: The only thing that kept popping up in my mind, when is this all going to end. I felt like that whole process would never end. But, I had to keep my head up high and stay patient. It really helped to have the support of my family, coaches, teammates, and the fans. I'm glad they were there for me.

8) At Charlie's freshmen college season opener (vs. Lehigh), how did it feel to make his first collegiate basket? 
CV: Wow! That was an amazing feeling. It felt really, really, really good. I felt like a big load just flew off my back. After that shot, my mind was set to helping the team get the W (win). It felt even better to follow up that shot with a 3-pointer. That's got to be my favorite shot.

9) How did Charlie first get into playing the game of basketball?
CV: Well, my first love was actually baseball. But, around where I grew up at, everybody played everything - from football to stickball. And basketball was definitely a sport we played enough off and I enjoyed playing it in the streets of NYC. In addition, my older brothers played organized ball. I was forced to play against the older guys starting at the age of 10. We would always compete.

10) Who did Charlie look up to while growing up?
CV: I would have to say my older brothers. They kept me under their wings at all times. Plus kept me out of trouble. And always guided me towards the right direction. Never steered me wrong.

11) Who does Charlie look up to now?
CV: Now, I think my entire family. Each member of my family has something that inspires me and brings joy to my life. 

12) Who does Charlie admire the most in his life?
CV: That would have to be my mom. Without her, Charlie Villanueva would never exists and this is something I recognize. She struggle like your typical single mom, but through the bad and the worst, she always kept her head up high and continue to work hard to give us the best she could.

13) Are there any other active athletes in your family?
CV: One my brothers, Rob Carlos, played collegiate ball. He played his final year at Queens College (D-2). He's did really good this year. He's just a bit shorter than me, standing at 6'6". Plus another one of my older brothers, Rob Elias, played a while back through out high school and college, in Uptown Manhattan (George Washington). He's about 6'3". When ever we get a chance, we play against each other, one-on-ones, one-on-twos; those guys are very competitive.

14) How was it playing with high school teammate Luol Deng?
CV: Oh, great!  There was no type of animosity between us. It was just two great players with the same goal of winning games and going to the state championship. We got along really well. He was my roommate my first year. So, he helped me fit in and made me feel at home. He will always remain a good friend of mine.

15) What does Charlie do during his spare time?
CV: If I'm not at the gym, I'll hang out with my brothers or teammates. Normally, just chill out at home catching up on my video games skill or exploring my huge DVD movie collection.

16) What is Charlie's motivation? What makes him wake up?
CV:  Opportunity. To me, it's a once an a lifetime opportunity to be placed in the position I'm in. It's a great feeling. And I need to take advantage of the opportunity that God has provided me with and excel to my fullest potential. My slogan is "I Believe" and I will continue to do so.

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