Arrigoni Hall of Fame
One of the finest all-around players to ever wear the Iona uniform, Jeff Ruland was instrumental in putting the Gaels’ basketball program on the national map.
In his three seasons at Iona, Ruland was truly a dominant force, bursting onto the scene to lead the Gaels and the nation’s freshmen in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage en route to ECAC Rookie-of-the-Year honors. The dominance continued as the 6-10 center led Iona to a three-year record of 69-21 (.767) and the Gaels’ first two NCAA Tournament appearances.
When his collegiate career came to an end, Ruland owned numerous Iona career records, including points (1,855)-never averaging less than 20 points a game-field goal percentage (.635) and blocked shots (134)-all in only 89a games.
The two-time All-America (1979 and 1980) went on to be a second round selection (25th overall) in the 1981 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. A trade to the Washington Bullets was finalized prior to his rookie season-a year which saw him earn All-Rookie and All-Star laurels based on his 14.4 point per game average. His finest professional season came in 1983-84 when he led Washington with 22.2 points and 12.3 rebounds a game.
His totals over his six NBA seasons with Washington and Philadelphia read 17.5 points a game, 10.8 rebounds a game and 263 blocks.
