Jeff Ruland is accustomed to making an impact.
Twenty-six years ago, as an All-American basketball player, Ruland made a lasting and immediate impact at Iona College, firmly placing the New Rochelle school among the nation’s top college basketball programs.
During his three-year career, Ruland was an All-American honoree, helping lead the Gaels to a stellar 69-21 record, including back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Iona was ranked #6 in the country according to Sports Illustrated and defeated eventual national champion Louisville, 77-60, at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 1980.
Just as Ruland made history playing on Iona’s hardwood, he has equaled his accomplishments on the sidelines.
For the past eight years as head coach, Ruland has compiled 137 wins - an average of more than 17 wins per season - and has guided the Gaels to three 20-win seasons, three MAAC Championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
The 2005-06 campaign was historic for the Gaels in many ways. Most importantly, Ruland led Iona to its MAAC record seventh conference title and eighth NCAA tournament appearance. Along the way, Coach Ruland mentored an impressive 89-72 win over No. 23 Iowa State to capture the Cyclone Challenge in Ames, IA. He also became the school's number two all-time winningest coach behind former Iona Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Jim McDermott.
In 2002-2003, Ruland guided the Gaels to a win over No. 22 ranked North Carolina at Madison Square Garden. The win was Iona’s first versus a nationally ranked opponent since his playing days against Louisville.
His 2000-2001 squad became the first MAAC team in 11 years to successfully defend its league crown, finishing with a 22-11 record - the second straight 20-win season. In 1999-2000 - his second season - Ruland became the fastest coach in school history to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament. The 1999-2000 team finished with a record of 20-11, including wins in 15 of the last 16 contests, to earn the trip to the Big Dance.
In March of 2001, Ruland and Iona took the next step in solidifying their place among the top mid-major schools in the country, signing a long-term deal which will keep him at the helm of the Gaels through the 2008-2009 season.
With success past and present as a pillar, Ruland aims to continue to impact Iona Basketball history and again return Iona College Basketball to national prominence.
Ruland was introduced as the 10th head coach in Iona College history on April 6, 1998 and immediately made it clear that he was here to stay. “I have no aspirations to coach anywhere else,” said Ruland, “I’m committed to Iona College.”
Ruland returned to Iona in 1995 as the top assistant on Tim Welsh’s coaching staff. During his three seasons as an assistant, Ruland was instrumental in helping Iona compile a three-year overall record of 70-22, capture three straight MAAC regular season titles, and make a trip to the 1998 NCAA Tournament as well as appearances in the 1996 and 1997 NIT tournaments.
As a student-athlete, Ruland had an immediate impact during his first season playing for the Gaels. He led all Division I freshmen in scoring and rebounding, averaging 22.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. During the following two seasons, Ruland continued to impress, twice leading the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament and twice receiving All-American accolades. He ended his collegiate career as the college’s third all-time leading scorer (1,855 points/20.8 ppg) and second leading rebounder (1,067 rebounds/12.0 rpg). In addition, he is Iona’s career leader in field goal percentage (63.5%). Ruland passed up his final year of college eligibility to turn pro.
Ruland was drafted by the Golden State Warriors as an undergraduate in the second round (25th overall) of the 1980 NBA draft, but opted to play one season of professional basketball in Barcelona, Spain, where he averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game. His draft rights were traded by Golden State to Washington in 1981 for a second round draft pick.
Ruland spent five seasons in Washington and led the Bullets in rebounding and field goal percentage each of those five years. He was selected to the 1984 and 1985 Eastern Conference All-Star teams and named to the 1982 NBA All-Rookie squad. His best season in Washington, and as a professional, came during the 1983-84 campaign when he averaged 22.2 points and 12.3 rebounds while shooting 57.9% from the floor.
Following the 1983-84 season, Ruland suffered a left knee injury that limited him to just 72 games over the next three seasons. Prior to the 1986-87 campaign, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Moses Malone, Terry Catledge and two future first round draft picks. He played in just five games for the Sixers before his knee injury forced him to retire.
Following a five-year layoff, Ruland came out of retirement in 1991 and signed with the 76ers. He played in just 13 games before a tear to his Achilles tendon forced him to miss the remainder of the season. His last stint in the NBA came during the 1992-93 season when the Detroit Pistons signed him to a free agent contract. He played in 11 games before being waived in January of 1993.
During his 332-game NBA career, that spanned eight seasons, Ruland averaged 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 56.4% from the field.
In 1993, Ruland made the transition from player to coach when he was hired as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers under head coach Fred Carter. He spent one season with the Sixers before returning to Iona.
Coach Ruland's three daughters, Courtney, 22 (who is finishing her degree at Burlington (N.J.) Community College), Whitney, 19 (now a sophomore at Cabrini (Pa.) College), and Britney, 16 a junior in high school) are his pride and joy.
