Jeff Ruland was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Continental Basketball Association (CBA) during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score and rebound.
Ruland began his basketball career at Iona College, where he was a standout player. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1980 NBA draft, but he did not make the team. He then played for the Albany Patroons of the CBA for two seasons before being signed by the Washington Bullets in 1982.
Ruland quickly became a key player for the Bullets, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his first season. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and helped lead the Bullets to the playoffs. Ruland continued to be a dominant force for the Bullets over the next few seasons, earning All-Star honors in 1984 and 1985.
Injuries began to take a toll on Ruland's career in the mid-1980s. He missed most of the 1985-86 season with a knee injury and was limited to just 13 games the following season. Despite his injuries, Ruland remained a productive player when he was on the court. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1986 and played there for two seasons before being traded back to the Bullets in 1988.
Ruland's injuries continued to plague him during his second stint with the Bullets. He played in just 13 games in the 1988-89 season and missed the entire 1989-90 season due to injury. He attempted a comeback in 1991 with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he played in just five games before retiring from basketball.
Despite his shortened career, Ruland was a dominant player during his prime. He averaged 17.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game over his career and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1984. He was also a two-time All-Star and helped lead the Bullets to the playoffs four times.
After retiring from basketball, Ruland became a coach. He coached at Iona College from 1998 to 2007 and was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2000. He then coached at the University of the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2010.
In 2011, Ruland returned to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards. He served in that role for two seasons before stepping down due to health issues. Ruland's legacy as a player and coach has made him a beloved figure in the basketball world.
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