Jeff Ruland's basketball career is remembered for his strong presence on the court and his ability to dominate as a center. Born on December 16, 1958, in Bay Shore, New York, Ruland attended Iona College, where he played college basketball and quickly gained attention for his skills. His performance at Iona led to him being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft, although he did not immediately join the NBA.
Instead, Ruland began his professional career overseas, playing for FC Barcelona in Spain. His time in Europe was brief, as he returned to the United States to join the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) in the NBA. Ruland's entry into the NBA marked the beginning of a career characterized by his physical style of play and his ability to score and rebound effectively.
During his tenure with the Bullets, Ruland quickly established himself as a reliable center. He was known for his strong rebounding skills and his ability to score in the paint. Ruland's performance earned him two NBA All-Star selections in 1984 and 1985, highlighting his status as one of the league's top centers during that period. His partnership with fellow Bullets player Rick Mahorn was particularly noteworthy, as the duo became known for their tough and aggressive play.
Unfortunately, Ruland's career was plagued by injuries, which significantly affected his playing time and performance. Knee and foot injuries limited his appearances on the court, and he was eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1986. His time with the 76ers was marred by further injuries, and he played only a handful of games over several seasons.
Despite these setbacks, Ruland attempted a comeback with the 76ers in the early 1990s. Although he showed flashes of his former abilities, his injuries continued to hinder his performance. He eventually retired from professional basketball in 1993, concluding a career that, while promising, was ultimately curtailed by physical ailments.
After retiring as a player, Ruland transitioned into coaching, where he continued to share his knowledge and experience with younger players. His post-playing career included coaching stints at various levels, including college basketball, where he served as the head coach for his alma mater, Iona College.
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