Albuquerque Thunderbirds Head Coach Ruland to NBA's 76ers
August 22, 2008 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque N.M. August 22, 2008 - Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that Albuquerque Thunderbirds Head Coach Jeff Ruland has accepted an Assistant Coaching position with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. Ruland's main area of concentration will be to work with and help develop the Sixers post players.
Prior to coaching the Thunderbirds, Ruland was head coach of his alma mater, Iona, helping the Gaels secure three NCAA Tournament berths during his nine seasons at the helm.
A two-time NBA All-Star, Ruland appeared in 332 career games with 189 starts, averaging a point-rebound double-double with 17.4 ppg and 10.2 rpg. His best season came with Washington in 1983-84 when he led the NBA in minutes played while averaging 22.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
In June of 1986, the Sixers acquired Ruland and Cliff Robinson from the Bullets in exchange for Moses Malone, Terry Catledge and two first round draft picks. However, a knee injury forced Ruland to retire after just five games with the Sixers. Five years later, he came out of retirement to join the Sixers during the 1991-92 season, but suffered a torn Achilles after appearing in 13 games.
Following his second retirement from the NBA in 1993, Ruland again returned to the Sixers, this time as an assistant coach on Fred Carter's staff during the 1993-94 season. In 1995, Ruland was hired as an assistant coach at Iona College by Tim Welsh, who most recently completed a 10-year run as head coach at Providence College.
During his playing career at Iona, Ruland was coached by the legendary Jim Valvano. Ruland played for several coaches during his NBA career, including two current members of the Sixers staff, assistant coach Jim Lynam and scout Gene Shue.
Ruland came to the Thunderbirds during the 2007-2008 season, taking over for UNM alum and current head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, Michael Cooper. While in Albuquerque Ruland's vivacity and spirit made him a favorite amongst Thunderbirds fans. The team's 22-28 record was hard-fought and reflected the dedication in Ruland's coaching. When asked about his time in Albuquerque with the Thunderbirds Ruland reminisced, "I owe a lot to the Thunderbirds and the ownership there. Sam Bregman and David Kahn played a large part in my move back to the NBA. I am a shining example of how the NBA Development League continues to prosper and promote, not only players, but coaches as well."
Albuquerque Thunderbirds Chief Operating Officer Chris Holland's comments on Jeff Ruland's move to the NBA illustrate the functionality of the NBA Development League system: ""One of the goals of the NBA Development League is to develop coaches to take the next step. The Thunderbirds are proud of our track record in developing our personnel into NBA caliber people. Moving forward for this season, we're speaking with a few top coaching prospects who will continue to strive to bring back another D-League Championship to Albuquerque."
Upon hearing the news of Coach Ruland's new position, local owner Sam Bregman commented "Jeff Ruland is a class act in every way and we wish him all the success in the world with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will always be a member of the T-Birds family." Southwest Basketball L.L.C. owner David Kahn also responded, "We are very excited for Jeff. The Philadelphia job puts him close to home and puts him in a prominent position with a rising power in the Eastern Conference. We wish him nothing but the best." When asked about the vacancy Ruland's absence creates with the Thunderbirds coaching staff Kahn said. "We are committed to having a new head coach for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds by early September."
Thunderbirds Assistant Coach, John Coffino celebrated his friend's move to the NBA by saying, "I'm very excited for Jeff. It's a great opportunity for a great guy and I wish him all the best." With Jeff Ruland's absence John Coffino is one of several candidates eligible for the Thunderbirds' head coaching position.
Coach Jeff Ruland is the 19th coach in NBA D-League history to be called up to an NBA team.
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