This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2022
Prior to leading North Carolina State to the 1983 NCAA title, Jim Valvano's biggest basketball accomplishment was likely his successful recruitment of high school All-American center Jeff Ruland to play for him at Iona College. Ruland delivered as an All-American for "Jimmy V" at Iona before jumping to the NBA with the Washington Bullets. He continued his success at the next level by reaching NBA All-Star status, named to the East squads in 1984 and 1985.
Presented here is Jeff's full game worn uniform from the 1984 mid-season East-West classic played in Denver, Colorado. The Doctor lit up McNichols Arena that evening with 34 points in the Eastern Conference's 154-145 OT victory, but it was teammate Isiah Thomas who took home MVP honors with 21 points and 15 assists. Ruland contributed six points, four rebounds and two dimes in 13 minutes off the bench. For the 1983-84 season, the 6' 10" big man posted career-best averages of 22.2 points and 12.3 rebounds for the Bullets.
The '84 ASG jersey and shorts are each made by Medalist Sand-Knit and show the typical light wear common for a one-game uni. The bright red jersey with blue and white trim is tagged on the left front tail with size 46 and 4" extra length indicated. The front has "EAST" and "ALL STARS" ironed on in white with blue outline, along with several white and blue stars running down the armpits and sides. Jeff's No. "43" appears front and back in white, with "RULAND" also in white across the upper back. The red "short shorts" with similar blue and white trim have "EAST" ironed on both thighs in white, and are tagged behind the rear waistband with size "38" indicated. The unique features and colors can only be found on '84 ASG uniforms (color pattern on West unis is reversed). The hobby-fresh uniform comes from Mr. Ruland's personal collection with a signed letter of provenance. We are confident that this jersey would pass MEARS with flyng colors (mostl likely A10 grade); however, our consignor did not see the point in paying a substantial authentication fee since it already has a letter from Ruland.