Ruoff’s journey from West Virginia sharpshooter to assistant coach

As a former Mountaineer himself, assistant coach Alex Ruoff understands the essence of WVU basketball. His journey from college player to professional player and now into coaching has brought him full circle.

“When I arrived here in 2005, the program was not what it is today,” Ruoff said. “It’s our responsibility to continue building on what has already been established. We must approach this in a way that best represents the people of this state.”

Ruoff began his Mountaineers journey in 2006 and quickly became known as a lights-out scorer from beyond the arc. Throughout his four-year career in the Coliseum, he became the all-time leader in three-point field goals made at WVU, with a total of 261.

After his playing days, Ruoff became a legend for WVU men’s basketball, ranking in the top ten in multiple career categories, including seventh in assists and sixth in steals. He also finished as the 18th-highest scorer in school history.

Proving himself as a winner, Ruoff led the Mountaineers to three NCAA tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 appearances and an NIT Championship, throughout his 127-game career.

Following his college career, Ruoff played in the NBA summer leagues for the Washington Wizards in 2009 and the Brooklyn Nets (formerly New Jersey Nets) in 2010. He then embarked on a 12-season overseas journey, playing for teams in Japan, Spain, Belgium, Finland, and Germany.

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Now, combining his knowledge from both the college and professional game, Ruoff finds joy in watching and being a part of the players’ preparation for the next level as an assistant coach.

“The game has evolved, and it’s fascinating to see how players now prepare for the next level. It’s very different compared to my time as a player. Kids today have adapted well to this style of play, and it’s the style they want. It’s fun, it’s fast-paced, and it involves everyone. I believe kids will continue to enjoy it, and it will only get better,” Ruoff said.

Ruoff’s journey has now brought him back to WVU, where he joined the staff as a graduate assistant last season while pursuing a master’s degree in sport management. The opportunity to learn from former head coach and hall of famer Bob Huggins was too good to pass up.

“Overseas basketball is special, but when it becomes just a job, being away from family and friends for ten months takes away the joy. After talking with Coach Huggins about joining the staff and coaching in the future, I knew it was the right move for me,” Ruoff said.

During his first year on the staff, Ruoff absorbed knowledge from Huggins and eagerly fulfilled any task assigned to him.

“Learning behind Bob Huggins was an incredible experience. As a graduate assistant, I rebounded for the players and took on any other roles the staff needed. I also had the opportunity to be more involved in scouting. It was an invaluable learning experience,” Ruoff said.

With Huggins’ resignation in the summer of 2023, former assistant Josh Eilert was promoted to interim head coach, and Ruoff transitioned into a full-time assistant coach role. He is joined by fellow former players Jordan McCabe and Da’Sean Butler on the coaching staff for the 2023-24 season.

As Ruoff embraces his expanded role at WVU, he values the opportunity to bond with Eilert and make connections with others in the program.

“I was thrilled when Josh [Eilert] retained me after he was named coach. The time between coaches was special and also quite stressful. It allowed us to bond,” Ruoff said.

Heading into his first season as an assistant coach, Ruoff acknowledges the guidance he has received from senior advisor James Dickey and cherishes the connections he has made in his new role.

“I have learned that this profession is filled with wonderful people. Having Coach Dickey on the staff has been a blessing. Recruiting is new to me, but I enjoy meeting and connecting with people,” Ruoff said.

Besides recognizing the strengths of this season’s team, Ruoff is ready to coach the Mountaineers in their areas for improvement.

“We do many things well, such as ball-sharing and having high IQ and character players who are coachable. However, we need to be tougher in coaching and holding each other accountable. We should improve our rebounding, both individually and as a team. Our on-ball defense is good, but we need to enhance our weak-side defense and rotations. We need to develop a strong team defense mentality,” Ruoff said.