Malvern Prep's Rullo named Neumann basketball coach

Malvern Prep basketball coach Jim Rullo stepped down Monday morning to accept the head coaching position at Neumann University, Malvern athletic director Kurt Ruch said.

The hiring was confirmed Monday afternoon by Neumann athletic director Chuck Sack. Rullo also was named the Aston school's assistant athletic director.

"I will take on this challenge with the same attitude, passion, and work ethic that has proven to be successful for me as a Division 1 player, college assistant coach, and head high school coach," Rullo said.

Rullo, 41, guided Malvern Prep to a pair of Inter-Ac titles as he compiled a 61-26 league record in seven seasons. Before that he spent a year as an assistant coach at Drexel, his alma mater, and two seasons at Hobart College.

"We are excited to welcome Jim and his family to our Neumann University community," Sack said. "His prior experiences as college student-athlete and as a successful head coach make him a great fit for us institutionally."

Rullo lives in West Deptford with his wife, Maureen, and two daughters.

"We wish him luck and success with his new position," Ruch said.

"I wished them only the best and told them I was only a phone call away if I could help them down the road," Rullo said. "When you look at this opportunity, I'd be a little bit of a hypocrite if I didn't take it. We always preached grabbing an opportunity when it came."