A two-time All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference forward at the University of Missouri, he took over the head coaching position of his alma-mater in 1920.

Both of Ruby's Missouri teams were retroactively named national champions by the Premo-Porretta Power Poll.

[1] Ruby was subsequently recruited by University of Illinois athletic director George Huff to take over the Fighting Illini’s men's basketball coaching duties.

[2] Ruby and legendary Kansas coach Phog Allen actively campaigned together for higher baskets to offset the advantage of tall centers.

[4] Ruby retired from coaching to pursue a career with the Kansas City-based, Hallmark greeting card company at the age of 39.