Hall of Fame
Jeff Armstrong was one of Coach Ben Foster’s first key recruits at PLC. An outstanding player he was an “old school” guard who could play the point or the shooting guard position equally well. He also was an excellent defender and could rebound expertly.
In his two years, 75-76 and 76-77, Jeff scored 758 points, with a plus 50% from the field and over 75% from the free throw line. He handed out 232 assists and pulled down108 rebounds. Jeff’s senior year was his best. He led the team in scoring, assists, free throw percentage and had a career high 35 point game against California Baptist. His successes, all around skill, court intelligence, work ethic and competitive drive brought many accolades. His honors included selections to the All-League, All-District, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and NCCAA All-American teams.
More importantly, Jeff’s ability and leadership played a big role in elevating Point Loma Nazarene basketball back into NAIA District 3 prominence. In his second year, Jeff helped guide the Crusaders to the playoffs where they reached the District 3 Championship game. Maybe one of the finest compliments to Jeff came in the form of the opposing teams decision to play a “Box and One” defense in a 1977 NAIA District 3 Championship game in which Jeff still scored 21 points.
Following college, Jeff had a L.A. Lakers tryout that actually led to his accepting a job with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters where he traveled around the world as a member of their opposing teams, the Washington Generals and California Chiefs, for four years. He began his coaching career as an assistant at UCSD and became the head coach at Granite Hills H.S. He also coached four years in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern teams.
Jeff and his wife, Renate, and their children Lucas, 15 and Lindsey, 12 live in San Diego. Jeff has been an outstanding coach at West Hills H.S. in Santee with boy’s varsity basketball and girl’s golf. He has won over 350 games and eight league championships.
Jeff, it is an honor to welcome you as a member of the Point Loma Nazarene Athletic Hall of Fame in the category of basketball athlete. Congratulations.
