Iona coach Jeff Ruland was quite humble yesterday at Madison Square Garden, where the Gaels were announced as the preseason choice to win the MAAC championship.

“I don’t understand that,” Ruland said of the voting performed by the league’s coaches.

Eventually, he may.

The Gaels, who went 15-16 last season, return five seniors, including guards Steve Burtt, a preseason first-team pick, and Ricky Soliver, a second-team choice.

Manhattan was selected second and Canisius third.

St. Peter’s senior guard Keydren Clark, who led the nation in scoring the last two seasons, was named preseason Player of the Year. Clark, who averaged 25.8 points per game last season, opens his final year tonight at 7:30 against Florida in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.