Alvernia’s Mike Miller looking forward to reunion with Hall-of-Famer Jim Calhoun

A season-opening win Saturday afternoon will be especially gratifying for Alvernia University men’s basketball coach Mike Miller. It’ll give him a chance to go head-to-head with one of his coaching idols, Hall-of-Famer Jim Calhoun.

The two coaches met more than 30 years ago when Calhoun, looking for a player to take his University of Connecticut program to the next level, put on a full-court press to land Donyell Marshall, who played for Miller at Reading High.

The coaches reconnected two years ago when Alvernia and Calhoun’s new team, University of Saint Joseph, were paired in the same tournament at Barry University in Miami.

“It was good to see him, going over old stories,” recalled Miller.

Calhoun invited Miller to Saint Joseph’s tip-off tournament, which is a big deal for both schools. Saint Joseph’s is opening a new facility, in large part because of the impact Calhoun has made on its program (which he started in 2018-19). It was a true sign of respect that he asked Miller and his team to be part of the grand opening.

The Golden Wolves begin their season at 3:30 against New Jersey City University, which is ranked No. 24 in the nation by d3hoops.com. The Blue Jays open against Maine-Augusta at 1. If Alvernia and Saint Joseph’s each win (or, if each loses) Miller will have a chance at a bucket list moment, going against a legendary coach.

“I idolized him,” Miller said of the man who took the Huskies to three national championships. “I was young in coaching (when we met). I got to watch Donyell play (for him), and went to a lot of his practices. (Calhoun) always took care of me.”

Miller is grateful for that, and the feeling is mutual. Marshall was Calhoun’s first national recruit — he won a heated battle against Syracuse, Maryland and other established programs. Landing Marshall helped Calhoun land other top national talents and elevated his program.

“Donyell was his first McDonald’s All-American, which he always brings up,” Miller said of Calhoun. “Donyell started him getting big recruits. He got Rip Hamilton from Coatesville, because of Donyell.”

Miller will be excited for Saturday’s opener for other reasons. He likes the team he’s bringing along. It’s experienced and guard-heavy, which Miller, entering his 18th season at Alvernia, likes.

All-conference picks Malik Green and Keon Taylor return to the starting lineup along with Steve Pierce and Bobby Mullan. Also back is Commonwealth Rookie of the Year Jake Kelly, who is expected to move into the starting lineup.

Essentially the entire roster returns from last season, when the Golden Wolves played eight games, going 5-3 in the COVID-shortened year.

“We are experienced,” said Miller. “That’s one thing you can not make up for is college experience.”

The Golden Wolves were picked third in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth, one spot ahead of Albright, in a preseason poll. York College, making its debut in the league, is No. 1; Lebanon Valley is No. 2.

Green, a 6-4 forward, averaged a team-best 23.6 points and 7.5 rebounds last season.

Taylor, the son of Chester coach Keith Taylor, is a fifth-year senior. The 6-foot guard has been a starter since his second semester as freshman. He averaged 20.0 points and led the team in assists and minutes.

Miller likes the fact that both improved their game from beyond the arc last season. Green was good on nearly 48 percent of his 3’s; Taylor didn’t shoot as many but hit half his attempts.

“(Taylor) had more 3’s made and attempted than the two years before that,” Miller said. “He really worked on the 3, and so did Malik. We spent a lot of time shooting 3’s. They’ve both gotta score for us.”

Miller is excited about Kelly, a 6-4 forward. He started just one game but finished third in scoring, at 10.6 points, and in rebounds, at 5.9; he also shot 86 percent from the foul line.

“That’s a nice threesome,” Miller said.

Pierce, a 5-11 junior guard, averaged 8.4 points; Mullan, a 6-1 sophomore guard, averaged 7.6.

One thing Alvernia lacks is height. The only player taller than 6-4 is 6-6 Rece Harman, a grad student and Gov. Mifflin grad. He started five of eight games last season.

Miller remains high on Muhlenberg guard Jacob Stoudt, a a sophomore who played in seven games a year ago.

“Our only weaknesses is (not having) a true center,” Miller said.

He’s counting on 6-4 Mickeel Allen, who played at Norristown, to help there, but Allen is injured at this point.

“Our league is big,” Miller said. “Every team has either a 6-9 guy or a bruiser (in the post). We have neither.”

So the Golden Wolves will try to play fast and hope their open-court style prevails.

Alvernia’s home opener is Tuesday against Franklin and Marshall. Its first meeting vs. rival Albright comes Dec. 8 at home.

Miller is excited about his team, and to have the chance to re-unite with Calhoun. He’s hoping it happens on the court.

“It worked out good,” he said of the reunion, “except we’ve gotta win against Jersey, and they’re ranked in the Top 25.”