By Ron Chimelis, The Republican


The University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach is doing his alma mater a favor, but he expects none in return.

“We want them to do everything they can to beat us,” said Jim Calhoun, whose team renews its preseason rivalry with American International College Wednesday night in Hartford.

“We beat them (in 2006), but not without a struggle.”

To the casual observer, Wednesday’s game is a glorified practice, a probable mismatch, and not much more.

But to a team like AIC, which exists in obscurity, it is a rare opportunity that Calhoun could bestow on almost any Division II team he chooses.

For three of the past four years, he has chosen his alma mater. Forty-one years after graduating from AIC, Calhoun is still finding ways to pay it back.

In a business where loyalty is often treated as a professional obstacle, his brand is especially rare.

Ever wonder why this controversial coach has such loyal friends? This is why.

“The line of schools who would want this game is a mile long,” AIC coach Art Luptowski said.

AIC will receive an appearance fee, undisclosed in this case but usually about $25,000.

But it will also get much more. Exposure. Credibility. A chance.

“No question, this is a big deal. We want to acquit ourselves well,” Luptowski said.

Calhoun, who sits on the AIC board of trustees, speaks as if the school practically rescued him.

“My years there were a long time ago, but they will always hold a special place for me,” he said.

“I went to UMass for three months. Then my father died, and I went to work for a year.

“AIC gave me a chance. I got to play with teammates like Moose Stronczek, Henry Payne and Jim Miele, and we had some good teams.”

In 2006, AIC actually led UConn 36-35 at halftime, a shocker whether the game counted or not.

The Yellow Jackets trailed by only seven with four minutes left before losing 75-59. Last year went more to form, with UConn leading by 20 at halftime and winning 83-58.

“There is such a difference in size and speed. Every 50-50 ball, they got,” Luptowski said.

“You’ve got to play smarter against them,” said sophomore guard Isiah Wallace, of Springfield, a Sabis Charter School graduate who scored 16 against UConn in 2008.

Two AIC seniors, guard Mike Troll and 6-foot-4 forward Aikeem Vanderhorst, will be playing in their third AIC-UConn game.

For one night, these basketball teams from entirely different worlds will play on the same court and share the same bright spotlight.

All because Jim Calhoun has not forgotten a school that did right by him, more than 40 years ago.

“Without him, this doesn’t happen,” Luptowski said. “Jim Calhoun is a good guy.”