DAYTON — It’s nothing new to see Dunbar High School boys basketball coach Pete Pullen at middle school games, huddling with coaches and taking mental notes on players who can’t even dunk.

When the big man with three rings comes calling, players who have an open-enrollment option take notice.

“That’s what I’ve been fortunate enough to have, is players,” Pullen said. “Good players make good coaches.”

No program in the area has been more consistently better than the Wolverines the past five years. Dunbar is the defending Division II state champion and has swept three of the last five D-II titles.

The Wolverines also are the area’s top-ranked D-II team in the Dayton Daily News’ preseason rankings. The boys season opens tonight, and Dunbar opens against rival Marshall in a City League doubleheader at UD Arena on Sunday (7:30 p.m.).

At this point in his career, Pullen’s beast feeds itself. The best city players often gravitate to Dunbar. The Wolverines usually field a tall front court and have superb guard play. Expect more of the same this season.

“It puts a big target on your back and you get everybody’s best game,” Pullen said.

“As long as you’re playing well by February, we’ll be all right. By then, hopefully we’ll have everything wrinkled out and ready for a big run.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.