The Wildcats, who in a so-called transition season just made it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the third time in 4 years, are apparently near or even at the top of the cable network's wish list.

"We have had several positive conversations with ESPN regarding our participation," said Villanova's senior associate athletic director Bob Steitz, who oversees scheduling. "Although nothing has been finalized, we are moving forward in anticipation that a deal will be done soon."

Even so, an official announcement might not come until early summer. That's just how these things tend to proceed. And ESPN won't want to reveal anything until all four teams are in place. No word yet on who 'Nova's opponent might be, except that you can bet it will be another marquee name.

The Wildcats will have everyone back except Malcolm Grant, a freshman guard who transferred to Miami after the season due to a lack of playing time. They'll start the season in the Top 25. And unlike last season, this time they should really belong there.

The Jimmy V Classic benefits the V Foundation and its ongoing fight against cancer, the disease that claimed the life of North Carolina State coach/ESPN analyst Jim Valvano.

Unless the Wildcats wind up playing St. John's twice next season, that would also be their only scheduled game at MSG, which of course also hosts the Big East Tournament in March. If those teams only meet once, it would be in Philadelphia. *