I hope Pitt AD Jeff Long isn’t thinking he’s got plenty of time to work out a contract extension with Coach Dixon. Arizona State is ready to go.

According to multiple sources among ASU boosters and officials, the Sun Devils have targeted Pitt coach Jamie Dixon as their No. 1 candidate.

Love is expected to formally ask Pitt Athletic Director Jeff Long this week whether she can speak to Dixon, who has four years left on his contract at an annual salary of a reported $600,000.

There has been talk since last fall that Pitt would extend Dixon’s contract, but that has yet to happen.

It’s not clear how a disappointing loss to Bradley might affect negotiations for a new deal at Pitt.

Meanwhile, Wichita State’s Mark Turgeon, who is also on ASU’s short list, is suddenly a hot candidate after the Shockers advanced to the Sweet 16 with an upset over Tennessee.

Formal conversations between ASU and Turgeon wouldn’t happen until after Wichita State’s run is over. The Shockers next play George Mason.

As for the “what if” scenarios, I don’t put a lot of stock in this.

UNLV coach Lon Kruger, some believe, is intrigued at the possibility of going to Arizona State, where he could coach his son. Kruger couldn’t possibly be accused of playing his son too much. Kevin Kruger averaged 39 minutes and 15 points per game as a junior for the Sun Devils. ASU might have its sights elsewhere, on Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon. If Dixon bolts Pitt, Memphis coach John Calipari would rank No. 1 on the Panthers’ wish list. Failing that, Hofstra’s Tom Pecora or Pitt associate head coach Barry Rohrssen are possibilities. If Pecora moved to Pitt, Rohrssen would be a candidate to replace him.

Why do I think that the source of any Calipari rumors are Calipari himself? While there are probably some old boosters who push for Calipari, dating back to his assitant days under Paul Evans and of course being a Moon Twp. native. I just don’t see it. First, the Memphis gig is worth around $1.5 million/year, so Pitt would have to approach $2 million in the package to get him. Second, they didn’t have much interest in him and his always bordering on sketchy recruits and recruiting last time around — despite Calipari’s best efforts.

Can’t wait for the Herb Sendek rumors once more. Maybe Skip Prosser as well.

Just work out the #!@@!$%^ extension for Jamie Dixon, and stop $#@^%^&* around.