BRIDGEPORT — Gene Doris wore an ear piece Saturday, making it easier for him to handle the influx of communications relating to his duties as site supervisor for the NCAA women's basketball regional. As the host school, this is a big few days for Fairfield, or more specifically its athletic department. But the real fun for Doris and his staff will begin just as the tournament leaves town.

The buzz is becoming a full-court clamor that Fairfield will soon name Fran Fraschilla as its new men's basketball coach. While that may ultimately happen, it would also be presumptuous to call it a done deal.

The biggest factor is that Fraschilla probably isn't ready to commit.

We presented Doris with this scenario Saturday: He picks up the phone and immediately offers Fraschilla the job. Does the former Manhattan, St. John's and New Mexico coach accept? Or does Fraschilla put Doris on hold for as long as possible until he sees what other options are available?

"I'm sure that would be the case," Doris said, referring to the last scenario.

One possibility for Fraschilla would be Seton Hall, which fired Louis Orr on Friday. If not Fraschilla, the Pirates could hire Manhattan coach Bobby Gonzalez, leaving Fraschilla in position to make a return with the Jaspers.

Iona's Jeff Ruland has also been mentioned as a possibility for Seton Hall. Ruland is reportedly the MAAC's highest paid coach, with a compensation package that surpasses $300,000, money that might

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tempt Fraschilla if the Gaels wanted him.

Here is what Doris will admit: He has spoken to Fraschilla about the job. He has spoken to Pete Gillen. He has spoken to UConn assistant Tom Moore on the telephone, but wants to meet with him in person, either at the Final Four next weekend — should the Huskies advance that far — or at Fairfield.

Gillen, a Fairfield alumnus, has a relationship with Doris that dates back many years. The two have spoken constantly.

"At the very least, (Gillen) will have been a consultant in the process," Doris said.

Insiders say that Gillen is torn about returning to the sidelines and wants to explore his broadcasting options before making a commitment to coaching. But Doris indirectly hinted that Gillen is still in the mix, saying that none of the individuals to whom he has spoken have withdrawn their name from consideration for the job.

In the three weeks since Tim O'Toole announced his resignation, Doris has logged about 7,000 miles in travel, having met three candidates in person.

"I am excited about the level of interest we have had for the job," Doris said.

His list of finalists will contain at least two names, but no more than five.

"I'm not sure that it is going to be more than two," Doris said.

And then, probably in the week following the Final Four, the AD will make someone an offer. Fraschilla, Moore and Gillen all seem like the front runners, but there is also the very real possibility that none of the three wants Fairfield as much as the school wants him.

In that case, Gene Doris will have his ear piece and telephone ready.

Contact Mike Puma at ctpostpuma@aol.com.