We're hearing the espn.com report that Jim Calhoun and UConn are negotiating a new deal that could range in length from four to six years is accurate -- though not necessarily imminent. Expect something to get done over the next month or so.

It probably won't happen before the Huskies begin practice in a little over two weeks. How about before UConn begins playing exhibition games in early November? There's a good chance of that.

Calhoun is in the final year of a current six-year pact that pays him $1.6 million a year and expires on June 30, 2010.

I was told back in early August that something was likely to get done over the ensuing several weeks. But when I talked to Calhoun about a week or so later, he was a bit miffed at the lack of progress that had been made.

Now, it appears progress has been made, and Calhoun should have a new long-term deal once the games start to count.

***Anybody else remember Don Calhoun (no relation, obviously)? Not sure what made me think of him this morning, but I think I used to have this football card.