SpringfieldNewsSun.com

DAYTON — The University of Dayton can't seem to entice schools from the six power conferences to play at UD Arena, but the Flyers will get a crack at some of those upper-echelon basketball teams in the 2009 Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic in San Juan.

Seven of the eight participants have been selected: Dayton, Villanova, George Mason, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas State and Alabama-Birmingham. Tourney organizers are believed to be pursuing a Southeastern Conference school as the final team in the Nov. 19-22 event.

"It's a great field, and it's a good opportunity for us," UD coach Brian Gregory said. "Those teams, year in and year out, are postseason teams. Even the two other non-BCS schools have separated themselves."

The Flyers — who return all but one player from a 27-8 team that reached the second round of the NCAA tournament — already are scheduled to play at George Mason next season and will ask to avoid a second meeting with the Patriots in the Tip-Off Classic, increasing the likelihood of facing three power-conference teams.

The Flyers also will play New Mexico on the road and Creighton at home, and they've renewed their rivalry with Miami. George Mason, New Mexico and Creighton played in the NIT this season and are beginning two-year pacts with UD.

"We have a good start on our schedule for next year — (counting) our conference," UD Athletic Director Tim Wabler said. "Sometimes I think that gets overlooked. We play in one of the highest-rated conferences in the nation."

Gregory has spent a couple of days in Florida playing golf with friends before going to the Final Four in Detroit on Thursday, April 2. Although he just agreed to a contract extension through 2018, Gregory said he's received some exploratory calls about jobs. He said he gives all the same answer.

"I've told them I don't have any interest," he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.