BIBBY'S CONTRACT TALKS AT A STANDSTILL WITH USC TROJANS COACH MAY WAIT BEFORE NEGOTIATING EXTENSION.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Contract talks between USC and basketball coach Henry Bibby have stalled, and there are serious doubts whether he will sign an extension before the start of next season.

Bibby's current five-year contract expires after the 2001-2002 season, but he has sought a new deal that would offer more security. During the past season, Bibby and USC verbally agreed on a three-year extension, with salary details to be worked out later.

But the negotiations have broken down in the past month, making it less likely Bibby will sign a new deal this summer.

``They said I would get a new deal, but I can't really comment on it,'' Bibby said. ``I have no comment on it. But their word has been good.''

USC associate athletic Daryl Gross, who has been negotiating an extension with Bibby, remained optimistic that a new contract could be signed.

``I would say we feel Henry's doing a great job building this program up,'' Gross said. ``We saw where we could go before the injuries last season. With that in mind, we expect Henry to be at USC for many years to come.''

According to sources, Bibby is expected to earn about $375,000 in base salary next season. He would like a new deal to place him in the upper echelon of Pacific-10 coaches, which would mean a salary of at least $650,000 per year.

Bibby has also worried that without a contract extension, recruiting would be harmed.

But there was virtually no negotiating between the two sides in April, when talks began to deteriorate, and neither side is sure when talks could resume.

This week, there have been no negotiations. The last time the pair discussed contract matters was during the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Even if negotiations begin again, there has also been some question whether Bibby would actually sign a new contract. He might wait to see if his stock goes up if the Trojans have a successful season next year.

USC returns all five starters from last year's 16-14 team, and seven of their top eight players. USC also signed prep All-American shooting guard Desmon Farmer of Flint, Mich.

In addition, the Trojans signed point guard Robert Hutchinson and shooting guard Gennaro Busterna, and 7-foot-3 freshman center Luke Minor will be eligible after redshirting last season.

It's conceivable USC could be chosen to finish among the top three teams in the Pac-10 next year. A top-three finish would raise Bibby's value considerably, and it would hardly shock anyone if his name came up regarding another position.

Last December, Bibby discussed the then-vacant Memphis opening with school officials.

More recently, there has also been speculation that he might be a candidate for the Clippers job if the team fires Jim Todd. Bibby was seen at the Clippers' final home game with team owner Donald Sterling, but it is not believed the coaching position was discussed.

--Notes: Sam Williams, USC's director of basketball operations, and a former NBA player with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, has resigned to pursue his degree at Arizona State.

In a move that will probably raise some eyebrows, Williams will be replaced by Tim Farmer, the older brother of incoming freshman guard Desmon Farmer.

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Photo: (color) Contract talks between coach Henry Bibby and USC appear to be going nowhere.

Kirby Lee/Special to the Daily News