ESPN announced today that Dick Vitale, the award-winning commentator who joined the all-sports cable network in its inaugural season of 1979, has signed a two-year extension to continue broadcasting NCAA basketball games while also signing a five-year extension with ABC. Both contracts now run concurrently through the 2005-06 season.

But more importantly to Kentucky basketball fans, the enthusiastic broadcaster picked the Wildcats preseason No. 4 next year. UK, which finished 24-10 this past season and among the final top 10 in both the AP and Coaches polls, returns all but one letterman next season.

While the rosters of all the teams could change due to early departures for a variety of reasons, Vitale picked Duke No. 1 among his “Super Seven” teams. Vitale also named UK’s Tayshaun Prince among his “Super Six” players.

Vitale’s Super Seven Teams (Subject to Change)

1. Duke
2. Florida
3. Maryland
4. Kentucky
5. UCLA
6. Illinois
7. Indiana