Although the 76ers would not discuss the possibility yesterday, Maurice Cheeks is their choice to succeed Larry Brown, who resigned Monday after six seasons as the Sixers' head coach.

Cheeks could not be reached for comment yesterday, but two NBA sources familiar with the Sixers' search confirmed that Cheeks, who is under contract with the Portland Trail Blazers for another season, is in their sights.

"That's the story," one source said.

Other candidates the Sixers could target are television analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Sixers assistants Randy Ayers and Mike Woodson, and Memphis Tigers coach John Calipari, a former Sixers assistant. Other options could be Allen Iverson's college coach, John Thompson, or former New Orleans Hornets coach Paul Silas.