Pat Croce says he is not involved with any of the groups interested in buying the 76ers, but that does not mean he wouldn't listen if someone wanted to talk.

Croce, who was president of the Sixers from April 1996 to July 2001, said yesterday in an e-mail response that he was not involved with any party inquiring into the possible sale of the team, nor did he plan to contact anyone.

"I'm pretty busy with my projects," he said, "and so, no, I wouldn't contact any of the potential ownership groups.

"But, on the flip side, you know that I always return all of my phone calls."