The Milwaukee Bucks' search for a replacement for fired coach George Karl apparently will enter phase II this weekend when the two or three finalists for the job are notified of their status today.

Interviewing for the job wrapped up Thursday when the final candidate, former Bucks great Sidney Moncrief, interviewed with general manager Larry Harris. When Bucks assistant Don Newman took his name out of the running on Tuesday, that left as candidates Moncrief, who for the previous three seasons was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks; Atlanta Hawks interim coach Terry Stotts; Sacramento assistant coach Terry Porter; Seattle SuperSonics associate head coach Dwane Casey; Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni; and Detroit Pistons assistant coach Mike Woodson.

The interviewing process is expected to shift into high gear this weekend when Sen. Herb Kohl, the Bucks' owner, is expected to return home from Washington D.C. Stotts and Porter would appear to be the front-runners with Casey and Moncrief also considered to be strong candidates.

"I thought my interview with Larry went great and I think the situation in Milwaukee is a great one," said Casey, who was in Milwaukee on Tuesday. "I love Milwaukee . . . it reminds me a lot of Lexington (Ky.) where I spent a little time."