It’s too bad J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison are seniors, because if they returned next season, there’s a good chance the two would face each other on one of the greatest stages in college basketball.

Sources told The Post that Duke and Gonzaga are close to reaching agreement on a deal that will bring the teams to the Garden on Dec. 21. The Thursday night game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Some details still must be resolved, such as whether Duke will make a trip to the Northwest for a return game at Gonzaga and whether the Bulldogs will play any other games when they come East. Although the schools lose their superstars to graduation, both had strong recruiting classes and are expected to be good, with Duke a contender for preseason No.1.

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Louisville coach Rick Pitino said several weeks ago that he would turn down an invitation to play in the NIT because of the health status of his banged-up team. Pitino, a native New Yorker, has great respect for the tournament and did not mean any disrespect.

He has since spoken to C.M. Newton, chairman of the NIT selection committee, and is open to playing in the tournament. If Pitino decides not to play in the NIT, Louisville will not be extended an invitation.

If, however, the Cards, who were ousted from the Big East Tournament by Pittsburgh, 61-56, in the opening round, accept an invite, Freedom Hall is available for an opening-round NIT game. The Cards finished the season at 18-12.