The Halfcourt Trap Vol I., No. 14

In advance of Road Trap ‘07-’08 tipping off in New York on Thursday, I’ve decided to engage in a totally subjective exercise. For the foregoing rankings, I consulted a panel of one. Me. Without further procrastination, here are my 6 Favorite College Basketball Venues:

1. The Palestra-Philadelphia’s basketball mecca is a museum of living college basketball history. Walking the concourses and smelling the popcorn transports patrons back to a day before Jumbotrons, T Shirt Guns, and Kiss Cams. Everyone who truly loves basketball should make it a point to see a game there.

2. Rupp Arena-We can all question the tightness of the UK fan base’s grip on reality. What cannot be questioned is that they are the most passionate and informed crowd in college hoops. There are few things more fun than retiring to one of the bars attached to the arena to talk hoops until the wee hours after a day of watching NCAA Tournament games inside The House The Baron Built.

3. Allen Fieldhouse-Another great old barn. The window behind one of the baselines gives afternoon games in Lawrence a rustic feel. From Wilt to Danny Manning, KU’s rich tradition is well served by its great, ancient showplace.

4. Madison Square Garden-No city on Earth does big events like NYC. Whether it’s one of the myriad of titanic early season clashes or the Big East Tournament Final, when presented with a matchup worthy of the venue, the Garden crackles with electricity.

5. Hinkle Fieldhouse-They filmed Hoosiers there for a reason. No state loves hoops more than Indiana, and no buliding is better to catch some Hoosier Hysteria in than Hinkle. Butler’s ascention to the national stage has had the wonderful side effect of introducing this grand basketball palace to a wider audience.

6. FedEx Forum-The best modern basketball facility in America. Period. The architects were obviously real basketball fans. All the modern bells and whistles couples with great sightlines makes the FeF the best of both worlds.

Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.