The Halfcourt Trap Vol. I, No. 17.

Road Trap ‘07-’08 makes a return to NYC for the Jimmy V Classic this week. With the first month of the season behind us, here is a six pack of issues worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.

1. Gonzaga Has Company. The ‘Zags have had the WCC penthouse to themselves for a long time. St. Mary’s has served notice that they are ready for more luxurious digs. This should be an excellent battle between two entertaining teams.

2. Knight’s Time? Bob Knight can’t be having fun. Between illness and dealing with insane people with poor camera skills, it’s been a less than enjoyable early season for The General. His team has enough talent to beat Gonzaga on a neutral floor, but is callow and inexperienced enough to lose to Centenary. With Pat Knight already designated as his replacement, it would be no shock to see RMK ride off into the West Texas sunset at the end of the season.

3. Top Heavy XII. The middle and bottom of the Big XII has, to this point, ranged from decent to disgraceful. The top, however, has been masterful. Texas, Kansas, and Texas A&M have all shown the ability to be players on the national stage.

4. Crossroads. Tennessee and Louisville were residents of almost every preseason top 10 published. Now, through some indifferent play(Tennessee) and the now annual rash of injuries(Louisville), each team has acquired a number of doubters. Both teams have plenty of time to get back on the fast track to San Antonio, but they might want to get started now.

5. Under The Radar. By now, even casual college hoops fans are familiar with the names Rose, Beasley, Gordon, Mayo, and Love. However, they aren’t the only impact freshmen. Jerryd Bayless at Arizona, AJ Oglivy at Vanderbilt, DeAndre Jordan at A&M, Patrick Mills at St. Mary’s, and Davon Jefferson at USC are just a few of the less heralded newcomers making major contributions.

6. Here We Go, Again. Last year, Ole Miss was the consensus pick to finish last in the SEC West. They tied for 1st. Apparently, people didn’t learn. Despite losing his entire starting backcourt, Andy Kennedy has the Rebels unbeaten. They will be a factor in the West again this season.

Til next time, stay classy, Volnation.