This edition of the VN Interview takes us to college basketaball’s most underappreciated conference, the Missouri Valley. Coach Barry Hinson has had his Missouri State squad rising in the Valley for a number of years now. Thanks to Mark Stillwell of the Missouri State SID for his help in coordinating this interview.

Being a man who always tries to accentuate the positive, I found myself trying to find the good in the city of Newark last weekend. After spending the better part of two days trying to find a redeeming quality possessed by New Jersey’s Roughest City, it hit me.

Have you ever had an appetizer that was so good, that it overshadowed the main course? Whenever the opportunity presents itself I dine at the Chart House. It is a chain of upscale establishments scattered across the country.

With the holiday season kicking off this week, it’s a time for reflection here at the Trap. With that in mind, here are a few of the things I’m thankful for in college hoops:

As we wrap up the ‘07 season it’s a time to be thankful that we are blessed to live in the region of the country where college football is important. And as the last regular season game approaches for the Vols, the importance of winning is enormous.

The emotional roller coaster that is SEC football is approaching its last loop in a season that has left fans dizzy from all the twist and turns. This season, more than any in recent memory, has left people trying to explain the unexplainable.

We head west for this edition of The VN Interview. Coach Lon Kruger enters his fourth year at UNLV having led the Runnin’ Rebels to their first Sweet 16 since 1991 last season. Thanks to Andy Grossman of the UNLV SID office for his help in coordinating the interview.

Every fall, as the Smokies turn that bright hue of orange, it serves as a harbinger for what is to come. In Tennessee, it only means one thing. Knoxville is about to erupt with the anticipation of watching the storied UT football program take the field.

No introductions are needed for the participant in this installment of the VN Interview. I believe we’re all familiar with Coach John Calipari’s resume. Thus, after giving thanks to Lamar Chance of the Memphis SID office for his work in coordinating this interview, here’s the VN Interview With: John Calipari:

Shock is the description I am still left with in the wake of Tennessee’s defensive performance against perhaps the most talented player in college football. The Vols came with a defensive presence and intensity reminiscent of another unlikely stand by a group of eleven angry men.