Here on some thoughts as the clock ticks toward 2008:

1. Anyone who remotely likes college hoops should make it a point to attend a game at The Palestra. More on that in this week’s full column.
2. The UT student section could learn a lot from their counterparts at Saint Joseph’s. The Hawk fans are actually clever and creative.
3. The enforcement of the bench decorum rules is getting out of hand. Bruiser Flint was assessed a technical tonight by one official for arguing with another ref.
4. It’s still a bit disconcerting to have people ask me about the basketball team when they find out I’m a Tennessean.
5. Phil Martelli and Bruiser Flint are both as personable as any coach in America. They are truly a joy to talk with.
6. There are some great college hoops cities in America, but Philadelphia is the best.
7. Frank Elegar doesn’t have a great deal of help, but he’s a big time player. He’s going to make a nice living playing basketball.
8. Coach Martelli mentioned his team’s lack of foot speed in the postgame. It will be interesting to see how he tries to disguise that against some of the A-10 teams who love to run.
9. I would love for Tennessee to schedule a road trip to Philadelphia. A Thursday/Saturday in December against two of the Big 5 would be sweet.
10. College football is a total afterthought in this area. I couldn’t find a single person who knew the final score of the Kentucky-FSU game when I asked.

Happy New Year. Next stop, New Orleans.

Tags: road trap