KSR Podcast Episode Summary: December 31, 2024 - Hour 2

Podcast Title: KSR
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Description: Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring you the latest in UK news and views Mon.-Fri. from 10 to noon.
Episode: 2024-12-31- KSR - Hour 2
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Overview

In the December 31, 2024, second hour of the KSR podcast, hosts Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and Drew Franklin delve into a comprehensive analysis of Kentucky's upcoming basketball game against Brown, discuss the broader implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals on college sports, and explore the financial challenges facing athletic departments. The conversation is enriched with expert insights, listener interactions, and critical evaluations of team strategies and administrative decisions.

Game Preview and Atmosphere

Anticipating the Clash: Kentucky vs. Brown

The episode begins with Matt Jones introducing the focus on Kentucky's basketball game against Brown. The hosts discuss the significance of the game, highlighting Kentucky as a 25-point favorite and the heightened excitement surrounding this matchup due to its timing during the holiday season.

Matt Jones [02:54]:
"Here we go here at the KS Bar and Grill as we get ready for Kentucky and Brown SCC versus the Ivy League. The Cats come in as a now a 25 point favorite."

Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin explore the anticipated crowd dynamics, emphasizing the mix of regular fans and holiday visitors, which is expected to create a more rowdy and energized atmosphere compared to typical games.

Ryan Lemond [03:56]:
"I think some will just be general excitement, but I think there might be a couple trolls mixed in."

Drew Franklin [04:43]:
"These are folks that are normally have a chance to have tickets to go to a game. A lot of out of town people here for the holidays. So yes, they're gonna be very excited."

Team Performance and Defensive Strategies

Evaluating Kentucky's Defensive Improvements

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Kentucky's defensive performance, particularly their handling of ball screen defense. The hosts compare current strategies to past performances, noting improvements and areas needing attention.

Matt Jones [05:02]:
"This one... they have to correct some things."

Ryan Lemond highlights the coaching focus on ball screen defense as a pivotal area for improvement, citing interviews where players repeatedly mentioned this aspect.

Ryan Lemond [07:13]:
"Robinson said Pope's been telling them that they can be the best ball screen defensive team in the country."

Drew Franklin expresses skepticism about long-term defensive enhancements, pointing out inherent player limitations.

Drew Franklin [07:34]:
"Some of these guys are just not very good defenders."

The hosts debate the potential for Kentucky to refine their one-on-one defense, with Matt remaining cautiously optimistic about their ball screen defense.

Matt Jones [07:50]:
"I still don't know that we're ever going to be able to guard people one on one off the dribble. But against the ball screen, I do think maybe we'll see some improvement."

NIL and Athletic Department Finances

Impact of NIL Deals on College Sports

The conversation shifts to the ramifications of NIL agreements on athletic departments, addressing the financial strains and necessary adjustments within college sports programs.

Lee [09:55]:
"With all the NIL money, you know, maybe being a little higher than we all anticipated, do you think Division 1 schools are going to run out of money?"

Matt Jones outlines three major outcomes resulting from increased NIL revenues:

1. Reduction of Sports Programs:

   • Certain sports, particularly less profitable men's sports like golf and tennis, may be discontinued to balance budgets.

2. Monetization of Athletic Facilities:

   • Schools may seek private partnerships and sponsorships for facilities, potentially altering their primary functions.

3. Decrease in Coaches' Salaries:

   • Significant reductions in coaching salaries to redirect funds towards player payouts, potentially impacting the quality and retention of coaching staff.

Matt Jones [11:46]:
"The days of coaches making 10 to 12 million dollars are gone... a lot more of that money, Ryan, go into the pool for players now."

Ryan Lemond concurs, emphasizing the necessity of reallocating funds to players who directly influence game outcomes.

Ryan Lemond [13:24]:
"There's Just not nearly enough to go around to pay many coaches, outside of legends like you said, what they're getting."

Listener Interactions and Discussions

Addressing Audience Concerns and Predictions

The podcast incorporates listener calls, providing real-time engagement and addressing pertinent questions about the sports landscape.

Caller [18:23]:
"With all the NIL money... do you think Division 1 schools are going to run out of money?"

Matt Jones explains that recent tax code changes have reduced incentives for donations to athletic departments, complicating financial strategies.

Matt Jones [21:15]:
"The days of coaches making 10 to 12 million dollars are gone... it's going to become the equivalent of a professional sport."

The hosts also debate the potential for increased corporate sponsorships on athletic apparel and facilities, reflecting on the evolving nature of college sports branding.

Predictions and Future Outlook

Anticipating Changes and Challenges Ahead

In their concluding discussions, Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, and Drew Franklin offer predictions on the future state of college athletics amidst financial pressures and regulatory changes.

Matt Jones [15:05]:
"They're going to have to kill the same amount of women's sports as they do men... locking down the financial viability of athletic departments will be a pressing issue."

Drew Franklin suggests that schools may turn to private equity investments to sustain their athletic programs, forecasting significant shifts in how college sports are funded and managed.

Drew Franklin [15:47]:
"They're gonna take on private equity money. One of these schools is going to sell a percentage of their athletic department to private equity. It is going to happen."

Conclusion

The second hour of the KSR podcast provides an insightful analysis of Kentucky's basketball prospects, the strategic adjustments in team defense, and the profound financial implications of NIL deals on college sports. Through expert commentary and interactive discussions, Matt Jones and the KSR crew offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape and the challenges ahead.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [11:46]:
  "The days of coaches making 10 to 12 million dollars are gone... a lot more of that money, Ryan, go into the pool for players now."

• Ryan Lemond [07:13]:
  "Robinson said Pope's been telling them that they can be the best ball screen defensive team in the country."

• Drew Franklin [15:47]:
  "They're gonna take on private equity money. One of these schools is going to sell a percentage of their athletic department to private equity. It is going to happen."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the KSR podcast's second hour, providing a detailed and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the episode.