2025-01-13- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Title: KSR
Episode: 2025-01-13- KSR - Hour 2

---

Introduction to Hour 2

Timestamp: [03:14]
Matt Jones welcomes listeners back to Hour 2 of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) from the KS Bar and Grill. He introduces the setting, emphasizing the live atmosphere despite the snowy weather.

---

Exclusive Interview: Willie Cauley-Stein

Timestamp: [03:20]
Guests:

• Willie Cauley-Stein: Former national player of the year, ex-Kentucky Wildcats basketball player.
• Matt Jones: Host
• Drew Franklin: Co-host
• Ryan Lemond: Co-host

Celebrating Championships and Team Legacy

Timestamp: [03:40]
Matt Jones commends Willie for his achievements, questioning how it feels to be a national player of the year.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"Pretty crazy." [03:40]

He reflects on the legacy of the Kentucky Wildcats, noting the limited number of national players over the years and expressing pride in being part of such an esteemed group.

Defining the 2015 Kentucky Team

Timestamp: [04:19] - [06:39]
The discussion shifts to the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats team, considered by many as one of the best in the program's history alongside the 1996 team. Willie highlights the depth of talent on the roster, mentioning players like Derrick Wilson and Dominique Hawkins who had the potential to start elsewhere.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"I don't think any. Probably 80% of us got to tap into our whole talent." [04:50]

They delve into the competitive dynamics within the team, especially between players like Dakari Johnson and Marcus Lee, emphasizing the intense practices and the resulting team cohesion.

Memorable Games and Critical Moments

Timestamp: [09:43] - [12:34]
Willie recounts the pivotal games of the 2015 season, including the heartbreaking loss to Wichita State despite Kentucky’s strong performance. He discusses the pressure of maintaining an undefeated record and how it ultimately impacted the team’s performance in the SEC tournament.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"They should have played us. We're better than an eight seed." [09:37]

He also shares a personal anecdote about a tumultuous pregame show that led to tensions with Louisville fans, culminating in an incident where a woman attempted to throw up on him.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"She tried to throw up on me. It was one of the wildest." [10:47]

Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

Timestamp: [12:34] - [16:08]
The conversation shifts to Willie’s experiences outside the court, including a memorable trip to the Bahamas. Despite being injured during the trip, he highlights the bonding moments with teammates and the importance of downtime for team chemistry.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"Kyle does a really good job of putting you in situations where you have to be around each other." [14:20]

Thoughts on Coaching and Team Changes

Timestamp: [15:19] - [17:54]
Willie discusses the departure of Coach Mark Pope to Arkansas, expressing mixed feelings about the move. He acknowledges the need for change within the program but reflects on how it affected team dynamics and player performance.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"I think he got complacent. When I was here, it was intense." [16:39]

He praises Coach Pope’s ability to empower players beyond basketball, focusing on personal development and life skills.

Ranking Kentucky’s Elite Big Men

Timestamp: [33:14] - [35:00]
Willie participates in a segment where he ranks the top big men in Kentucky Wildcats history. He confidently places himself in the top three, just behind Anthony Davis, citing his accolades and impact on the team.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"I'm second for sure. National player of the year, defensive player of the year." [34:25]

He emphasizes the significance of his and his teammates' achievements, advocating for jersey retirements based on their contributions.

Future Aspirations: Coaching and Education

Timestamp: [35:25] - [38:49]
Willie reveals his intention to pursue a degree to transition into a coaching career, specifically targeting high school coaching to mentor young athletes. He shares his motivation to help students overcome personal challenges and develop holistically.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"I want to serve the kids better, like young adults moving into that college level." [36:12]

Current Perspectives on Kentucky’s Basketball Landscape

Timestamp: [38:20] - [40:04]
Willie shares his observations on the current state of Kentucky basketball, noting the increased competitiveness within the SEC. He praises the high-scoring nature of recent teams but stresses the importance of defense for championship success.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"Whoever decides to play defense is going to win it for sure." [39:53]

---

Listener Interactions and Community Engagement

Timestamp: [23:00] - [50:52]
Throughout the episode, Matt Jones and Willie engage with listeners’ messages and calls, discussing topics ranging from memorable moments during Willie’s college career to current game analyses. A standout moment includes Willie interacting with Olivia, a young fan who famously expressed interest in marrying him at age four. Their heartfelt interaction underscores Willie’s positive impact on fans.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"I don't think you really realize it until it happens. It's good, you know, getting emotional thinking about it." [23:24]

Listeners also shared their thoughts on recent games, with Willie providing insightful commentary on player performances and team strategies.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"Lamont Butler was taking candy from a baby." [49:55]

---

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [50:52] - [51:09]
As the podcast nears its conclusion, Willie expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming Kentucky team’s potential in the SEC, emphasizing the importance of defensive play. Matt and the crew wrap up the segment with acknowledgments and reflections on the episode’s highlights.

Willie Cauley-Stein:
"It's big time. They see you for who you are, not just a basketball player." [23:53]

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Willie Cauley-Stein:
  "Pretty crazy." [03:40]

• Willie Cauley-Stein:
  "He empowers us to be who we are, but then shows us how to use that after ball." [33:14]

• Willie Cauley-Stein:
  "I think he got complacent. When I was here, it was intense." [16:39]

• Willie Cauley-Stein:
  "Whoever decides to play defense is going to win it for sure." [39:53]

• Willie Cauley-Stein:
  "I want to serve the kids better, like young adults moving into that college level." [36:12]

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Hour 2, Kentucky Sports Radio offers an in-depth and heartfelt conversation with Willie Cauley-Stein, delving into his collegiate basketball experiences, personal growth, and future aspirations. Through candid discussions, memorable anecdotes, and engaging listener interactions, the episode provides valuable insights into both Willie’s legacy and the evolving landscape of Kentucky basketball. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and passion that define the Wildcats’ storied program.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

If you love your phone but not your carrier, just switch to T Mobile. You can keep your phone, keep your number and we'll help pay it off up to $800 per line. You can also use our savings calculator to compare our plans and streaming benefits against Verizon and AT&T. So switch and keep your phone, keep your number and keep more of your moolah. @t mobile.com up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nilsen Report Season 2 is.

[Matt Jones]

Coming to Apple TV.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

What you all did five months ago.

[Matt Jones]

Was one of the most painful moments in the history of this company. Our message got out. We're famous.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

All of us equally or one of us is like the star.

[Drew Franklin]

What did you see?

[Matt Jones]

My audi's wife was Ms. Casey.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

If you want to find out what.

[Unknown]

Happened to her, I'll help.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

She's still alive.

[Matt Jones]

I want to see my wife. He should have left severance new season streaming January 17th only on App Spectrum.

[Ryan Lemond]

Business knows that you put in unlimited effort to unlock the unlimited possibilities of your small business. Get Internet, mobile, phone and TV services to connect all aspects of your business and see your business made limitless.

[Matt Jones]

Learn [e-mail] business@ Ameca Insurance, we know.

[Drew Franklin]

It'S more than just a car. It's the two door coupe that was there for your first drive, the hatchback that took you cross country and back, and the minivan that tackles the weekly carpool for the cars you couldn't live without. Trust Ameca Auto Insurance Ameca Empathy is our best policy.

[Unknown]

Looking for a mortgage bank to help you make your next major mortgage move, whether it's a refi or home purchase. Regardless of whether it's your first one or one of many, Consider our friends at Stockton Mortgage. But don't just take our word for it. Stockton mortgage has over 70,000 5 star reviews and counting. Just like this review from Joshua, who says this about his experience with Stockton. They were super professional, always answered my questions I had and streamlined the process. I could not ask for better people to help me and my family get our first house. I feel blessed to be able to go through them, be like Joshua or the 69,999 others just like him. And get started with Stockton Mortgage today by going to Stockton.com and get started. I've even used Stockton Mortgage myself on my own home loan for your home loan needs. Stockton.com and click get started. Stockton Mortgage NMLS8259 equal housing lender NMLSConsumeraccess.org.

[Ryan Lemond]

Welcome to hour two of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back. Our number two Kentucky Sports Radio, 859-280-2287. There you go. Thank you very much. We're here at the KS Bar and Grill. You can come on out and see us this morning on a snowy day. We're now joined by Willie Cauley Stein, former national player of the year. The how's that feel to be introduced as that?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Pretty crazy.

[Matt Jones]

It is. I mean, like that's, you know, that's the amount of. How many national players of the year have we had here? We have not had many.

[Unknown]

Oh, only like four or five.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, we have what, who all won it? The Anthony Davis Wall got one, but he didn't get all of them.

[Unknown]

Oscar get one?

[Matt Jones]

Oscar got one.

[Unknown]

You're right.

[Matt Jones]

Did anybody who got him before Wall anyone.

[Unknown]

Did Kenny Walker get it one year? I'm not really sure.

[Matt Jones]

So, I mean, like, you're. That's pretty amazing company.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Oh, it's great. Feels good.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. You got it. You got to love being in that group.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah. What. That's, that's what it was about.

[Matt Jones]

So you part of the 2015 team? I was just saying that I think it's along with the 96 team, the best team here, make the case for the 2015 team as the best of all time because I think. You believe it.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I mean, I just, I just think with the amount of guys we had, I mean, even, even like our 10th and 11th guy are off the bench, you know, like they could go somewhere else and start probably.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, Derrick Wilson, Dominique Hawkins didn't play.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah. And they're starters somewhere else. Yeah. I don't know. So when you, when you look at it like that, it's just, there's just too much talent and not, I don't think any. Probably 80% of us got to tap into our Whole talent.

[Matt Jones]

What were those practices, like, every day? Did you get to the point that you didn't want to see Dakari Johnson ever again? Because you probably do practice against him, like, every day, right?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, that's. Cat had to guard Dakari. I didn't really have to guard him too much. I was guarding Marcus.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, put your microphone up there, Nick. There you go. You guard Marcus Lee?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, I was guarding Marcus. And Kat had to guard Dakari. So, yeah, them two bodies got to clash against each other a lot.

[Matt Jones]

What was the moment that year that you knew, like, this is gonna be special? Like, this is a special team?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Probably the summer, like, when the new guys came in after, like, we had been there already, you know what I mean? And, I mean, the first, like, three weeks of practicing and, like, playing pickup, like, we were fighting. It was just fighting. It was like the twins versus Book and Tyler. And, you know, I always got the.

[Matt Jones]

Sense, you tell me if this is right. The twins versus Booker and Tyler, everybody liked each other, but there was.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

There was something there right after the fact. Everybody liked each other at first. I don't. I don't think that was the case. I mean, they weren't supposed to be here. You know what I mean? Like, it got, like, over pushed. Like, twin should have left. Book and Tyler come up. You know, that's how it goes. That's how it's, like, recruited here. So when that. When we all come back, it kind of like stacks it up. So now it's you. You create a little competition is words, you know, more times than not, it's given to you. Now it's like you got a competition where like, well, these guys already proved this. Like, we can't just slide them out. You kind of had a battle for it. So I think they set it up for. For the battle.

[Matt Jones]

Did you. I mean, during the year, everybody said the right things about the platoon in the moment. Did you all like it or not?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think in the beginning, we didn't like it. But then once we started just running people out the gym like they were tired by the time, you know, I mean, we're like, still like, coach, can I please go back in? Because, like, you know, you're not tired. And so once. Once we kind of got like, you know, five, six games in of playing it like that, then it was like, okay, we see the benefit in what we're doing.

[Matt Jones]

Let me take a step back. I like to go through people's careers. So you came in here how many times Ryan did we hear he played Wide receiver in high school?

[Unknown]

Probably every single game.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Every single game for three years? Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Did you. I mean, you don't see the TV broadcast, but did you know like that that's was said about you every single game?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, it's. I mean, I get on Twitter afterwards and you. It's on there.

[Matt Jones]

Did you. So you did play wide receiver in high school. Were you good?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That was great.

[Matt Jones]

You'd be hard to cover at 6:11.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

They would try everything. Triple coverages, double coverages, put a linebacker on me off the line, but the linebacker is like little other than me. So.

[Matt Jones]

So you came here your freshman year, didn't play a ton, backed up New Orleans, and then he gets hurt and so you, you, you play a little bit more.

[Unknown]

What.

[Matt Jones]

When you came here, what was the amount of time you thought you were gonna say? You didn't think you were a one and done when you came, did you?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

When I came here, I was just. I was just coming for the ride, bro. I didn't really have an expectation of what it was gonna be like. I mean, that's why I came was because they said you would be, you know, like a one and done or have a chance to go to the, to the league quick. So that's why. That's why I came. But as soon as I got here, I didn't know it was going to be like that. I mean, like, as soon as I signed, I was already like top 15 on the, on the board and I hadn't even played a game yet. And I was like, how the hell. Yeah, how does that make sense?

[Matt Jones]

But so the first year, there's the struggles end up in the nit second year, you know, everybody remembers the run, but during the regular season, that 2014 team, there were a lot of struggles that year too. And I mean, you guys played a lot of close games on the road where you would lose right at the end.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Did you, during that time feel like, though, you know, there's still something else with this group?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Oh, yeah. I mean, at that. At that. That particular year, I mean, we were still putting it together. So when people kind of ask about it, it's like, I think people think that we were like. Because what? We were the eight seed?

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Like we were better than the ac. I think we just got kind of hoed on it and just because who we are, you know what I mean?

[Matt Jones]

And like, well, Wichita State is the one that ended up getting screwed on it because they were undefeated and had to play you guys in the second round.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

But were they seed? What do you mean?

[Matt Jones]

What? They were one. I'm just saying, like, they shouldn't have had to play you.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

But why? We're the eight seed.

[Matt Jones]

I know, but like.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

So you're saying we're better than.

[Matt Jones]

You were, better than an eight seed. And I think that hurt them in some ways.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, for sure.

[Matt Jones]

But let's go to that game. It's an often forgotten game. That's one of the best. Don't you agree? That's one of the best college basketball games I've ever seen.

[Unknown]

It was awesome. It was great. Big shot after big shot.

[Matt Jones]

Just.

[Unknown]

They like NBA talent.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Baker and Fred. Fred, Fred Van Fleet, Clee Anthony early, who didn't, I don't think play in the NBA, but was a great college. He did play.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

He ended up getting shot. The Knicks got shot in the leg.

[Matt Jones]

I didn't know that. Oh, well, that's a bummer. Sorry to hear that. But. But that game, that was one of the most awesome in the moment games I can remember.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Crazy well for me, for sure. Because I'm from Kansas, so I got to play K State and then to get into that game, play Wichita and it was like. It was different. You know what I mean?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So then game against Louisville in Indianapolis. Louisville's coming off a national championship. We had won one two years ago. It was like the rubber match. I tell you, personally, I've never been more nervous about a game in my life. I almost got. I got spit on. I got. The woman tried to throw up. Up on me. Like it was one of the wildest.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Stay. Getting punched on.

[Unknown]

This was during a pregame show. These people were coming up to him during the pregame show and giving him the. You know.

[Matt Jones]

They accidentally booked my pregame show at a Louisville pregame party.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Oh, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And I just decided. I just decided to talk trash. And a woman tried to throw up on me. But that one, that game, what's. What. What was it like to be in it?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Man, it was. I mean, anytime. Like I said, anytime you get to play in a rivalry game, it's legendary. So, like the fact that, I don't know, I've got to play in like six of them with them. So, I mean, I broke my ankle that game. So that's all I really remember in the last shots.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, you didn't. That Marcus Lee had to come in there and that's when he played really well against Michigan and Wisconsin.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so get to 2015. Did you come back because you broke your ankle?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

If you hadn't broken your ankle, would you have left?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I was gone. Yeah. I was out of here.

[Matt Jones]

So, I mean, I won't say. A blessing in disguise, though, was it?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Oh, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Why do you think that?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Because I still don't think I was ready to go, but I was gonna go just because of the. When we went to the ship, like, what else can you do better besides winning it? So, I mean, the draft boards look good. Like, everything was good. So, like, if we would have won it, I probably definitely would have.

[Matt Jones]

Were you bummed out that you had to come back? I mean, there's got to be a part of it that's like, I was so close.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I wasn't. I wasn't bummed just because I was hurt. So it just made it like. Like, oh, I have so much stuff that I want to get done. And, like, I remember laying in the hospital bed after surgery and, like, talking to my boy Rex and was like, man, I got, like, so many accolades. I still. I haven't won. I've never won anything. Da, da, da, da. Like, I think I want to go back to school and do it. And then, like, fast forward, we got all the accolades.

[Matt Jones]

All right, so before you did that, we go to the Bahamas.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That was a good trip.

[Matt Jones]

I. I'm just. I mean, we might as well just talk about that. I mean, first of all, years ago, you guys. You guys had fun on that trip. I mean, that wasn't just a basketball trip. You guys had fun, and I'm not sure anyone had more fun than you. Like, you. You. You were. You were at the clubs. You were at the bars. I mean, what do you. What did you. How did you look at that trip?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I was hurt. So, you know, I had, like, a morning workout, and then I was done for the rest of the day. I got to watch good basketball, and I was with all the boosters all day, and just.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, you were with all the boosters. That's one way to put it.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

You were just.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Just chilling, meeting people. It was. It was a good time.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I can remember I would go to bed, and my friends that stayed out later, including this one, that would be when they would see you show up.

[Unknown]

I was going to show Willie some pictures and say, do you remember this moment? But we won't do that on radio. We'll do that after the show.

[Matt Jones]

We've told. I don't want to go into the details on the morning show. This might be an uncensored podcast, but we have hinted over the years at the moment, at the pool after you all did the ice bucket challenge. Do you remember you did the ice bucket challenge? And do you remember you walked back to the pool? Do you remember what was going on at the pool when you. When you showed up?

[Unknown]

Some people not in the UK Party were having a very good time.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Maybe there was dancing going on in the middle of the pool, and Cal and those guys ran off. Do you remember that?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Actually, I do now.

[Unknown]

You don't see that on a lot of pools.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Not. Not. No, not those. Not that type of pool.

[Matt Jones]

Not that type of pool. But that group. It did strike me that that Bahamas trip did kind of bring you guys together. By the end of the trip, you all seem to have a much bigger connection maybe than you did before. Do you agree with that?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think so. I mean, we had a lot of downtime, too, where, you know, we were going parasailing and on the beach, riding jet skis and just kind of like, he took us out on the boat and got to, you know, snorkel and do all types of stuff where we're just all together. I think that's one. That's one thing Kyle does a really good job of is, like, putting you in situations where you have to be around each other. Like, we have these tempur pedic beds, and we're gonna go sleep on this floor instead of sleeping in these tempurpedic beds. You know what I mean? Like, it's like, stuff like that. Like, he just make you be together.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Well, let me. I want to come back to 2015, but let me talk about Cal for a second. When you hear Caliperi is going to Arkansas, what is your thought at that moment?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Damn. Yeah. Like, damn. That was. It was unexpected. I think I woke up to it, but I get it. I get it. At the same time, like, you know, stuff is stagnant. You know, people need change. People need change to keep. Keep things moving fresh. And so I think it was a situation here. We're like, okay, we're good, but we're not as good as we need to be, and I'll make a change, and I think it's mutual.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I thought it was. I actually thought it was best for both parties for that to happen. Did you? I always worried about how the former players saw it because we're here every day. I think we knew Cal needed to change. I think we knew we, as fans, needed to change. How did former players see it? Like, did you. Could you feel that that needed to happen?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you can just, you can just tell. I mean, especially with the new, like the way colleges now at the nil. Like, we come from an era of like, we had to like, scheme the, like, how to get away with stuff like that. You know what I mean? And now you don't have to do that. And like now it's like, does Kentucky want to like, fun into that? Well, it didn't look like it. So I feel like there's like a, you know.

[Matt Jones]

But did you. I mean, I will just say. And I, I thought he changed a little bit in the last few years.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think he got complacent.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Like, like when I was here, I feel like it was intense. And then like, you come back and then like the way he talks to the kids, like, well, you didn't talk to us like that.

[Matt Jones]

Is that right? Did you. Could you see a difference? Maybe not like, it was like he.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Was a little softer. Like, it wasn't like with us, man. He was as Alex, bro, like, Alex got the worst of it, I feel like. So I don't, I don't, I don't see. When I was here, seeing that, I don't feel like anybody else got like that type of.

[Matt Jones]

Why did you think Alex got the worst of it? I always thought Alex got the worst of it too. Why do you think that was true?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Cuz he's just so big. Like, he's just, he was supposed, you know, he was like a big guard and a beast, so. But also like a very, you know, kind, human spirited person. So I think Cal was just trying to bring out that monster out of him. I don't think that's who he is. And so like, trying to bring that out just made him kind of put him in a lower spot.

[Matt Jones]

Do you cheer? Well, on February 1st, Kentucky's gonna play Arkansas right down there. Are you gonna cheer for Kentucky?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. Okay. I'm just making sure. I, I, you know, I. But do you cheer for Arkansas when they don't play Kentucky?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

No. No, I don't. I, I watch, but I ain't. No. Yeah, I'm not.

[Matt Jones]

No, you're a Kentucky guy. I love it.

[Unknown]

Have you been there yet or have any intentions at least check in? I know some former players have at least from UK gone and said hi to Cal there. Have you made that trip?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, I made the trip. I mean, it's right around the corner. My wife, she went to school there and stuff and she wants to go, but I'm like, have you met Mark Pope? Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. How's that go.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Mark's nice. I like him. I enjoyed the whole. The whole coaching staff was cool when we were here. They took care of us too. So I mean, I like what they got going on.

[Matt Jones]

Tell me about Stockton Mortgage.

[Unknown]

Stockton Mortgage Our friends at Stockton Mortgage make home ownership happen and Tim can attest. Here's what he had to say. We had originally tried to finance our new home with our old lender, but after six weeks of very little action, we were suggested to try Stockton Mortgage. We followed that advice and immediately things began to happen. The service we were given was truly amazing. We closed on our house and are so pleased with our experience with Stockton Mortgage. Take it from Tim and get started [e-mail] Stockton Mortgage NMLS 8259 equal housing.

[Matt Jones]

Lender so I can show Mario but.

[Unknown]

Not with the camera.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. There's a great picture. We had fun in the Bahamas.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That's right.

[Matt Jones]

That was Bahamas. By the way, Vince Merrow just wrote me. He must be listening in. He said, I saw Willie play football. He. I was at Nebraska watching him. He was a great football player.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Great.

[Matt Jones]

There you go. Vince Marrow, the recruiter, giving you the thumbs up.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That's a. That's a blessing.

[Matt Jones]

We'll take a break. Be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. It is playoff time. That's right. We're talking about playoffs, the NFL playoffs. And it is time to get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports bet partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is the key to winning the games in the playoffs. And you can score big by betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. If you're ready to place your first bet, try betting on something simple like a player to score six. So go to the DraftKings sports app. Make your pick. New DraftKings customers can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets instantly. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use my code KSR. New customers get $200 in bonus bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks. It is only at the DraftKings sportsbook. The crown is yours if you have a gaming problem called 1-800-GAMBLER 18/ Kentucky. Only eligible restrictions apply. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co audio.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report at Ameca Insurance.

[Drew Franklin]

We know it's more than just a car. It's the two door coupe that was there for your first the hatchback that took you cross country and back, and the minivan that tackles the weekly carpool for the cars you couldn't live without. Trust Ameca Auto Insurance. Ameca Empathy is our best policy.

[Unknown]

You ever get the feeling the city walls closing in the concrete jungle suffocating your soul? You crave wide open spaces, the chance to connect with n, maybe chase some elk, fish a private stream. Well, listen up. There's a whole world out there and finding your own piece of it just got easier. Head over to land.com they've got ranches, forest, mountains, you name it. Search by acreage, location, the kind of hunting or fishing you dream of. Land.com it's where the adventure begins.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Meaningful Beauty, the famed skincare brand created by iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford. It's her secret to absolutely gorgeous skin. Meaningful Beauty makes powerful and effective skin care simple and it's loved by millions of women. It's formulated for all ages and all skin tones and types. And it's designed to work as a complete skin care system, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I recommend starting with Cindy's full regimen which contains all five of her best selling products including the amazing youth Activating Melon Serum. This next generation serum has the power of melon leaf stem cell technology. It's melon leaf stem cells encapsulated for freshness and released onto the skin to support a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. With thousands of glowing five star reviews, why not give it a try? Subscribe today and you can get the amazing Meaningful Beauty system for just $49.95. That includes our introductory five piece system, free gifts, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee. All that available@meaningful beauty.com welcome back.

[Matt Jones]

It is Kentucky Sports Radio. One of Willie's big fans just walked in here. Willie, you got fans left and right all over the place.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It's a blessing really.

[Matt Jones]

It's got to be awesome. I mean one of the things you get to do that these players get to do. What? What? I. I know you have a big heart. What is it like to see the effect you have on just regular, everyday fans.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I don't think you, like, really realize it until, like, it happens. You know, it's. But it. It's good, you know, you getting emotional thinking about it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, because you don't feel it all the time. So when you come here, it's like you feel it all the time.

[Matt Jones]

So Marcus Cousins used to say, look, I went to the NBA, it was great. Made a lot of money. But my favorite year was my year here. There's a way people embrace you here that just doesn't happen. Right. Anywhere else.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, I mean, I think they see you for who you are, not just a basketball player or what you do for the school. Like, you know, they see you for. You really are. That's big time.

[Matt Jones]

In 2000, was it 14 or 15?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

The.

[Matt Jones]

The drawing on the sidewalk thing. Do you remember the sidewalk shock? Yeah. So it was 2014 at the SEC tournament. They did these like profiles of the big player on every team. And I remember you guys were about to play Florida and Patrick Young was their really good player. And it said. And it said Patrick Young. They were like, in his spare time, he goes out and he chops wood. And they showed him with an ax and all this. And you all were about to play him and then they showed you and they were like, for Kentucky Willie Collie Stein, in his spare time, he likes to go out on the sidewalk and do sidewalk art with char. With chalk. And I was like, oh, that's how they did this.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Chopping wood.

[Matt Jones]

Patrick Young chopping wood. And you drawing on the sidewalk with. With chalk. They did you bad on that one.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It did me dirty for sure.

[Matt Jones]

Do you. Did you actually do that, though?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, that was a art contest that I did in high school. How to do. Yeah, Sidewalk.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, they did you dirty on that one, though. Yeah, they did, yeah.

[Unknown]

What about him dunking on Florida, not coloring the sidewalk?

[Matt Jones]

Okay, so we were talking during the break about dunks. Is that Florida dunk, your best dunk?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That's one of them. What's the best dunk in college?

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I don't know, man. That's. I mean, that's the one that we see all the time. I'm sure there's some other ones that are. Cincinnati, actually Auburn won. My freshman year was pretty crazy too. Like, little. I got a little pitch from James Young at the three point line and everybody's like, what the hell did he catch it at the three point line for? And I'm just like looking like, oh, Nobody's guarding me. One dribble, boom. And I was like, oh, that was fun. Now I think I want it out there all the time.

[Matt Jones]

2015, I'm going to give you some moments I remember. Get your quick take on. First of all, when you all nearly held UCLA scoreless in the CBS Classic, maybe the best defensive performance in the first half I've ever seen a team have agreed. They couldn't even get shots off.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, they were flustered.

[Matt Jones]

And that team went to the sweet 16. They ended up being a pretty good team.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I mean, they were good, dude. They just. Not for us.

[Matt Jones]

Was that one of them? We're in the locker room, you're like, oh, wow.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I actually feel bad for them because, like, they. It was just the timing that we played them. Like, we have been going crazy, like, either playing against each other and then we're, like, playing that little thing, and then it's like Christmas break. So it's like, once this game is over, we're all getting on the plane, going home. So it was like, let's just finish this game so we can go home.

[Matt Jones]

Did you start to feel the weight of the undefeated? Like, did that. Was there a pressure on that group during SEC play?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

No, I think the pressure didn't happen till after, when we were first going in. I feel like that's when it was. That's when we were hearing it the most. Like, during the sec, it was. It was like, whatever. But, like, once that was over and we were going into the tournament, then it was like a different type of pressure because now everybody's in the same boat. But now it's like, are you gonna go undefeated and win this? That's different than just like, oh, going undefeated in the tournament and then you win it. But it's like, as the whole, you start thinking as the whole, at that point.

[Matt Jones]

There's an argument fans have sometimes, which is there's this argument there are people who wanted you to lose a game because they go back to 96 in 2012. Two great teams. I think, along with 2015, those are the great teams of my lifetime. They both lost in the SEC tournament finals and then won the title. And there have been people who said, I wish they would have lost. Do you think it would have helped you to lose? I always argue no, but maybe I'm wrong. Do you think it would have helped you to lose?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I don't think. What's the difference?

[Matt Jones]

I agree.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

You just lost. Now you. Now you lost, but you don't think.

[Matt Jones]

Like, that would have helped as the.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Tournament went on, well, you just. Well, no, because. Well, so you lose and then you still. It's one game at a time. You lose again and you're over. Like, you win, you win. So it's regardless. We put the pressure on ourselves. The pressure was gone because the only way it mattered was to lose in the sec, right?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

So after that's over, everybody has to go undefeated.

[Matt Jones]

Now, that's a really good point.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

You know what I mean? So, like, we lose. All right, so you lost.

[Matt Jones]

But I thought the only team going into the tournament, the only team I thought had a chance to beat you all was Wisconsin just because of the.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Way they played matchup.

[Matt Jones]

Do you agree with that?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

So look, I know you don't want to think about it, but tell me about that game.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I mean, they just got it. They got us on a night that, like, we hadn't been in a position like that where, you know, we're necessarily down in the last few minutes of a game. And like, you know, we're used to putting pressure on other people on that side of the things and what our last three possessions, we had two shot clock violations and an air ball like happen. That hadn't happened the whole year.

[Matt Jones]

They had a shot that was a shot clock pilot.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It was a shotgun.

[Matt Jones]

They should have called it.

[Unknown]

Ryan should have called it. They didn't call.

[Matt Jones]

It still makes me mad.

[Unknown]

It still makes everybody mad.

[Matt Jones]

You think about it and you know, I'm friends with Big Cat and he's Sam Decker's friend. I still hate Sam Decker. It's not. What was rude of him to win that game, Will you all should have been undefeated.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

We should have.

[Matt Jones]

It was rude. We'll take a break. Be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio.

[Ryan Lemond]

T.J. smith, personal injury attorney. Call T.J. he'll make him pay. Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back, Techie Sports Radio. 859-280-2287. Willie giving a nice surprise to the people that came here. Give yourselves a round of applause. Those of you that got here early didn't even know you were gonna get this. And so thanks to Dr. Mike Wong, who is giving out pictures that he took of Willie with his dunk against Cincinnati and now he's signing them, which is very, very nice. One person writes, Matt, I was here on campus when Willie was on his visit in the Hyatt lobby. I went up and asked for a picture and he said, why do you want my picture? I don't think he realized what he was getting into. Is that, is that, is that possible?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah. I did not.

[Matt Jones]

Did you. I mean, did you have any idea what you were walking into when you came to Lexington?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

No. I'm from Kansas, man. I didn't even know what Kentucky basketball was. So before like Cal and them actually came to my house, it was, I'm a Kansas kid.

[Matt Jones]

So when you walk on campus and all of a sudden people are just coming up to you and wanting pictures and all that, is it just like. It's got to be a crazy change, isn't it?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

For the better? Yeah, for the better. I don't know, you just, you just realize how much impact you can have on people. So, like, you got to just, I don't know, you. There's, there's a couple ways you can take it. You can either be like the asshole or you can be like the guy that sits out here for two hours and sign everybody's autographs. I feel like that's the, that's the route that I took.

[Matt Jones]

And you've always been like that. I mean, I, that's one of the things I appreciate about you is that you, throughout the time, you seem to be like, I'm gonna talk to these people.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I get it. I'm small town kid. So, like, I understand. Like, I was that kid that was standing outside of a Die City Legends game trying to get an autograph from a semi pro guy.

[Matt Jones]

Is that right? You go to G League games trying to get.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Wasn't even G league at that time. You know what I mean? This is like below that.

[Matt Jones]

Wow.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

In southwest Kansas.

[Matt Jones]

There's a young woman here who you met when you were at UK when she was like a child, and she's come to see you again. How does that make you feel?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think those are the craziest ones. Like now when I come back, it'd be like, all the students are, were children, you know, and they're like, oh, yeah, you saw my iPhone 5? And I'm like, iPhone 5? Sheesh.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, wait till you get to do it as long as I have. When people are like, my dad used to come watch you when he was in college. And you're like, are you kidding me?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, it's, it's, it's, it's wild.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

And I look in the mirror and I'm like, well, I don't feel like that old.

[Matt Jones]

I know exactly what you're like.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I changed that much. And I'm like looking. They're like grown.

[Matt Jones]

Yes, grown. One person writes, matt, I think Willie had the best death stare I've ever seen. Does he remember the death stare he gave Montrez Harold during the Louisville game?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, it's hard to. Hard to get past that one. That one gets shown every year, too.

[Matt Jones]

That was pretty good. He went flying. You remember that, right?

[Unknown]

Every year, Louisville comes into Rupp Arena. That video is on the. The intro video.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Same game.

[Matt Jones]

It was the same game.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Literally, same game.

[Matt Jones]

That's right. One person writes, you know, ask Willie what his favorite thing about Caliperi was. What was your favorite thing about Cal Perry?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I just like the way, like, he. He empowers us to be who we are, but then, like, shows us, like, what to. How to, like, use that after ball. So, like, a lot of the stuff that I learned from cow, it had nothing to do with basketball. I mean, it's just more like how to carry yourself off the floor and, like, you're a brand and, you know, how to make money after this and, like, how to, you know, set up your family. Like, we're in a position to, you know, stop generational curses and stuff like that. So, I mean, I, like, really paid attention to that type of stuff.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. One person writes, ask Willie, of all the COW big men, where does he think he ranks? Well, that's a tough question for you. All right, so just for your time at Kentucky, not what happens in the NBA. If I'm thinking about. Let's just go through the various really good big men here. Start with, you had demarcus, Jorts, Nerlens, Anthony Davis, you, Carl, Oscar, who else who might be. Bam. That's a really good one.

[Unknown]

Julius Randall.

[Matt Jones]

Julius Randall. You play with a lot of these guys. Willie, you're sitting there and you're going, all right, where do I.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Where.

[Matt Jones]

Where do you put yourself in that list?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Shoot. Top three. Not three.

[Matt Jones]

Top three, not three. So let me. If I. If I were going to put your list just at UK, okay, not what happens after UK. I think it's the top four, to me, in some order, is AD, DeMarcus, Oscar, you. I think that's the top four at UK. Come on, man. You. You want to. You can be a broadcaster. Give rank those four for me.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I mean, where the accolades say, what the numbers say?

[Matt Jones]

Well, the numbers would probably put you.

[Unknown]

Two, but the accolades may put him one.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Anthony had similar.

[Unknown]

Yeah, Anthony and him.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

He got the chip. We'll put Anthony first. Just because you got a chip.

[Matt Jones]

So you're gonna put you second.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I'm second for sure. National player of the year, defensive player of the year.

[Unknown]

That's it.

[Matt Jones]

When you sweep.

[Unknown]

National player of the year, defensive player of the year, Conference player of the year, conference defensive player of the year.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

SEC tournament player of the Year. Like also one, two sports.

[Unknown]

Two sports star on that list. No other wide receivers other than Willie. I think that also gives him a buck.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I don't think there were any other wide.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Just saying that there's a lot of things that's kind of going my way to.

[Matt Jones]

I agree. You know, I mean if you look at the accolades I, this, I, I don't think there's any debate. We've talked about this retirement worthy. I, I Dude, dude, where I'm going. If you're just looking at the accolades, your jersey should be up there one day. Because there is no one Ryan.

[Unknown]

That's correct.

[Matt Jones]

I mean the amount of people that have those accolades is on one hand, wouldn't you agree?

[Unknown]

There's no doubt about it. You put that just based on what he did here, the accolades he received after his junior year, it's a no brainer that he gets his jersey retired.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I agree.

[Unknown]

For being here longer.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I've been wondering the same thing. I've been here for three years also and I'm about to graduate.

[Matt Jones]

Hang on, you're about to graduate?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Talk to me about that.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Came back. I got like another semester left. I'm spring semester actually after this. I'm going on campus. I got a couple classes I gotta start doing.

[Matt Jones]

Why was that important to you?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I mean, I'm done with, you know, playing, but I want to, I want to get into coaching and so to coach you gotta have a degree.

[Matt Jones]

So you want to be a coach?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

What, what do you, you were gonna start that next year, you hope on.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

The college level now I think I want to do high school.

[Matt Jones]

High school?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Why?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think I could like serve the kids better. Like young adults moving into that college level.

[Matt Jones]

I've always felt like probably more uniquely than any player that has played here since I've done it. You have and you, you feel free to correct me. An artistic personality, a very like, you have a huge heart. It's not your typical basketball player way of looking at the world. That's hard for me to really describe.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

You hit it on the head, am I right?

[Matt Jones]

Talk to me about that.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I think it just goes to like, you see my grandparents, you guys met them like that was my parents. So like I was raised in that type of, you know, small town environment. They never in probably their Whole life thought they would come to Kentucky and watch their, you know, son playing, move on to the NBA and stuff like that. So I don't know what that. That type of. You don't know. Like, and it was, like, all. It was like a gift for all of us. I know you carry that with you, so, like, it's all a gift. So, like, you know, I got to learn a lot doing that, and I just feel like there's a lot of, like, kids that are like me that I could, like, share that, too. So that's why I feel like the high school level will be fun.

[Matt Jones]

I think you said to me once that you tended to gravitate towards people. Kind of left out a little bit. I remember you saying to me in one of the interviews a long time ago that you kind of look for the kid that's off to the side by himself or herself. Is that right?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I feel like I was that person. Like, I was just tall, so I was in the back. You know what I mean? But, like, you always wanted to be in the front. You always want to dance around and stuff, but, like, never, you know, for some reason, you never did. And so, like, I look for that. I look for those type of people that you really know that they want to be in the mix but are, like, either too embarrassed or, you know, don't know themselves like that or haven't learned themselves like that to, like, put themselves in that position. So, like, sometimes you got to force them in that. That role.

[Matt Jones]

You've traveled the world a little bit with basketball. Where all have you been?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It's taken me far. I don't know. Like, when I played in Italy, man, we got to play in, like, a different country every other day. So I. Passport got stamps.

[Matt Jones]

What town did you play for in Italy?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Veraze. Oh, okay, so 45 minutes from Milan, which Alex was actually playing there at the time.

[Matt Jones]

Wow. So you were in Milan. Did you get into fashion and all that stuff when you were there?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I didn't. I wasn't there long enough, honestly. So I. It was nice there, though.

[Matt Jones]

It's probably stuck out a little bit there.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Just a little bit.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, maybe just a little bit. All right, so I was also riding.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

A motorcycle around, like one of those little cow Vespas. Like a.

[Matt Jones]

Like a real micro.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

No crotch rocket. Yeah. C4 Moto.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. All right, well, that's.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I got zooming.

[Matt Jones]

So when you. What do you. You watch Kentucky. You were here for the game. Set. What do you think about this Kentucky team?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I Like them, man. I mean, we're just. We can score. I feel like even in. Even in the SEC period. Like, I never seen so many, like, good teams in sec. You, like, watch they're, like, looking at their records as they pop up. And Everybody got, like, 12 wins, you know?

[Matt Jones]

League's a lot better than when you were in it.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Like, I mean, you guys would have, like, three or four, probably like five.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Teams that were, you know, I think at one point, I mean, we had, like, us, Tennessee, Florida, you know what I mean? We're all in, like, the Elite Eight. At one point, it was like, three or four SEC teams and it was. I mean, I thought that was crazy, but, like, seeing it this year, I mean, I feel like we're the power conference.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, no, for sure, right? Without question.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

But Everybody's scoring almost 100 points and nobody's playing defense, so.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, they don't play defense.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

So whoever. Whoever decides to play defense is going to win it for sure.

[Matt Jones]

Well, hopefully that's us. Willie, I want to thank you very much for. For coming in tonight. You're always generous with your time. Last thing before you go. How crazy was the TBT tournament in Louisville?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It was a. It was fun. It was fun. I mean, I've never played a Freedom hall neither, so it was like a. Literally, like a first for me.

[Matt Jones]

You saw he got punched.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I know. And, I mean, he got a crazy video.

[Unknown]

A lot going on there. You running it back next year?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah, I'm running it back for sure.

[Matt Jones]

That was great. I love that you guys still fight with the Louisville people 10 years later.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

It's them, not us. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, it's them.

[Matt Jones]

It's not you. You're not a fighter ever. Yeah, I like it. Well, Willie, thank you very much. Thanks for being generous with your time here and with all these folks. Everybody give a round of applause to our man here. I appreciate Willie. College time. We're going to take a break and come back. Final segment. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. It is playoff time. That's right. We're talking about playoffs. The NFL playoffs. And it is time to get in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NFL. Scoring touchdowns is the key to winning the games in the playoffs. And you can score big by betting on them at DraftKings, the number one place to bet touchdowns. If you're ready to place your first bet, try betting on something simple like a player to score six. So go to the DraftKings sports app. Make your pick new DraftKings customers can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets instantly. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app. Use my code KSR. New customers get $200 in bonus bets instantly. When you bet just five bucks, it is only at the DraftKings sportsbook. The crown is yours. If you have a gaming problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER 18/ Kentucky. Only eligible restrictions apply. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co audio.

[Ryan Lemond]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide, and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report at Amica Insurance.

[Drew Franklin]

We know it's more than just a car or a house. It's the four wheels that get you where you're going and the four walls that welcome you home. When you combine auto and home insurance with Ameca, we'll help protect it all. And the more you cover, the more you can save Ameca. Empathy is our best policy.

[Unknown]

You ever get the feeling the city walls closing in the concrete jungle suffocating your soul? You crave wide open spaces, the chance to connect, maybe chase some elk, fish a private stream? Well, listen up. There's a whole world out there and finding your own piece of it just got easier. Head over to land.com they've got ranches, forest, mountains, you name it. Search by acreage, location, the kind of hunting or fishing you dream of. Land.com it's where the adventure begins.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Meaningful Beauty, the famed skincare brand created by iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford. It's her secret to absolutely gorgeous skin. Meaningful Beauty makes powerful and effective skin care simple and it's loved by millions of women. It's formulated for all ages and all skin tones and types and it's designed to work as a complete skin care system, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I recommend starting with Cindy's full regimen which contains all five of her best selling products including the amazing Youth Activating Melon Serum. This next generation serum has the power of melon leaf stem cell technology. Its melon leaf stem cells encapsulated for freshness and released onto the skin to support a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. With thousands of glowing five star reviews, why not give it a try? Subscribe today and you can get the amazing Meaningful Beauty system for just $49.95. That includes our introductory five piece system, free gifts, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee. All that [e-mail].

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back techie Sports Radio. You know, we were just at Grayline station in Lexington Friday with Club Blue Bourbon. Drew and Ryan helped design it. So we're coming back again this coming Friday. Second in a row Bespoken Spirits helps Club Blue Bourbon which helps nil for the UK athletes. They also make Leonard Skynyrd's whiskey which I didn't know until Friday. So they will have tours, tasting cocktails and more this Friday from 4 to 7. And remember, we are back there 10am this Friday at Bespoken Spirits in Gray Line. Learn [e-mail] and remember I'm giving away UK Bama tickets there Friday. We gave 500 away last Friday. UK Bama tickets this Friday. I kept Willie on for a second because I had to get him to hear this song. Do you remember the Kentucky Joe song? I'm in Willie Collie Steinman.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I don't think I could forget it.

[Matt Jones]

You did hear it?

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Kentucky Jones or Kentucky Joe's been. He's had some health problems, but he will. He. He has legendary songs.

[Unknown]

Oh yeah. This one lives forever.

[Matt Jones]

Found it from the archives. So, Shannon, go ahead and play I'm a Willie Collie Steinman. All right, here we go. Oh, I'm a Willie Collins I man.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Oh, I'm a Willy Collie Steinman I got that look Gotten that feel, forgot that love oh, I am so, so real oh, I'm a Willy college time man oh, I'm a Willy college time man My man got a good swing though. He really do.

[Matt Jones]

How good is that, Willie? Not most of us don't get songs written like that about us.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

You're right.

[Unknown]

That's not good. That's awful.

[Matt Jones]

That is so bad. Give it a grade, Willie.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

That's an A plus. My name and it's A plus.

[Matt Jones]

A plus. All right, Willie, thank you very much. I appreciate it. He's been nice enough to sign a picture for everybody Here with Mike Dr. This great picture of him dunking on. See, this is why you have to come to remotes. You never know when you're going to get something like this. Heck, this would Be a fifty hundred dollar picture right here.

[Unknown]

This is a heck of a bonus. He signed several of them for everybody here. Each table got one. So thank you to Dr. Wong and thanks to Willie.

[Matt Jones]

Very nice of both of them to do that. All right, before we get out of here, I do want to talk about Cameron and Dave fighting. They scream at each other on the pregame show. Ryan, you and Drew were the first ones to point it out. Because I hadn't listened to a lot of them and I turned it on Saturday. I thought they were going to kill each other.

[Unknown]

I, I like. We all like Drew.

We all like you.

[Matt Jones]

We do like Drew, right? We do like Drew. He's sitting right here, Dave.

[Unknown]

And can we like them both? But man, they fight like little teenage girls, man. They really go at it today.

[Matt Jones]

Like, is it real?

[Unknown]

No, they like each other. I think it's just the, the part of the show you have to tune in to listen to it.

[Matt Jones]

People think I'm mean to you. Like you should listen to the two of them. You think I'm mean to Ryan? Go listen to how Cameron and Dave talk to each other.

[Unknown]

It's very, very contentious.

[Matt Jones]

Preview.

[Unknown]

I, I agree. We saw him right before the show started the other day. Everybody's in great spirits. And I get in my car and they're like, are you gonna let me talk? Are you done talking? So I don't know if it's a bit, but it is good radio. I enjoy catching it. I hear every one of them.

[Matt Jones]

I think they are, I think that's just how they are. But they are like two old people who have lived with each other for so long.

[Unknown]

That's it.

[Matt Jones]

That they are going to kill each other.

[Unknown]

The, the show before this one, they were arguing about what you called the pre game. Shoot around. And I thought they were going to fight, just arguing over that.

It's good radio. I don't miss it.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I think people, I think people either love it or hate it. There are some people who write me and go, I cannot listen to these two scream at each other anymore.

[Unknown]

I texted you all eight minutes into that show. Are you listening? They're fighting already. I look for it.

[Matt Jones]

Let me just say this because I. There's a young woman who has come to the show who is in a wheelchair and who was the person that, that, that Willie knew when he played here. And he's sitting here talking to her right now. And I think it's one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. The way that girl lit up when she walked in here and she was brought in here and saw her like, that's. That's what this is. This is what Kentucky basketball is. That goes to what Mark Pope did on Saturday. And it goes to the. Like, it's. I'm trying to finish the show because it's so sweet right here in front of us.

[Unknown]

The backstory was Olivia was 4 years old, went to daycare and said she was gonna marry Willie Collie Stein.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So he went on his own and met her for lunch when she was 4 years old. Now here she is 14, came in to see him.

I'm watching. He's showing videos of his kids to her. She was mad he had a wife. We heard that part.

[Matt Jones]

She didn't know about that.

[Unknown]

But he's just showing off his family.

[Matt Jones]

Just one of the sweetest things.

[Unknown]

It is. Absolutely.

[Matt Jones]

I've seen Shannon. Who's next?

[Ryan Lemond]

Seth.

[Matt Jones]

Seth, Go ahead. Seth.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

Hey. Hey.

[Matt Jones]

How are you, man?

[Unknown]

Good.

[Matt Jones]

Or. I called in on the pregame show. Yes.

[Unknown]

The other day for Josh Hubbard and Lamont Butler's matchup.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

I felt like Lamont Butler was taking candy from a baby.

[Matt Jones]

He really. The matchup, I mean, especially defensively. Offensively, he struggled. You said he started one for nine, but then. And you know, the, the. The defense Butler played. I appreciate the call, Seth, especially at the end. I mean, it was clear Hubbard was taking that last shot and Butler did not give him an inch.

[Unknown]

I joke about championship chest because Pope said a bunch in that video, but he does get that chest out. It will not let anyone get around him when they're trying to drive to the basket. And Hubbard's so good at that. And he's got that lateral quickness. He's just such a great on ball defender that they could not get anything against him.

That's it. Lamont had him rattle and Hubbard's their. Their main star like he had 34, 36 against his last year. Butler had him rattled that game.

[Matt Jones]

I. Butler, you know, Butler is even what I like about him, even if he's not shooting well, he is in the game. He's making passes and he plays the defense. He is our. He's our best defender by far and it's great to watch him do it.

[Unknown]

And I wanted to add, we were talking about rebounding. I didn't get to work this in. Otega away. I assume Pope told the guards to crash the glass and help. He and Lamont more so away in the last game were a big help inside rebounding to. Oh, we had like eight or nine Rebounds.

[Matt Jones]

He did. And a lot of them were in the second.

[Unknown]

Yeah. So when they weren't scoring and making shots, they found other ways to impact.

[Matt Jones]

That is. That's a very good point. DraftKings bet five. Get $200 in free bonus bets with DraftKings. That we had a big weekend. KSR parlay hit.

[Unknown]

It did. Yes, it did.

[Matt Jones]

Plus 455 if you. If you bet it. I picked that one. How about that? That's right.

[Unknown]

We need a Buffalo win yesterday. And it pulled it off.

[Matt Jones]

Code KSR. Bet 5. Get 200 from our good friends at DraftKings. No huge games tonight. Except Rutgers. Rutgers, who has the second and third projected picks in the draft, is eight. Eight. And if they're going to make the tournament, they probably win. We need to win tonight at home against ucla, a ranked UCLA team. Who wins it? Ucla is a 3 1/2 point favorite.

[Unknown]

Has Mick Cronin calmed down yet? He's been on one lately.

[Matt Jones]

I did say his house is kind of in danger in la.

[Unknown]

Before that. Even before that. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

A little crazy. Yeah.

[Unknown]

They've had some locker room issues there, aside from everything else going on. But I'll still pick them to win tonight.

The one good kid is Ron Harper's son. That plays for two good kids. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

I say they win tonight.

[Unknown]

I say they win tonight.

[Matt Jones]

Pull off the upset. Because if they're gonna make the tournament, they better start winning tonight. Hey, thank you guys very much for coming out and joining us. Thanks to Willie Cauley Stein for being here as well. We'll see you tomorrow. Abc. Tim Allen and Kat Dennings star in the new family comedy Shifting Gears. Dad, I'm broke and I need a place to stay until I figure out.

[Willie Cauley-Stein]

What the rest of my life looks like.

[Matt Jones]

So a couple of days when his daughter moves back in.

[Unknown]

The last time you walked out that door, you look back at me and.

[Matt Jones]

Gave me a double bird. I was 18. The double bird was how I ended all our conversations. The wheels come off.

[Unknown]

Can we try to talk to each.

[Matt Jones]

Other like rational adults?

[Unknown]

Have you watched the news lately? That's not a thing anymore.

[Matt Jones]

New Wednesdays, 8, 7 Central on ABC.

[Ryan Lemond]

And stream on Hulu.

[I]

Welcome to TGL, presented by SoFi, golf's newest league. It's sharp and it's electric. How is it sharp? How is it electric? Good questions. Try this on for size. Two hours of hammer dropping overtime forcing playoffs on the line. Golf with 24 of the best players from the PGA Tour this Tuesday, Los Angeles Golf Club vs Jupiter Lynx Golf Club. It's Colin Morikawa, Sahith Figala and Justin Rose taking on Tiger Woods, Max Homa and Kevin Kisner. This isn't your average Sunday pickup game. Tune in each week for tgl. Only on espn. Keep up. It's golf.

[Ryan Lemond]

How did I grow my business and ditch financial spreadsheets? Well, the truth is I have QuickBooks. It helps me manage my business like I manage my podcast newsletter and my TikTok. I can manage my cash flow, get insights and more all in one place so I can feel more confident about my business's finances. And with QuickBooks, live experts when I need them, it's like I've got a bigger team behind me and who doesn't like support? Get 50% off QuickBooks Online advanced and payroll duration period 3 months terms and conditions apply. Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide, and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the Now It Pays to Discover. Learn more at discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report.

[Unknown]

You ever get the feeling the city walls closing in, the concrete jungle suffocating your soul? You crave wide open spaces, the chance to connect with nature, maybe chase some fish, a private stream. Well, listen up. There's a whole world out there, and finding your own piece of it just got easier. Head over to land.com they've got ranches, forest, mountains, you name it. Search by acreage, location, the kind of hunting or fishing you dream of. Land.com it's where the adventure begins.