KSR Podcast Episode Summary: January 16, 2025 – Hour 2

In the January 16, 2025 episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), hosts Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon, and Shannon The Dude delve deep into the current state of Indiana basketball, discuss recent changes in college football transfer policies, pay tribute to the late Bob Euchre, and indulge in a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic TV show references. The conversation is enriched with listener interactions, insightful commentary, and a strong sense of community support. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key discussions and highlights from the episode.

1. The Decline of Indiana Basketball

The episode kicks off with an extensive analysis of Indiana University's struggling basketball program. Drew Franklin expresses skepticism about the future prospects of Indiana basketball, questioning whether the team will ever regain its former glory.

• Drew Franklin (02:10): "But it's not just him. The whole team stinks. They look at their schedule, it's gonna be hard to see where they win games."

Ryan Lemon concurs, highlighting the failed experiment with coach Mike Woodson compared to the more successful tenure of former coach Mark Pope.

• Ryan Lemon (03:09): "It's gonna be tough, man. They thought hiring Mike Woodson, they were gonna get what we're getting with Pope... The Mike Woodson experiment has totally backfired."

Shannon The Dude adds to the discussion by noting the overwhelming student dissatisfaction, emphasizing the significant drop in fan support during games.

• Shannon The Dude (03:42): "It wasn't like a few loud people in the student section. That was a choir in assembly hall in unison, cheering 'Fire Woodson.'"

The hosts lament the decline of a once powerhouse program, reflecting on the broader implications for recruitment and team morale.

2. Listener Calls: Player Motivation and NIL Deals

The conversation transitions to listener interactions, where themes of player motivation and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are explored. A caller raises concerns about whether NIL agreements diminish players' drive to perform.

• Caller (06:33): "Does Mark Pope get ejected from any game this year?"

Drew Franklin rebutts the notion that financial incentives reduce athletes' motivation, comparing it to high-profile athletes like Steph Curry and Travis Kelsey who remain driven despite lucrative contracts.

• Drew Franklin (15:07): "People who are motivated are motivated either way. And if you're not, Ryan, then you're not."

Ryan Lemon reinforces this perspective, asserting that players on the current roster are highly motivated and dedicated.

• Ryan Lemon (16:01): "Everyone in the rotation is making hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do you get the sense they're not trying? Absolutely not."

3. Tribute to Bob Euchre

A heartfelt moment occurs as the hosts pay homage to Bob Euchre, the beloved Milwaukee Brewers announcer who recently passed away. The team reflects on his colorful career and memorable contributions to baseball broadcasting.

• Drew Franklin (12:25): "He was one of the most colorful baseball people ever. He just was."

Ryan Lemon highlights Euchre's impact beyond radio, noting his presence in national broadcasts like the World Series for NBC.

• Ryan Lemon (12:06): "His star just really started to shine with those Miller commercials."

4. Nostalgia for Classic TV Shows

The discussion takes a lighter turn as the hosts reminisce about classic television shows from the '80s and '90s. They share favorite memories and quotes from programs like Mr. Belvedere, Perfect Strangers, The Wonder Years, and Facts of Life.

• Drew Franklin (25:07): "What were the characters on the Facts of Life? Tootie, Blair, Natalie, and Joe."

This segment serves as a nostalgic bridge, fostering a sense of camaraderie among listeners who share similar fondness for these timeless shows.

5. Congestion Pricing in Lexington

The hosts explore the controversial topic of implementing congestion pricing in Lexington to alleviate traffic woes. They debate the feasibility and potential impact of introducing a small fee in high-traffic areas.

• Drew Franklin (17:45): "Would you be in favor of a $1 or $2 congestion pricing to encourage people to find other ways or raise money for the city?"

Ryan Lemon expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures without adequate public transportation alternatives.

• Ryan Lemon (19:19): "Hearing it for the first time, I'm thinking to myself, I don't think I would go for that."

Shannon The Dude emphasizes the current deficiencies in Lexington's infrastructure, particularly the lack of sidewalks and safe pedestrian pathways, which would complicate the enforcement of congestion pricing.

• Shannon The Dude (20:30): "Winchester Road is like grand theft auto. It's dangerous."

6. College Football Transfer Portal Changes

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts discuss recent changes to the college football transfer portal, noting the shift in deadlines and the implications for teams and players.

• Drew Franklin (35:11): "The portal has changed for college football. They are now moving the date you can transfer back until after the bowl games."

Ryan Lemon supports the change, suggesting it will help reduce last-minute transfers and provide a more structured window for player movement.

• Ryan Lemon (36:10): "I definitely think the change... is a must need it."

7. Caller Discussion: Coach Caliperi and Fan Relations

A caller shares personal sentiments regarding Coach Caliperi, urging fans to maintain respect and camaraderie despite recent losses and frustrations.

• Caller (37:54): "When he comes here to Kentucky, that we don't give him a hard time, that we just welcome him in, be like a big brother to him."

Drew Franklin responds by acknowledging the caller's feelings but maintains a firm stance against the coach, emphasizing the competitive nature of sports.

• Drew Franklin (38:49): "When you talk about what people are going through, there's a lot of people going through a lot harder things than Cal."

8. Charity Appeal: God's Pantry Valentine's Donation

In the concluding segment, the hosts encourage listeners to support God's Pantry by donating $41 to provide meals for those in need during Valentine's Day.

• Drew Franklin (40:16): "Godspantry.org KSR use the card there. Donate $41."

This heartfelt appeal underscores the show's commitment to community support and charitable initiatives.

Conclusion

The January 16, 2025 episode of Kentucky Sports Radio offers a comprehensive look into the current challenges facing Indiana basketball, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the enduring bonds of community and nostalgia. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and tributes to influential figures like Bob Euchre, the KSR crew provides a multifaceted perspective on sports and beyond, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained.