Kentucky Sports Radio - Hour 2 Summary (February 12, 2025)

Hosts: Matt Jones and the KSR Crew

1. Critique of SEC Balance Statements ([02:21] - [03:17])

The hour begins with Matt Jones addressing recent comments by sports announcers, notably Carl Ravage, who claimed, “the SEC is so balanced in conference play this year. They're 82 and 82” ([02:21]). Matt expresses frustration over such oversimplified statistics, stating, “How stupid are people that they think that’s a stat?” ([02:36]). He emphasizes that every conference inherently has teams that win and lose against each other, rendering such balanced records unsurprising and not particularly noteworthy.

2. Exploring Maritime Idioms from "Wager" ([03:40] - [07:44])

Drawing inspiration from the book "Wager," Matt introduces a segment delving into idioms derived from 1700s ship culture. Engaging Ryan Lemond, they discuss the origins and meanings of several common phrases:

• "Toe the line" ([04:45] - [05:05]): Matt explains it as following directions strictly, derived from sailors having to stand with their toes on a marked line to receive orders.

  Matt Jones: "I have some of... 'toe the line.' It means following directions. Everyone would have to stand with their toes on the line to receive the direction." ([05:05])

• "Pipe down" ([05:40] - [05:57]): This phrase means to be quiet and originated from the loud ship pipes signaling bedtime.

  Matt Jones: "Every night they would play a loud pipe on the ship, which was the sign that all of you had to go to bed." ([05:43])

• "Piping hot" ([05:59] - [06:18]): Signifies food served hot, based on ship signals indicating meal availability.

  Matt Jones: "It was like a signal that your meal was here, piping hot." ([06:18])

• "Turn a blind eye" ([06:23] - [06:55]): Ignoring directives, attributed to a British general who held his telescope to his blind eye to sail into battle despite orders.

  Matt Jones: "He was actually intentionally holding his pel... his telescope to his blind eye." ([06:26])

• "Scuttlebutt" ([07:05] - [07:44]): Refers to gossip, originating from the area on a ship where water was fetched, akin to a communal water cooler.

  Matt Jones: "Scuttlebutt comes from ships and people getting around the scuttlebutt. It was like the water cooler…" ([07:11])

Ryan particularly enjoys the "scuttlebutt" explanation, noting, “My favorite one’s the scuttlebutt, because I have never heard that explained.” ([07:44]).

3. Listener Call: Season Ticket Grievances ([08:34] - [12:29])

A listener named Charlie voices his frustration with the University of Kentucky's (UK) handling of season ticket price increases and parking issues after 16 years of loyalty. He recounts a poor customer service experience where he was abruptly transferred to cancel his tickets without resolution.

Charlie: “Let me transfer you over to our team to cancel your tickets.” ([09:03])

Matt responds by clarifying the changes in the ticket pricing structure, explaining that despite fewer home games, prices remained the same, effectively increasing the cost per game.

Matt Jones: “You're paying the same price, but you're getting one less game.” ([11:00])

He acknowledges the significant impact on dedicated fans with multiple tickets and trailers, highlighting, “Fans feel like they're trying to pull one on them. You're giving us the same price, but you're getting one less game.” ([12:13]).

4. Donation Appeal for God's Pantry ([15:00] - [16:09])

Matt and co-host Drew Franklin encourage listeners to contribute to God’s Pantry food bank.

Matt Jones: “It’s the final week to donate to God's Pantry food bank and the KSR donation drive. Let's team up. Donate $41 to God's pantry.” ([15:10])

Drew adds a humorous twist by linking his donation to basketball stats.

Drew Franklin: “Godspantry.org KSR I'm gonna donate 51 today. That's how many threes Tennessee missed in the two games against Kentucky.” ([15:58])

5. UK Athletics Performance and Fan Relations ([13:00] - [22:53])

Matt highlights UK basketball’s impressive performance, noting a historic record for top 15 wins and significant victories over prestigious teams like Duke and Gonzaga.

Matt Jones: “In the history of Kentucky basketball, we have won more games against top 15 teams this year than ever before.” ([21:05])

Despite these achievements, Matt criticizes the athletic department for being disconnected from the average fan, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement over revenue.

Matt Jones: “The athletics department does not understand the average fan.” ([13:00])

He stresses that losing dedicated fans due to price hikes and lackluster outreach can undermine the program’s long-term success.

6. Interview with Georgia Amore, UK Women's Basketball ([23:33] - [35:04])

Performance Highlights and Team Chemistry ([23:33] - [25:53])

Georgia Amore discusses her standout performance against Oklahoma and the team’s growing chemistry.

Georgia Amore: “We went and played in Nashville, in a Thanksgiving tournament...super excited for it.” ([25:28])

Upcoming Schedule and Challenges ([25:53] - [26:09])

She outlines the tough schedule ahead, including games against Texas, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee, expressing enthusiasm and readiness.

Georgia Amore: “It’s exactly what we came here to do.” ([25:53])

Personal Insights and Fan Interaction ([29:04] - [31:42])

Georgia shares her experiences connecting with Kentucky fans and adapting to local culture, including embracing traditions and music.

Georgia Amore: “It was a lot of fun... the recognition was cool.” ([29:27])

Team Focus and Future Goals ([31:59] - [32:16])

She emphasizes the team’s focus on rebounding and ball control to advance in the tournament, aiming for the Final Four.

Georgia Amore: “It has to be the rebounding, it has to be the controlling of the ball.” ([31:59])

Notable Moments

• Georgia reflects on a memorable in-game moment where her father expressed pride in her performance.

Georgia Amore: “I just went with the flow. But, you know, that’s how it goes.” ([32:30])

7. Closing Remarks and Interactions ([35:04] - [42:56])

The hosts engage in playful banter, reflecting on Georgia’s interview and sharing humorous anecdotes about interactions with guests like Jeff Goodman. They also solicit listener contributions, joking about sending belly button snaps for nicknames.

Matt Jones: “It's perfect. If you'd like to send your belly button, though, to Drew.” ([42:06])

8. Final Promotions and Sign-Off ([33:52] - [42:56])

The show concludes with promotions for sponsors such as Cornbread Hemp and Old Kentucky Chocolates, intertwined with light-hearted humor and final thoughts on the ongoing sports season.

Matt Jones: “Cornbreadhemp.com promo code, sweet deal. Buy two get one free.” ([36:22])

Drew Franklin and Matt exchange final humorous remarks, ensuring listeners leave with both information and entertainment.

Drew Franklin: “Remember that time I think you told people to send me their belly button on Snapchat... Leave me alone.” ([41:37])

Conclusion

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio offers a blend of critical sports analysis, engaging cultural discussions, and an in-depth interview with a key player from the UK women’s basketball team. Hosts Matt Jones and Drew Franklin navigate listener concerns, celebrate team successes, and foster community spirit through donations and interactive segments. Their balanced approach ensures both informative and entertaining content for sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones on ticket pricing: “You're paying the same price, but you're getting one less game.” ([11:00])

• Georgia Amore on team focus: “We’ve made an effort this year to enjoy every last day, win or lose because it is like time’s ticking for me.” ([28:39])

• Drew Franklin on donation: “Godspantry.org KSR I'm gonna donate 51 today. That's how many threes Tennessee missed in the two games against Kentucky.” ([15:58])

• Matt Jones on scuttlebutt: “Scuttlebutt comes from ships and people getting around the scuttlebutt. It was like the water cooler…” ([07:11])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable moments, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can stay informed and engaged.