Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host: Matt Jones
Guests: Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon, Shannon "The Dude"

1. Old Spaghetti Factory: A Culinary Staple

The episode kicks off with the hosts reminiscing about the longevity of the Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Louisville. Drew Franklin highlights its enduring popularity, stating, “… the amount of people in the text machine that have said they've eaten there in the last month shows me why it's still open” (01:35). Ryan Lemon adds, “Yeah, the atmosphere there is really cool too. I mean that's, I think that's the main draw” (02:09). The hosts express admiration for the restaurant’s ability to maintain its charm since its opening in 1985, despite the evolving downtown landscape.

2. Spotlight on Ellie De La Cruz: The Summer Star

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Ellie De La Cruz, a standout player whose performance has captivated the listeners. Drew Franklin enthusiastically declares, “It's gonna be the summer of Ellie” (03:18), emphasizing Ellie’s pivotal role in the team’s success. Matt Jones concurs, praising Ellie’s talent: “The dude is awesome. I mean, I do like watching him play” (03:45). Shannon "The Dude" acknowledges Ellie's growth, noting his defensive efforts and scoring ability, despite facing top-tier opponents (12:10).

3. Coaching Carousel: Jay Lucas Moves to Miami

The hosts delve into the recent career move of Jay Lucas, a beloved figure in the KSR community. Drew Franklin reflects on Jay’s journey, “Jay Lucas was crucial in KSR success… and yesterday it was reported he'll be the next head coach at Miami” (05:02). Matt Jones adds a personal touch, reminiscing, “We all know Patrick Patterson. Jay Lucas gets lost because he didn't come here… he is old enough to become the head coach of a major Division 1 university” (06:00). The conversation highlights Jay’s impact on the program and the surprise at his rapid ascent to a prominent coaching position.

4. Media News: Lester Holt’s Retirement

Shifting to media updates, the hosts discuss the unexpected retirement of Lester Holt from NBC Nightly News. Drew Franklin shares, “Roberta Flack passed away” (34:44), briefly touching on her legacy before returning to Lester Holt's news. Matt Jones reveals a personal encounter with Holt: “We met him at the Republican convention in Cleveland” (08:32), expressing admiration for Holt’s professionalism and charisma. The discussion humorously speculates on potential future interactions with the retiring anchor.

5. Audience Interaction: Tackling Team Performance and Strategy

Listeners' calls form a substantial part of the episode, offering critiques and seeking insights on the team’s performance:

• Caller from Brock: Questions the team’s minutes management, emphasizing the importance of player minutes in preventing high-scoring games. Drew Franklin responds by underscoring the significance of minute management in close game outcomes (09:50).

• Caller Colin from Louisville: Highlights defensive weaknesses, particularly the inability of players like Perry and Noah to keep up with opponents. The hosts discuss potential strategies, such as adjusting defensive schemes, but acknowledge the limitations due to player injuries (39:33).

• Caller Ed: Expresses concerns about the team’s over-reliance on certain players and suggests a need for lineup adjustments to enhance defensive performance (42:19).

6. Cultural Moments: Roberta Flack’s Legacy and ‘Conclave’ Movie Discussion

The hosts mourn the passing of iconic singer Roberta Flack, sharing memories and touching on her contributions to music. Additionally, they engage in a lively discussion about the movie "Conclave," which portrays the intricate process of selecting a new Pope. Drew Franklin enthusiastically recommends the film, praising its portrayal of Vatican traditions and the suspense involved in the conclave process (36:37). Matt Jones expresses mixed feelings about the movie's ending, sparking a humorous debate among the hosts (39:02).

7. Promotions and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, sponsorship messages are seamlessly integrated:

• T-Mobile: Promotes their 5G network and special offers for switching lines (00:00).

• Stockton Mortgage: Highlights customer testimonials and services for mortgage needs (00:00, 42:19).

• DraftKings: Encourages sports betting with promotional codes and bonuses (34:09).

• Volunteers of America Mid States: Announces new services for unhoused individuals in downtown Louisville (14:17).

8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

As the episode winds down, the hosts mention upcoming events like Bourbon and Beyond, discussing their anticipation for performances and sharing amusing anecdotes about encounter with local bands (24:11). They also briefly touch on the health of team members, expressing well-wishes for Coach Mark Pope (35:59).

Notable Quotes:

• Drew Franklin: “It's gonna be the summer of Ellie” (03:18)

• Matt Jones: “The dude is awesome. I mean, I do like watching him play” (03:45)

• Drew Franklin: “Jay Lucas was crucial in KSR success… and yesterday it was reported he'll be the next head coach at Miami” (05:02)

• Matt Jones: “We met him at the Republican convention in Cleveland” (08:32)

• Drew Franklin: “Roberta Flack passed away” (34:44)

• Drew Franklin: “If you're anything like me, and I know I am” – referring to the conclave process in "Conclave" (19:06)

This episode of KSR presents a blend of sports analysis, community stories, cultural reflections, and interactive discussions, all anchored by the engaging banter of Matt Jones and the KSR crew. Whether celebrating enduring local favorites like the Old Spaghetti Factory or dissecting the tactical nuances of team performance, KSR Hour 2 offers listeners a comprehensive and entertaining listening experience.

For more insights and updates, tune in to KSR Mon.-Fri. from 10 AM to noon on Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM).