Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) - Episode: Hour 1 | February 27, 2025

Host: Matt Jones
Co-Hosts: Drew Franklin & Ryan Lemond
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Release Date: February 27, 2025

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) kicks off the afternoon with host Matt Jones and his co-hosts, Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemond, delving deep into the latest happenings in UK sports. The episode primarily revolves around Kentucky Wildcats' thrilling victory over Oklahoma, team dynamics, coaching decisions, and fan experiences, all interspersed with engaging banter and listener interactions.

1. Game Recap: Kentucky vs. Oklahoma

The episode opens with an enthusiastic discussion about Kentucky's impressive win over Oklahoma. The Wildcats showcased resilience, particularly during an intense 8-0 run led by key players.

• Matt Jones reminisces about the game's pivotal moments:
  "I thought I want to go watch the last few minutes again." [01:38]

• Drew Franklin highlights the clutch performances:
  "We got two bigs back, and they got the win." [03:32]

2. Key Player Performances

Lamont Butler and Jackson Robinson emerged as standout players, significantly impacting the game's outcome.

• Ryan Lemond praises Butler's influence:
  "Butler was a huge reason we did it." [03:32]

• Matt Jones underscores the importance of Butler returning:
  "When Butler plays again, it's always a star game." [04:22]

Ortega also played a crucial role, especially in the final minutes, despite a rough start.

• Matt Jones reflects on Ortega's performance:
  "He missed the first two shots, but in the last 12 minutes, he acted like nothing happened." [05:04]

3. Coaching Decisions and Impact

Head Coach Mark Pope made strategic calls that both impressed and ignited frustration among the hosts.

• Discussing Pope's reaction post-game:
  "Mark Pope said it felt like a first-round game in the NCAA tournament." [02:13]

• Addressing Pope's on-air outburst:
  "He let off the steam, but it shows how much he cares." [38:38]

4. Fan Experience and Atmosphere in Norman, Oklahoma

The hosts express disappointment with the fan turnout and atmosphere at the game in Norman.

• Matt Jones laments:
  "What's wrong with those people? No pride." [16:45]

• Drew Franklin adds:
  "Maybe they're just mad because they have to live in Norman." [17:26]

5. Post-Game Reactions and Player Behavior

Post-game emotions ran high, leading to tense interactions and displays of frustration.

• Matt Jones recounts an incident where a beer can was thrown at Brandon Garrison:
  "A guy threw a beer can. That would've been serious." [16:51]

• Discussion about Mark Pope's on-air language:
  "He said the S word. That's bad." [38:43]

6. Team Prospects in SEC and NCAA Tournaments

Looking ahead, the hosts analyze Kentucky's potential trajectory in upcoming tournaments.

• Matt Jones breaks down scenarios:
  "If we beat LSU, you're probably getting a buy-in in the SEC tournament." [12:26]

• Drew Franklin remains optimistic:
  "This team can win out." [13:57]

7. Listener Interactions and On-Air Discussions

Engaging with listeners, Matt navigates through calls, addressing concerns and sharing moments from the broadcast.

• Heather's Call:
  "Heather was upset because Billy told her to take a break after multiple calls." [24:10]

• Matt's Response:
  "Heather is interesting, and I can make her interesting on-air." [25:42]

8. Handling On-Air Mistakes and Show Dynamics

The episode takes a candid turn as the hosts discuss handling on-air slip-ups and maintaining show quality.

• Matt Jones reflects on an awkward interaction with Heather:
  "I feel like I have to console her, which I do on air." [25:42]

• Ryan Lemond offers advice on handling PR issues:
  "Apologize and move on. Don't press it." [28:28]

9. Additional Highlights and Future Topics

Towards the end, the hosts tease upcoming discussions, including tributes to recent events and interactions with fans.

• Matt Jones hints at covering a sad death and Louisville fan interactions:
  "We'll talk about all that next." [42:47]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt Jones [02:13]:
  "Pope said on the post game it felt like a first round game in the NCAA tournament."

• Ryan Lemond [03:42]:
  "That was a big moment where it was clear how important Butler was."

• Matt Jones [38:43]:
  "He said the S word. That's bad."

• Ryan Lemond [39:55]:
  "Sometimes you gotta be white hot to get your moment across."

Conclusion

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio, Matt Jones, along with Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemond, provide an in-depth analysis of Kentucky Wildcats' recent performance, highlighting individual player contributions, coaching decisions, and the overall team strategy. Their passionate discussions offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the game, the team's prospects, and the dynamic interactions between players and coaching staff. Additionally, the hosts navigate through listener calls, addressing both on-air challenges and maintaining an engaging show atmosphere. As the episode concludes, fans are left anticipating more insightful discussions in future broadcasts.