KSR Podcast Episode Summary: February 27, 2025 – Hour 2
Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR Crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio delves into a mix of sports commentary, current events, and engaging listener interactions. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and notable moments from Hour 2.
Upcoming Events and Promotions
Remote Broadcast from Lexington Sporting Club
- Matt Jones (01:40): Announced the remote broadcast scheduled for the next day at the Lexington Sporting Club soccer complex near the Athens Boonsboro exit. Fans attending could tour the new complex and participate in giveaways.
- “Tomorrow our remote is at the Lexington SP Club, the soccer complex out there on the edge of next to the Athens Boonsboro exit...We’ll be giving stuff away.” [01:40]
Fan Engagement Initiatives
- Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon discussed the Fan Steak promotion tied to KSR's sponsorship, expressing frustration over misunderstandings regarding promotional codes.
- “Fan Steak basically said, if you use the code KSR, we'll give you 25 free dollars to give to a team.” [05:14]
- “Our KSR writers tweet out here, use this code... Louisville fans... think I'm giving $25... they thought they had somehow pulled one over on Kentucky.” [06:15]
Breaking News: Gene Hackman's Passing
The hosts paid tribute to the legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead along with his wife and dog. While foul play was not suspected, they speculated on possible causes such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Matt Jones (02:50): “Gene Hackman was found dead this morning... foul play was not suspected.”
- Shannon The Dude (05:05): “Rest in peace to Gene Hackman.”
- The discussion highlighted Hackman's illustrious career, mentioning his iconic roles in films like Hoosiers, The French Connection, Behind Enemy Lines, and The Conversation.
- “He was the Coach and the Replacements. He won an Academy Award early on for the French Connection.” [03:57]
- “He played Lex Luthor. The original Superman.” [04:17]
Listener Interactions and Discussions
Fan Steak Code Confusion
- Matt Jones (05:14): Expressed frustration over fans mistakenly using the KSR code, inadvertently benefiting the station financially instead of their intended teams.
- “You gave us money instead of your own team’s code... you made KSR money every time you used the code.” [06:15]
Caller Opinions on TV Shows and Music
- Caller Discussion on Severance (10:41): A listener inquired about the TV show Severance, leading to brief comments from the hosts.
- Blake Shelton Song Debate (18:39 - 19:57): The hosts engaged in a light-hearted debate over their favorite Blake Shelton songs, showcasing their personalities and camaraderie.
- Ryan Lemon: “My favorite thing on the menu at KS Bar.” [41:15]
- Matt Jones: “You can be my honeybee.” [19:00]
In-Depth Sports Analysis
UK vs. Tennessee Women's Basketball
- Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon discussed the crucial game between Kentucky and Tennessee, emphasizing its significance for tournament seedings.
- “This would be a big game for Kenny. I think it would guarantee him a top four seed.” [17:23]
- “They lost Texas. We were never really close. Should have beat LSU.” [17:23]
Player Performances and Injuries
- Amari Otega's Performance and Injury (22:12 - 31:59):
- The hosts analyzed Amari Otega's standout performance despite his injury, highlighting his resilience and impact on the game.
- “He scored in every way you could score. He hit a big three... He had 28 and could have had 40 if he made his layups.” [29:07]
- They debated whether players like Brandon Garrison should continue playing despite injuries, weighing the benefits of experience against the risks of further harm.
- “If somebody's already asked yet, I don't. I'm sorry, I got to worry about... But they had to sit out.” [23:29]
- The hosts analyzed Amari Otega's standout performance despite his injury, highlighting his resilience and impact on the game.
Tournament Predictions and Coaching Insights
- DraftKings NCAA Championship Picks (25:04 - 26:18):
- The hosts shared their opinions on potential NCAA tournament winners, with Ryan Lemon and Matt Jones favoring Alabama, while Shannon The Dude supported Houston.
- Ryan Lemon: “I'll take Alabama at plus 900.” [26:00]
- Shannon The Dude: “Easy pick for me. I think Houston is going to be my team to win it all this year.” [26:00]
- Matt Jones praised Houston's coach, Kelvin Sampson, for building a strong, defensively sound team now complemented by a robust offense.
- “Houston plays a style that is really built for the NCAA tournament... Kelvin Sampson is the best coach to not win a title.” [26:18]
- The hosts shared their opinions on potential NCAA tournament winners, with Ryan Lemon and Matt Jones favoring Alabama, while Shannon The Dude supported Houston.
Strategic Gameplay and Team Dynamics
- The hosts delved into the strategic decisions during games, such as player rotations and in-game adjustments, illustrating their deep understanding of basketball mechanics.
- “They switched offense to defense. Travis would play offense, Colin Chandler would play defense.” [39:14]
- “Brandon Garrison getting the minutes that we don't really want him too early... benefited him last night.” [40:49]
Community and Lifestyle Segments
Local Business Promotions
- Don Franklin Auto (25:23): Promoted as a local dealership with a wide range of vehicles and services.
- “Choose thousands of new and certified vehicles at Don Franklin... it's DonFranklinAuto.com.” [26:27]
Charitable Initiatives
- Volunteers of America MidStates (35:12): Highlighted the organization's efforts in supporting housing, veterans, and unhoused individuals in Louisville.
- “Volunteers of America Midstates... community care campus for unhoused individuals.” [35:09]
National Chili Day Celebration
- Matt Jones (37:33): Celebrated National Chili Day by promoting the station's chili offerings and debating preferences between traditional chili and Skyline chili.
- “We have good chili here.” [37:35]
- Ryan Lemon: “I do not like Skyline. I like, I love the chili here.” [38:07]
Closing Remarks and Final Segments
Final Caller Interactions
- Adam's Story (32:12): Shared a personal anecdote about missing a significant comeback game due to curfew, connecting with Matt Jones' own similar experience.
- “I missed the 94 comeback because I had to go to bed.” [32:12]
Promotional Messages
- Cornbread Hemp Promotion (42:32): Advertised hemp CBD gummies with a promotional code for listeners.
- “Cornbread hemp helped. Came home. Breathe. Relax... promo code KSR.” [42:32]
Upcoming Broadcasts and Events
- Matt Jones (43:32): Reminded listeners about the upcoming remote at Lexington Sporting Soccer Club and promoted the station’s involvement in local events.
- “Tomorrow we are at Lexington Sporting Soccer Club... next to Scotty Basler's farm.” [43:32]
Notable Quotes
- Matt Jones: “Gene Hackman was found dead this morning... foul play was not suspected.” [02:50]
- Ryan Lemon: “I believe that would be... Everybody as healthy as possible for LSU, Missouri in the.” [23:35]
- Shannon The Dude: “He's getting like a 2 million wherever he goes. It ain't gonna be because of that.” [09:35]
- Caller: “Billy R. McGregor should take this moment to apologize to absolutely no one.” [41:22]
This episode of KSR provided a balanced mix of sports analysis, community engagement, and light-hearted banter, all while addressing current events and listener interactions. From honoring a beloved actor to dissecting pivotal basketball games, the KSR crew ensured listeners were both informed and entertained throughout the hour.