Episode Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (March 7, 2025)

Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, and Ryan Lemond

In the second hour of the March 7, 2025 episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), hosts Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, and Ryan Lemond engage in a dynamic discussion covering a wide range of topics. From upcoming sports events and player analyses to reflections on past experiences and listener interactions, the crew provides insightful commentary for both avid fans and casual listeners. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Upcoming Shows and Events

Cornbread Hemp Sponsorship:

• KSR is broadcasting live from Cornbread Hemp in Louisville, highlighting the sponsor's contributions and products.
• The team mentions free catering from Wild Eggs and a tour of Cornbread Hemp’s facility, emphasizing local production and job creation in Kentucky.

Future Show Locations:

• Tin Roof Show: Scheduled for Thursday morning before the Kentucky game.
• Road to Nashville: Plans to host a show in Bowling Green and spend the entire time in Nashville at the DraftKings bar, engaging with fans and discussing ongoing events.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Jones [01:30]: "So Kentucky, Kentucky jobs right in this place. First company to offer USDA organics infused gummies in America is here at Cornbread Hemp."

2. Women’s SEC Tournament Game Analysis

Kentucky vs. Oklahoma:

• The hosts analyze the upcoming game where Kentucky is a 2.5-point underdog against a strong Oklahoma team.
• Oklahoma’s Performance: Recently defeated Georgia and LSU, showcasing their dominance and high morale.
• Kentucky’s Strategy: Emphasis on leveraging close wins and strong defensive plays to counter Oklahoma’s strengths.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Lemond [05:07]: "Kentucky's an underdog today on the old DraftKings app. Two and a half point underdog."
• Matt Jones [05:17]: "I think for Kenny's teams, the analytics make them not look as good as their record because they tended to win a lot of games close against teams."

3. Player Conditions and Team Strategy

Lamont Butler’s Health:

• Discussion on Lamont Butler’s recovery and his importance to Kentucky’s gameplay.
• Concerns about potential injuries and the impact on both offensive and defensive strategies if Butler is not at 100%.

Strategic Adjustments:

• Player Utilization: Balancing minutes for key players like Amari Williams to maximize performance without risking fatigue or injury.
• Substitution Patterns: Evaluating how Coach Mark Pope manages player rotations to maintain team efficiency during high-stakes games.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [19:04]: "He took a shot. I saw he went up to the rim and he took a shot on that shoulder and now. And I kind of winced a little bit. But then he seemed okay."
• Ryan Lemond [22:20]: "I appreciate the call, Ryan. I've talked a lot about how the minutes distribution. It will be fascinating to me."

4. NCAA Tournament Bracketology

ESPN Predictions:

• ESPN’s Joe Lenardi predicts Kentucky as a four seed in the West, facing High Point in the opening game.
• High Point’s Record: An impressive 26-5, raising discussions about their potential to challenge Kentucky effectively.

Potential Matchups:

• McNeese State vs. Michigan: Speculation on McNeese State’s ability to upset Michigan, which would influence Kentucky’s path in the tournament.
• Preference for Higher Seeds: Hosts express a preference for facing teams like Michigan State or Texas Tech over Auburn or Florida for more favorable matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Lemond [25:08]: "Oh, absolutely."
• Matt Jones [27:09]: "He'll be. He's going to get a big job this year somewhere."

5. Comic Con Highlights

Lexington Comic Con:

• Excitement about notable guests attending Comic Con, including Alex Winter, Andrew McCarthy, Danny Trejo, Jeff Hardy, William Shatner, and Trish Stratus.
• Discussion on potential interactions and appearances during the post-game show, enhancing fan engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [10:12]: "I do like everybody's seen you saw Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure."
• Ryan Lemond [11:40]: "She's older than he is."

6. Listener Interactions

Caller Contributions:

• Birthday Wishes: Happy birthday to a dedicated fan, Jordan Bray.
• Player Performance Concerns: Callers express interest in player minutes distribution, particularly for Amari Williams, and discuss strategic approaches during high-pressure games.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller 1 [21:07]: "Charles Barkley has always irked me so bad."
• Caller 2 [29:35]: "If Oscar Sheepway can play three games in 24 hours, do you think at least in the tournament we can get Amari Williams to average maybe 20, 27 or more minutes?"

7. Anniversaries and COVID-19 Reflections

Five-Year Anniversary:

• Reflection on the first COVID-19 case in Kentucky and its impact on the SEC tournament five years ago.
• Personal anecdotes about the abrupt shutdowns, the emotional toll on the sports community, and the lasting memories associated with that period.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [15:30]: "I realized yesterday, which I did not before, you know that yesterday was the five year anniversary of the first case of COVID in Kentucky..."
• Caller 3 [33:04]: "We've listened to you as a way to get through. I literally would hear that every day for like six or seven months."

8. General Discussions and Predictions

Game Predictions:

• Kentucky vs. Oklahoma: Majority predict a Kentucky win, highlighting key players like George Amore and Clara Strack as potential MVPs.
• Scoring Predictions: Matt Jones anticipates a close game score of 75-65 in favor of Kentucky, while Drew Franklin predicts 73-70.

Basketball Structure Debate:

• Strong support for switching men’s college basketball from two halves to four quarters, mirroring the women’s game.
• Benefits discussed include faster game flow, improved player rest periods, and reduced free-throw opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [37:21]: "George Amore as my MVP so that no one can steal him."
• Ryan Lemond [38:43]: "I completely agree with Billis and can't believe they haven't already done it."

9. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with final predictions, acknowledgment of sponsors, and reminders about upcoming shows. The hosts express gratitude towards listeners and reflect on the importance of community and shared experiences within the sports realm.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [42:31]: "Pregame shows tomorrow at 9:30. Go to the bar. Watch the women today, watch the game tomorrow."
• Drew Franklin [42:31]: "Kentucky's gonna steal one on the road."

Overall Insights:

• The KSR team demonstrates a deep understanding of the teams and players, providing nuanced analysis that balances statistical data with personal observations.
• Emphasis on community engagement is evident through discussions about local events like Comic Con and interactions with listeners.
• Reflective moments on past events, particularly the impact of COVID-19, add a thoughtful layer to the episode, highlighting the resilience and solidarity within the Kentucky sports community.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking comprehensive coverage of Kentucky sports, offering expert opinions, strategic insights, and a strong sense of camaraderie among fans.