Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2
Episode: March 14, 2025
Host/Authors: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon The Dude
Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of KSR, hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), the team delves deep into the latest happenings in college basketball, focusing prominently on the SEC and ACC tournaments. The hosts provide insightful analysis, spirited debates, and interact with passionate listeners, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of all significant events.

SEC Tournament Highlights

The discussion kicks off with a heated debate about the SEC tournament's structure and team performances. Drew Franklin expresses frustration over the SEC's decision to include 14 teams, stating, "They’re making a mockery of the SEC. What are they doing? Unbelievable. [02:55]." This sentiment resonates with other hosts, who question the rationale behind excluding only two teams.

Key Points:

• Team Performances: Kentucky's recent games are a central focus, with discussions about their chances in the tournament. Drew notes, "They are making a mockery of the sec. What are they doing?" indicating skepticism about the tournament's fairness.
• Potential Upsets: The hosts debate possible upsets, with Ryan Lemond highlighting Texas over Tennessee as a potential upset candidate due to Tennessee's inconsistent offense: "I think Texas might have the best chance... they can go long periods without score. [19:53]."

Louisville's Impressive Run

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Louisville's impressive performance, especially their buzzer-beater against Stanford. Drew Franklin lauds Chucky Hepburn's clutch performance, saying, "That kid's legend has grown for ufl. He's going to go down as one of their most beloved players. [03:15]." The team's ability to stay competitive despite not having faced top-ranked teams early in the season is a focal point.

Notable Quote:

• Drew Franklin: "Louisville has not... played anybody this whole year. They have not played anyone in a month and a half. So they will play Clemson. It'll be interesting to just watch them." [03:17]

Kentucky's Player Injuries and Impact

The hosts shift focus to Kentucky's star players, Jackson and Lamont Butler, discussing their injuries and the potential impact on the team's performance. Drew emphasizes the seriousness of their injuries, stating, "These guys careers are over and both Lamont Butler especially, but probably Jackson..." [09:21]. The conversation highlights concerns about Kentucky's depth and ability to advance in the tournament without their key players.

Key Points:

• Injury Details: Jackson has likely suffered a torn labrum requiring surgery, while Lamont Butler's injury could end his collegiate career.
• Team Resilience: Despite these setbacks, the team has managed to perform admirably, stirring admiration among the hosts.

Coach Rick Patino's Dilemma

A contentious topic arises around Louisville's coach, Rick Patino. The hosts speculate about his job security, especially after questionable fashion choices and the team's dependency on injured players. Drew Franklin comments, "He looked like a Dick Tracy villain last night... he's got the suit he wore last night." [41:50]. The team ponders whether Patino's strategies and decisions might put his position at risk despite recent successes.

Notable Quote:

• Shannon The Dude: "If you could settle it for my office with all the hubbub about Rick Patino... he said he wouldn't get a tattoo if Kentucky won the 96 title." [40:49]

Listener Engagement and Stories

Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with passionate listeners who share personal stories and insights:

• Ortega's Clutch Shot: A listener recounts witnessing Ortega's game-winning shot, stating, "When Ortega hits that shot... it was amazing watching Ortega do that again to his former team." [08:02]

• Balancing Life and Fandom: Another listener shares the challenge of watching intense games while managing family commitments, highlighting the deep emotional investment fans have in the team's performance. [14:36]

Bracketology and NCAA Tournament Predictions

The crew engages in lively bracketology discussions, predicting outcomes for the NCAA tournament:

• DraftKings Picks: The hosts share their picks for upcoming games, debating favorites and underdogs. Drew Franklin, for instance, puts his faith in Ole Miss and Texas, despite skepticism from others. [34:46 - 36:16]

• Poll Results: An internal poll reveals that 56% of their audience prefers Louisville over Arkansas in the tournament matchup, a surprising majority that sparks further debate. Drew remarks, "That gives you a sense. And the Arkansas people have already retweeted trying to get Arkansas people to pick them... [26:33]."

Notable Insights:

• Louisville vs. Arkansas: Matt Jones expresses hesitation but ultimately aligns with Ole Miss, while Shannon The Dude opts for Arkansas, illustrating the diverse opinions among the hosts.

• Texas vs. Tennessee: Both Ryan and Drew consider Texas a strong contender to cover the spread against Tennessee, acknowledging the latter's offensive inconsistencies.

Tribute to John Feinstein

In a heartfelt segment, the hosts pay tribute to the late John Feinstein, a renowned sports writer known for his in-depth sports books. Drew Franklin honors Feinstein's legacy, stating, "He was kind of a curmudgeon... if you’ve never read 'Season on the Brink,' you need to do it." [31:10]. This segment underscores Feinstein's impact on sports journalism and his contributions to college basketball literature.

Final Predictions and Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, the hosts finalize their NCAA tournament predictions, reiterating their earlier picks and adding new insights based on listener interactions and ongoing performances. They encourage listeners to join their pregame shows and attend live events, fostering a strong community spirit.

Key Picks:

• Ole Miss over Auburn: Drew and Shannon advocate for Ole Miss, while Matt considers Auburn a solid pick.
• Texas over Tennessee: Both Drew and Ryan lean towards Texas to cover the spread.
• Florida over Missouri: Matt and Ryan support Florida's chances against Missouri.
• Kentucky's Potential Upset: Matt and Shannon entertain the possibility of Kentucky covering the spread against Alabama.

Closing Sentiments: The hosts express optimism about their team's chances in the tournament while acknowledging the emotional highs and lows that come with intense sports seasons. They emphasize the importance of community and listener support, wrapping up the episode with enthusiasm for the upcoming games.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drew Franklin: "They’re making a mockery of the SEC. What are they doing? [02:55]."
• Matt Jones: "Louisville has not... played anybody this whole year. [03:17]."
• Shannon The Dude: "If you could settle it for my office with all the hubbub about Rick Patino... [40:49]."
• Drew Franklin: "He was kind of a curmudgeon... [31:10]."
• Matt Jones: "I don’t think it’s going to be for the outfit, but he, you know, he’s got... [02:34]."

Conclusions and Insights

This episode of KSR offers a comprehensive and passionate analysis of the current college basketball landscape, particularly focusing on the SEC and ACC tournaments. The hosts provide a blend of expert insights, comedic banter, and heartfelt tributes, creating a rich and engaging listening experience. By addressing team performances, player injuries, coaching dynamics, and listener stories, the show caters to both casual fans and dedicated enthusiasts, making it a must-listen for anyone following the season.