KSR - Hour 1 Summary
Episode Date: March 17, 2025
Released On: March 17, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Shannon "The Dude"
Guest: Drew Franklin, Myron Metcalf

1. Welcome and Introduction

[01:30]
Matt Jones kicks off the show by welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio on Monday, March 17th, confirming the date and setting the stage for discussions centered around the ongoing NCAA March Madness tournament.

2. SEC Tournament Recap and Bracket Overview

[03:02]
The hosts reflect on an underwhelming performance by Kentucky in the recent SEC tournament game, unanimously agreeing to move past the disappointment:

Matt Jones: "Let's just act like that game Friday night didn't happen."

Ryan Lemond: "I'm more than okay with that. Let's just put it to bed."

[03:33]
Drew Franklin expresses excitement about Kentucky’s placement in the NCAA bracket, particularly their matchup against Troy in Milwaukee:

Drew Franklin: "I'll start with just the location. Milwaukee was my number one pick before the bracket came out. I'm excited."

3. First Round Matchup: Kentucky vs. Troy

[04:53]
Shannon "The Dude" analyzes Troy's strengths, emphasizing their defensive capabilities and offensive rebounding:

Shannon The Dude: "I think they ranked like 339th in three-point shooting. So that's a good thing for Kentucky."

The team agrees on the necessity of defeating Troy to advance, discussing Troy's limited three-point prowess but strong defense and rebounding.

4. Potential Second Round Opponents: Illinois, Texas, Xavier

[07:05]
Matt Jones delves into the possible second-round opponents, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois, Texas, and Xavier:

Matt Jones: "If we get to Milwaukee, Drew, I just think that’s one of the more underrated gyms in America."

[08:09]
Ryan Lemond expresses a preference for facing Texas over Illinois, citing past performances and matchups:

Ryan Lemond: "I would love another shot at Texas and just bury them."

5. Analysis of Tournament Selection and Seeding Controversies

[24:11]
The discussion shifts to the controversial inclusion of North Carolina in the tournament and the seeding of Louisville:

Matt Jones: "I can't believe Louisville got an eight seed. All metrics had them as a five or six; I'd be very disappointed to get an eight."

[25:10]
Shannon criticizes the selection committee's decision-making process, highlighting perceived biases:

Shannon The Dude: "West Virginia was in every single mock bracket just blew my mind."

6. Upcoming Game Details and Ticket Information

[29:29]
Listener calls provide insights into attending the Kentucky vs. Troy game in Milwaukee, including ticket strategies and venue recommendations.

[30:27]
Matt Jones advises listeners on securing affordable tickets, suggesting a wait-and-see approach as ticket availability fluctuates:

Matt Jones: "Wait till Tuesday or so. And I think then the tickets will come down."

7. Milwaukee Recommendations and Listener Engagement

[37:00]
A listener from Milwaukee offers local insights, recommending must-visit spots such as "Cops" for the best burgers:

Caller: "Cops, America's greatest burger. There's one in Glendale, Wisconsin, just north of Milwaukee."

The hosts and guest collaboratively discuss itinerary planning, ensuring a mix of fun and must-visit locations for attending the game.

8. Guest Appearance: Myron Metcalf Joins the Studio

[35:00]
Myron Metcalf joins the show, bringing firsthand experience from ESPN. The conversation revolves around handling controversial topics and maintaining journalistic integrity:

Matt Jones: "Drew, Myron was on there... He was complaining about it."

[27:37]
Matt Jones challenges Metcalf on the selection show's handling of controversial selections, pushing for transparency:

Matt Jones: "Mark, what do you think about that answer?"

9. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

[43:00]
As the hour concludes, the hosts summarize their insights on Kentucky's tournament prospects, emphasizing the importance of defeating Troy and navigating potential second-round challenges. They also highlight the community engagement through listener calls and the valuable local recommendations provided.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones [03:02]: "Let's just act like that game Friday night didn't happen."
• Shannon The Dude [04:53]: "I think they ranked like 339th in three-point shooting. So that's a good thing for Kentucky."
• Ryan Lemond [08:09]: "I would love another shot at Texas and just bury them."
• Shannon The Dude [25:10]: "West Virginia was in every single mock bracket just blew my mind."
• Caller [37:00]: "Cops, America's greatest burger."

This episode of KSR offers an in-depth analysis of Kentucky's journey in the NCAA tournament, combining expert insights, listener interactions, and real-time discussions on pivotal moments and controversies shaping March Madness 2025.