Kentucky Sports Radio - Episode Summary: March 19, 2025
Host: Matt Jones
Co-hosts: Ryan Lemon, Michael, Shannon "The Dude"
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Episode: KSR - Hour 1
1. Show Introduction and Pre-Tournament Excitement
[02:05] Matt Jones:
Matt kicks off the show by welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio from the KS Bar and Grill, emphasizing the excitement brewing before the NCAA basketball tournament. He humorously addresses the day's special—dollar wings—and shares a light-hearted anecdote about briefly entertaining the idea of covering the entire tournament, ultimately dismissing it as impractical.
Notable Quote:
"We are here this morning. Dollar wings all day. Somebody said, sent to me yesterday and said, Matt, why don't you do that throughout the tournament. And I said, because that would be stupid."
— Matt Jones, [02:05]
2. Upcoming Trip and Milwaukee Connection
[03:17] Matt Jones:
The conversation shifts to an upcoming trip to Milwaukee, where the KSR crew will be appearing on ESPN Radio. Matt shares his surprise upon discovering that many of his bosses at ESPN reside in Milwaukee, recounting a fascinating story about Mario, a well-connected individual in the ESPN network.
Notable Quotes:
"The ESPN Milwaukee actually kind of runs ESPN Radio now."
— Matt Jones, [03:17]
"I think Mario is going to be our boss. Our boss. He'll be our everybody's boss."
— Ryan Lemon, [04:37]
3. NCAA Tournament Analysis and Fan Engagement
[06:44] Matt Jones:
Discussion delves into the ongoing NCAA tournament, focusing on Kentucky's performance and prospects. The hosts analyze potential Sweet 16 matchups, expressing cautious optimism while acknowledging the unpredictability of March Madness.
Notable Quotes:
"I think all those teams that we meet in the second round, if we got there, could beat us all three of them."
— Matt Jones, [14:23]
"Everyone learns to earn, save and spend wisely and parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money with guardrails in place."
— Shannon "The Dude", [24:16] (Note: This quote seems out of context. It might be an error in the transcript.)
4. The LMU Transfer Potential and Player Highlight
[28:03] Matt Jones:
Matt introduces a significant topic—the potential transfer of Elijah Freeman from Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) to Kentucky. He provides an in-depth background on LMU’s transformation from a struggling Division II school to a burgeoning Division I contender, highlighting Freeman's impressive stats and NBA scouting interest.
Notable Quotes:
"If you had told me that college, which I thought was going to shut down, would end up being a Division 1 school, I would have never imagined it."
— Matt Jones, [28:03]
"If you're in Eastern Kentucky and you go to the doctor, there's a really good chance your doctor went to LMU."
— Matt Jones, [32:05]
5. Fan Base, Attendance, and Rivalries
[26:29] Michael:
The hosts express concerns about declining fan attendance at Kentucky’s tournament games, contrasting it with Louisville’s growing fan presence. They discuss the deep-seated rivalry between the University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Louisville (UofL), debating its impact on both fan engagement and city economies.
Notable Quotes:
"I don’t think the game is even sold out here in the day session. I think Saturday might be, but I don't think the game is even sold out."
— Matt Jones, [47:34]
"I just think we get big crowds at the regional, but in the first and second round, sometimes we don't."
— Matt Jones, [26:29]
6. Caller Interactions and Probability Conundrum
[35:44] Matt Jones:
A segment features a caller named Kent addressing a probability scenario discussed in a previous episode. The hosts engage in a light-hearted yet informative debate about dependent events and probability calculations, illustrating their camaraderie and the show's interactive nature.
Notable Quotes:
"When you take 10 of those terms, 99 out of 100, 98 out of 99... you've got a 90% chance of living."
— Caller Kent, [36:35]
"The only disaster scenario for Kentucky is to lose third is to lose Friday."
— Matt Jones, [16:40]
7. Interaction with Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
[41:24] Craig Greenberg:
Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville calls in to express his support for the UofL basketball team, reflecting on the positive economic and social impact successful sports teams have on cities. He emphasizes the importance of the UK-UofL rivalry and encourages UK fans to support their team to enhance the competition's prestige.
Notable Quotes:
"I think that, like, in the men's basketball team... everyone feels better about the city. They've got city pride."
— Mayor Craig Greenberg, [45:20]
"We need both UofL and UK to be great teams to keep this rivalry strong."
— Mayor Craig Greenberg, [45:03]
8. Wrap-Up and Final Discussions
[47:20] Ryan Lemon:
As the show nears its end, the hosts reflect on recent developments, including the release of JFK papers, though they find little new information. They mention plans to play a John Prine song Featuring Tyler Childers and discuss the impending drive to Milwaukee amidst weather concerns.
Notable Quotes:
"Most of the stuff had already been out. The biggest piece of info that came out in it is that the CIA was much more involved around the world."
— Matt Jones, [48:35]
"We will take a break and be right back. This is Kentucky Sports Radio."
— Matt Jones, [37:35]
Conclusion
Throughout this episode, Kentucky Sports Radio provides a comprehensive and engaging discussion on the NCAA basketball tournament, the potential transfer of a standout player from LMU, and the dynamics of UK’s rivalry with UofL. The hosts balance sports analysis with lighthearted banter and interactive segments, offering listeners a rich tapestry of content that appeals to both die-hard sports fans and casual listeners alike.
Highlighted Insights:
- Championship Prospects: The hosts are cautiously optimistic about Kentucky’s chances in the Sweet 16 but acknowledge the strength of potential opponents like Illinois and Texas.
- Player Acquisition: The possible addition of Elijah Freeman from LMU could significantly bolster Kentucky’s roster, given his impressive performance statistics and NBA interest.
- Fan Engagement: Concerns about declining attendance highlight the need for increased fan support to maintain the team’s momentum and the economic vitality of the hosting cities.
- Rivalry Significance: The UK vs. UofL rivalry is underscored as a pivotal element in enhancing the competitive spirit and financial benefits for both universities’ respective cities.
Final Thoughts:
The episode encapsulates the fervor and anticipation surrounding the NCAA tournament, while also delving into the strategic moves that could shape the University of Kentucky’s success. With insightful commentary, guest interactions, and a touch of humor, Kentucky Sports Radio delivers a compelling narrative for listeners navigating the thrills of March Madness.