KSR - Hour 2 Podcast Summary
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Host: Matt Jones and the KSR Crew
Source: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

1. Introduction and Episode Kickoff [00:00 - 03:04]

The episode begins with a series of advertisements promoting services from T-Mobile, Albertsons and Safeway, Lowe's, Factor Meals, Stockton Mortgage, and other sponsors. These segments are seamlessly integrated, providing listeners with information on the latest deals and services available.

2. Impact of NIL Settlement on College Sports [03:04 - 07:09]

Key Discussion Points:

• House Settlement and NIL: The hosts delve into the significant upcoming House settlement affecting college sports, focusing on the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. Matt Jones references an interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker, highlighting that the settlement could be the most substantial change in college sports in over five decades.

  “This House settlement, which would essentially transfer NIL to where schools are paying it basically instead of these third parties... it will probably eliminate a lot of the shadiness.”
  — Matt Jones [04:15]

• Regulation and Financial Implications: The settlement is expected to allow the NCAA to regulate NIL deals directly, potentially increasing transparency and fairness in payments to athletes. Matt expresses optimism about the positive impact on college basketball, citing examples of players like Johnny Broom and Mark Sears who have benefitted from NIL deals by staying longer in college and improving the overall quality of the sport.

  “I think for college basketball, NIL has made it a better product in my opinion. Players are older, they stay longer.”
  — Matt Jones [05:00]

• Future Projections: The hosts speculate that if the judge affirms the settlement, Congress will likely turn it into law, thereby reshaping the financial landscape of college athletics. While Matt has reservations about the NCAA's ability to regulate effectively, he remains hopeful about the financial integrity the settlement aims to enforce.

  “I have some doubts if they can or not, but either way it'll be such a significant sum of money...”
  — Matt Jones [05:30]

3. Task Assignment to Mario: Engaging Rival Fans [07:09 - 11:07]

Key Discussion Points:

• Engaging Rival Fan Bases: Matt Jones assigns Mario a challenge to attract fans from rival schools—Auburn, Louisville, and Tennessee—to KS Bar and Grill. The goal is to create a vibrant, diverse crowd during game days.

  “Your job is to find a way to let Auburn, Louisville, and Tennessee fans know that they should come watch the games at KS Bar.”
  — Matt Jones [07:14]

• Strategizing Outreach: Mario discusses potential strategies, including reaching out to media personalities and leveraging social media to draw in fans. The team brainstorms ideas such as hosting themed parties and collaborating with fan groups from different schools.

  “I'm going to reach out to a few media personalities...”
  — Mario [07:55]

• Collaboration with Existing Fans: The hosts emphasize the importance of utilizing the loyal Kentucky fan base to support Mario's efforts, encouraging them to help fill the venue with a mix of rival supporters.

  “They're here. I'm giving you a job.”
  — Matt Jones [07:27]

4. Indiana's Coaching Changes and Rick Pitino's Legacy [11:07 - 47:01]

Key Discussion Points:

• New Coach at Indiana: The conversation shifts to Indiana University's recent hiring of Rick Pitino, a seasoned coach with a storied career. Drew Franklin expresses skepticism about Indiana's decision, noting the university's history of struggling to maintain coaching stability.

  “They have made a ton of money for the schools. I mean, it's the right thing to do.”
  — Drew Franklin [05:26]

• Evaluating Pitino's Impact: Matt Jones provides a comprehensive analysis of Rick Pitino's coaching tenure across various institutions, highlighting his successes and failures. Despite some controversies, Pitino is praised for his ability to turn around struggling programs and his adaptability to changing college basketball dynamics.

  “He was the first coach to really embrace shooting the three at the college level... and he's excelling at it.”
  — Matt Jones [46:13]

• Comparative Legacy: The hosts debate Pitino's standing among all-time great coaches, with Drew Franklin advocating for his inclusion in the top tier due to his achievements across multiple schools. Ryan Seacrest concurs, emphasizing Pitino's consistent success despite evolving challenges in college sports.

  “He's in that group.”
  — Drew Franklin [42:55]

5. Kentucky Team Prospects and Player Highlights [17:04 - 34:34]

Key Discussion Points:

• Player Spotlight - Otega Away: The team discusses the potential impact of Otega Away returning next season, forecasting his candidacy for national player of the year accolades. They debate his likelihood of achieving such honors and his role as a central figure for Kentucky's future success.

  “Do I think Otega Away would be the national player of the year next year? Probably not. But do I think they'll mention him as a candidate? I do.”
  — Matt Jones [15:45]

• Team Strategy and Building: Emphasis is placed on the need for a strong centerpiece player to build the team around, lamenting the previous seasons' lack of such a figure. Mark Pope's coaching strategy is analyzed, with hopes pinned on Jackson Robinson to anchor the team's aspirations.

  “I think that would be huge for Mark Pope.”
  — Matt Jones [17:21]

• Tournament Preparations: As the NCAA tournament approaches, the hosts strategize on hosting women's and men's games at KS Bar and Grill, ensuring fans can support both without scheduling conflicts. They emphasize the importance of accommodating the women's team to enhance visibility and support.

  “If we're going to host here, we need to be able to have our fans there.”
  — Matt Jones [34:11]

6. Masters Dinner Menu Discussions [21:03 - 26:02]

Key Discussion Points:

• Creative Menu Proposals: In a lighter segment, the hosts engage in a playful debate about the ideal menu for the Masters dinner, sharing humorous and diverse culinary ideas.

  “Main course, skyline chili. I would give Appetizer. Our KS bar wing.”
  — Shannon The Dude [24:34]

• Personal Preferences: Ryan Seacrest and Drew Franklin express their preferences for hearty, American classics and Mexican cuisine, while Matt Jones shares his enthusiasm for indulgent desserts like warm chocolate chip skillet cookies.

  “I think that all sounds pretty heavy. If you were to eat all that...”
  — Matt Jones [22:38]

7. Upcoming Trip to Milwaukee and Local Recommendations [26:02 - 48:31]

Key Discussion Points:

• Milwaukee Trip Planning: The hosts prepare for their upcoming trip to Milwaukee, discussing accommodations, local attractions, and restaurant recommendations. Mario shares tips on avoiding traditional supper clubs, aiming for venues that cater to their group's preferences.

  “Our Airbnb is the former home of the Wisconsin governors.”
  — Matt Jones [28:03]

• Local Experiences: Claude offers insights into Milwaukee's cultural spots like American Family Field and popular supper clubs, though Matt emphasizes the group's desire for more casual and inclusive venues suitable for their audience.

  “Wisconsin has a cultural phenomenon called supper clubs... but they have a broader menu than that.”
  — Claude [26:50]

• Engaging with Milwaukee's Sports Scene: The team anticipates engaging with local sports events, particularly focusing on avoiding the smoky environment of certain bars and seeking out family-friendly establishments.

  “I got our house, by the way.”
  — Matt Jones [28:20]

8. Betting Picks and Coach Rankings [48:31 - 50:09]

Key Discussion Points:

• DraftKings Promotion and Betting Picks: The hosts participate in a segment promoting DraftKings, sharing their betting picks for upcoming games. Shannon The Dude and Ryan Seacrest provide their predictions, while Matt Jones analyzes the potential outcomes.

  “Shannon: Going to pick American. I mean, why would you not pick American?”
  — Shannon The Dude [40:14]

• Rick Pitino's Coaching Legacy: Continuing the earlier discussion, Matt Jones debates whether Rick Pitino should be considered one of the greatest coaches of all time, comparing him to legends like Dean Smith and John Wooden. The consensus among the hosts leans towards recognizing Pitino's significant impact and adaptability in modern college basketball.

  “He's the first coach to really embrace shooting the three at the college Level... and he's excelling at it.”
  — Matt Jones [46:13]

9. Closing Remarks and Future Plans [48:31 - End]

Key Discussion Points:

• Final Thoughts: As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the day’s discussions, reiterating the excitement for the NCAA tournament and their upcoming Milwaukee trip. They encourage listeners to engage with their social media content and stay tuned for future episodes filled with game previews and sports analysis.

  “We're going to show how our other shows how you do social media on a road trip.”
  — Matt Jones [47:01]

• Advertisements and Promo Segments: The episode wraps up with final advertisements promoting services like Viome and Greenlight, seamlessly transitioning listeners back to sponsored content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones [04:15]: “This House settlement, which would essentially transfer NIL to where schools are paying it basically instead of these third parties... it will probably eliminate a lot of the shadiness.”

• Drew Franklin [05:26]: “They make a ton of money for the schools. I mean, it's the right thing to do.”

• Shannon The Dude [24:34]: “Main course, skyline chili. I would give Appetizer. Our KS bar wing.”

• Matt Jones [46:13]: “He was the first coach to really embrace shooting the three at the college Level... and he's excelling at it.”

Conclusion

In this episode of KSR Hour 2, Matt Jones and the crew engage in in-depth discussions about the evolving landscape of college sports influenced by the NIL settlement, strategic moves to enhance their listener base, and thoughtful analyses of coaching legacies. Their conversations are interspersed with light-hearted segments and proactive engagement with ongoing sports events, providing a comprehensive and entertaining listening experience for sports enthusiasts.

For more episodes and updates, visit iHeartPodcasts or follow Sports Talk 790 on WKRD-AM.