Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) - Episode Summary Release Date: March 21, 2025

Hosts:

• Matt Jones
• Drew Franklin
• Shannon "The Dude" (Shannon The Dude)

Overview

In this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), Matt Jones and the KSR crew delve into the latest developments surrounding the University of Kentucky's (UK) basketball teams as they navigate the NCAA tournament. Broadcasting from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the team discusses game preparations, team dynamics, coaching rivalries, and their outlook on upcoming matches. The episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis, insider perspectives, and engaging banter, making it a must-listen for UK sports enthusiasts.

Team Preparations and Game Day Atmosphere

Timestamp: [00:30] - [06:34]

The hosts begin by setting the scene in Milwaukee, highlighting the significance of hosting Kentucky games at the Fasser Forum. Matt Jones shares humorous anecdotes about their arrival and initial experiences in the city, emphasizing the cold weather despite Milwaukee's reputation.

Matt Jones mentions, “We are here in a beautiful old house that has haunted, but still excited and ready for what is a big day” ([02:05]).

As the discusses the day's schedule, Matt notes the importance of the women's game at noon and the men's game at seven, underscoring the excitement and pressure surrounding these matches.

Drew Franklin observes, “The practice day is always fun, even though, you know, it's pretty much a shoot around. And the crowd wasn't great yesterday” ([06:11]).

The team reflects on the subdued atmosphere during the pre-practice session, attributing the low attendance to the tournament’s early stages and concurrent game schedules. They also touch upon the laid-back demeanor of Coach Mark Pope during warm-ups, contrasting it with previous years.

Coaching Rivalry and Team Dynamics

Timestamp: [08:00] - [19:53]

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the rumored departure of key players and the impact on the team's future. Matt Jones addresses long-standing speculation about Kirk's potential exit from UK, stating, “He's not going to be back at Kentucky next year” ([08:00]).

Shannon The Dude adds, “So I think he was just trying to make sure he's not a distraction for this game and just kind of trying to lay in the background and be a good teammate” ([09:17]).

The hosts explore the dynamics between Coach John Caliperi and Coach Patino, highlighting their professional rivalry. Matt articulates, “There can't be many coaches. This will now be the fifth set of teams that they have played against that has to not have happened very often” ([40:59]).

Drew Franklin discusses recruitment strategies, mentioning potential new recruits and transfers: “We have five people on the roster, right. Three current recruits, maybe a fourth coming to expect four transfers” ([19:06]).

The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining team chemistry and the implications of potential player transfers, emphasizing the delicate balance between retaining talent and fostering new additions.

Game Analysis and Predictions

Timestamp: [21:44] - [37:52]

The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of recent and upcoming games. They dissect UK’s performance against Louisville, critiquing Coach Patino’s technical foul for a water bottle incident: “They went on about it for like five minutes. You would have thought somebody threw a butcher knife out there on the floor” ([22:16]).

Matt Jones evaluates the team's defensive strategies, noting, “They're top 15 in the country in offensive rebounding and steals. That's the two things they can't shoot” ([30:42]).

Predicting outcomes for the men's and women's teams, Matt confidently states, “We should win by 20” ([33:13]), while Ryan Lemond leans towards the women's team for a larger victory margin: “I'm kind of leaning towards the women. I mean, they, they did finish fourth in that great SEC conference” ([28:41]).

The discussion also covers the anticipated showdown between Coaches Caliperi and Patino, reflecting on their shared history and mutual disdain. Matt Jones muses, “They hate each other. I think when people hate people, it's usually somebody they had a connection to” ([43:27]).

The hosts express a mix of confidence and apprehension based on past tournament experiences, acknowledging the unpredictability of March Madness.

Matt Jones shares a personal anecdote: “When we lost the St. Peter's, Ian Eagle called me two hours before the game, said, what is wrong with Cal?” ([45:06]).

Caller Interactions and Team Rumors

Timestamp: [19:53] - [37:52]

Throughout the episode, listeners call in with questions and rumors about player transfers and team strategies. Matt Jones addresses these inquiries with cautious optimism, urging listeners to await official confirmations before drawing conclusions.

Caller Matt asks about potential new recruits, to which Matt responds, “I know Kentucky is interested in the person” but refrains from naming specifics until the portal officially opens ([36:02]).

Drew Franklin mentions, “Danny Wolf from Michigan create that” ([36:11]), referring to a player’s performance and future prospects, indicating his NBA aspirations.

The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic recruitment and maintaining team integrity amidst external pressures and rumors.

Closing Thoughts and Final Predictions

Timestamp: [37:52] - [48:29]

As the episode nears its end, the hosts share their final thoughts and predictions. Matt Jones expresses nervousness about the upcoming game despite confidence in the team's abilities: “I'm nervous not because I think we're going to lose. We're better than them” ([44:46]).

Shannon The Dude offers reassurance, highlighting the team’s fresh start and lack of lingering issues from previous seasons: “Everything about what that was is gone now. So I think it's just a clean slate at this point” ([45:31]).

The hosts conclude with a light-hearted segment involving a listener's impromptu chant for the team, showcasing their camaraderie and enthusiasm: “We are the Comeback Cat... We are fine” ([47:04]).

Matt Jones wraps up the episode with a call to action for listeners to stay engaged and tune into upcoming games: “This is Kentucky Sports Radio, 859-280-2287” ([48:29]).

Notable Quotes

• Matt Jones: “We are here in a beautiful old house that has haunted, but still excited and ready for what is a big day” ([02:05]).

• Matt Jones: “He's not going to be back at Kentucky next year” ([08:00]).

• Shannon The Dude: “So I think he was just trying to make sure he's not a distraction for this game and just kind of trying to lay in the background and be a good teammate” ([09:17]).

• Drew Franklin: “The practice day is always fun, even though, you know, it's pretty much a shoot around. And the crowd wasn't great yesterday” ([06:11]).

• Matt Jones: “They hate each other. I think when people hate people, it's usually somebody they had a connection to” ([43:27]).

• Matt Jones: “I'm nervous not because I think we're going to lose. We're better than them” ([44:46]).

• Shannon The Dude: “Everything about what that was is gone now. So I think it's just a clean slate at this point” ([45:31]).

• Matt Jones: “We should win by 20” ([33:13]).

• Ryan Lemond: “I'm kind of leaning towards the women. I mean, they, they did finish fourth in that great SEC conference” ([28:41]).

Conclusion

This episode of KSR offers a comprehensive look into the current state of UK basketball as they advance in the NCAA tournament. The hosts provide valuable insights into team strategies, coaching dynamics, and player performances, all while maintaining an engaging and personable rapport. With in-depth analysis and candid discussions, listeners are well-equipped to stay informed and passionate about UK sports as the tournament progresses.