Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 Released on March 21, 2025 Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR Crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Introduction to Hour 2

The second hour of the Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) podcast, hosted by Matt Jones, delves deep into the latest developments in University of Kentucky (UK) sports, particularly focusing on the ongoing basketball tournaments. The KSR crew, including Shannon and Drew, engage with callers to provide insights, predictions, and lively discussions about the team's prospects and coaching strategies.

Pregame Show Coverage

At [03:05], Matt Jones kicks off the hour by announcing the upcoming UK game against Liberty in the women's tournament and the men's game scheduled for later. He emphasizes the enthusiasm of the fanbase, mentioning the packed watch parties and encouraging early arrival to accommodate the large crowds.

Matt Jones: “We got all the tournament games at KS bars. Matter of fact, the doors just open. So come on in.”

Discussion on Coach Mark Pope vs. Previous Coaches

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the current UK basketball coach, Mark Pope, and how his coaching style compares to his predecessors, Cal and Rick.

[10:38] Matt Jones: “I talked to Tom Crean yesterday… One of the things Tom Crane said is he said, when I coached at Indiana, I learned something that is even probably more true at Kentucky. At a place like Kentucky, you can't just be the Coach, you have to go touch the fans.”

Drew highlights Pope's approachable nature:

[13:27] Drew: “Mark Pope is the most approachable coach that I can ever remember.”

Shannon adds:

[16:17] Shannon: “We were a fractured fan base and Pope got us all back together now.”

The crew admires Pope's efforts to engage with fans, contrasting it with the more distant approach of Cal and Rick.

Listener Calls and Interactions

Throughout the hour, numerous callers share their experiences, opinions, and questions, fostering a dynamic and interactive environment.

• Caller at [07:59]: Expresses frustration with Jesse Waters' rules about masculinity, leading to a humorous exchange about crossing legs, using straws, and eating soup in public.

• Bob at [08:42]: Shares a heartwarming story about attending an open practice with his children and the positive interactions between the team and young fans.

• Todd at [22:05]: Reminds listeners about Mark Pope's initiatives to support fans, like covering gas costs.

• Dalton at [22:32]: Questions the potential hiring of Dan Hurley as a coach, leading to discussions about coaching strategies and team dynamics.

• Hunter at [32:11]: Celebrates Pope's support for fans and anticipates a successful tournament outcome.

• Laura at [44:44]: Highlights a touching interaction between her son and the Louisville mayor, showcasing the community's engagement with youth.

These interactions not only highlight the passionate UK fanbase but also provide personal anecdotes that enrich the podcast's narrative.

Tournament Picks and Predictions

A significant segment of the hour is dedicated to making tournament predictions and discussing potential outcomes.

[29:35] Matt Jones: “It's a big game for the SEC by the way. We went 4 and 3 so far in the tournament. But our kind of teams, we've used to say that were powerful, have lost. Missouri lost to Drake. Georgia got destroyed by Gonzaga.”

Drew and Shannon engage in a betting discussion, leveraging DraftKings promotions:

[29:35] Drew: “I'm going to go Mississippi State.”

[31:11] Matt Jones: “Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Yukon. Connecticut's a five and a half point favorite.”

The crew analyzes team strengths, historical performances, and current form to guide their predictions, providing listeners with informed perspectives on the tournament's progression.

Community and Fan Engagement

The podcast emphasizes the importance of fan interactions and community support. Matt Jones frequently acknowledges the dedication of UK supporters and highlights initiatives by Coach Pope to foster a strong fan-coach relationship.

[13:24] Drew: “Mark Pope is the most approachable coach that I can ever remember.”

Shannon reflects on Pope's ability to unify the fanbase:

[16:17] Shannon: “We were a fractured fan base and Pope got us all back together now.”

Additionally, the crew shares memorable moments, such as Pope's post-game meet-and-greets and his willingness to engage with fans on a personal level, further strengthening the bond between the team and its supporters.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones [05:30]: “I want to see if it applies to you. He was talking about being a man, and he said there are three things that if you do, you're not a man.”

• Shannon [11:45]: “He started that tradition. Like, after the game, the guys make the little victory lap and get a meet, give high five to little kids.”

• Drew [13:27]: “Mark Pope is the most approachable coach that I can ever remember.”

• Caller [22:43]: “Oh, can we create a pool on PayPal? It lets us collect the money before we buy.”

• Jenny Garth [36:16]: “Volunteers of America Mid States is part of Volunteers of America. VOA for short.”

These quotes capture the essence of the discussions, highlighting key themes such as leadership, fan engagement, and community support.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the hour concludes, Matt Jones reflects on the day's discussions and anticipates the outcomes of the upcoming games. The KSR crew reiterates their commitment to supporting UK sports and engaging with the fanbase through interactive segments and upcoming trivia games.

[36:16] Matt Jones: “I just want to say, this is preseason number one.”

The final moments of the podcast encourage listeners to stay connected, participate in future segments, and continue supporting the UK teams as they navigate through the tournament.

Summary

"KSR - Hour 2" offers an engaging mix of sports analysis, community stories, and interactive discussions that resonate deeply with UK fans. By focusing on Coach Mark Pope's impactful leadership, tournament predictions, and heartfelt listener interactions, the podcast provides a comprehensive and lively overview of UK sports, making it an invaluable resource for both dedicated fans and casual listeners alike.

For more insights and live discussions, tune in to Kentucky Sports Radio Weekdays from 10 AM to Noon on Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM).