Loading summary
T-Mobile Advertiser
T Mobile stats are as impressive as your favorite athlete's highlight reel because T Mobile helps keep you connected from big cities to your hometown on America's largest 5G network. Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card last 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days device knowledgeable carrier and timely redemption required. Card is no cash access and expires in six months.
Comedy Announcer
Comedy Up Broadway in Lexington welcomes Mike Armstrong March 27th through the 29th. Then it's the Lexington debut of Lori Kilmartin April 3rd through the 5th and catch rising comedy star Sam Talon April 11th and 12th. Comedy Off Broadway opened in downtown Lexington in 1987 and they're still bringing the best and stand up comedy to the area 38 years later. Call 859-271-joke or visit comedyoffbroadway.com comedy.
Matt Jones
Welcome everyone. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. Monday, March 24th a Sweet Sixteen edition of KSR live from Merrillville, Indiana, wherever that is. On the road to the Sweet Sixteen with Clark's Puppet Shop phone line 859-280-2287 Avision Auto Glass text machine 772-774-5254 in this edition sponsored by the TJ Smith Law Office. If you call TJ he'll make them pay. We are in Merrillville, Indiana just south of Chicago and Gary, Indiana where we stopped last night after a celebratory celebratory drive from Milwaukee as Kentucky mates the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019. Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon, Drew Franklin, Shannon the Dude Mario is here as well. We are a sleepy group as we rolled in here about 1am Eastern time but very excited as the Cats get a big win yesterday against Illinois. Now get ready to face Tennessee at 7:30 in Indianapolis on Friday night. I got a text message this morning Ryan from that my mom has already booked a hotel room in Indianapolis. Wow.
Comedy Announcer
Karen's excited about this trip to Indy.
Matt Jones
I gotta find tickets that's you're looking at.
Comedy Announcer
Those prices aren't cheap.
Matt Jones
That's okay but you know we have a loving son. Yeah hopefully maybe somebody listening there is like I'd like mad his mom to to get a couple tickets but we've got a few days to get get it ready and it's there because for the first time since 2019 we go to the Sweet 16, thanks to Pope and this group of, I don't want to say rag tag vagabonds, but there is a little bit of vagabond nature. First team in the history of the NCAA tournament to go to the Sweet 16 who returned zero points from the season before Ryan Lemon.
Comedy Announcer
That's what makes, I think, this team so endearing to all of us. We know what we were getting into when this. When Mark Pope got hired and he put together this roster in two weeks. We kind of knew this ragtag bunch is kind of what they are. From Drexel, Fairly, Dickinson, Dayton. And look where they got us. They got us in the sweet 16.
Matt Jones
You know, when. When Cal came, I remember saying this. When he came, you. You do it. You do a. It's. It's a. It's a bet. You're betting on. You're going to be good immediately. Which happened. And the trade off for that is when you leave, you're starting over. And that's even more true in the transfer portal. Error that even becomes. And that's exactly what happened. And most people would assume, okay, starting over is going to be a two or three year process that's going to be difficult. And instead, Mark Pope has us in the sweet 16.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. And I think it's fair to call him what you all said because they said it themselves at the podium yesterday. I don't remember if it was Butler, Amari, but they're like, we were overlooked. We didn't have a bunch of stars, didn't get a lot of offers. We had to work our way to get to this point. And that's what made it so much special for the guys themselves. So it's just not a fan opinion. They feel that way themselves. That they kind of were an underdog role until getting here.
Matt Jones
Yeah. And then, you know, I thought, to be honest with you, when the season started, just make the tournament, I felt like that they had done a good job in the portal, but that they were probably one player short. And then their best player gets hurt and is out for the year. And so now in some ways, you're two players short and yet you're still in the Sweet 16. Shannon. I mean, I don't know how you can't be anything but thrilled about that.
Drew Franklin
As soon as they got that win against Troy, I felt like there was a weight lifted.
Matt Jones
Me too.
Drew Franklin
All of us, right? Yeah. Moved on to the second round. Then you win yesterday. I think that was the most impressive defensive performance of the entire season yesterday.
Matt Jones
Did you realize on that point. Yeah, that in the last 13 games, Kentucky is 11th in the country defensively. That's crazy after being 115th before that.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah, but who saw that coming?
Matt Jones
Not me.
Comedy Announcer
Not me.
Drew Franklin
But, you know, I don't think this team's finished yet. And if you beat Tennessee and go.
Matt Jones
On to the Elite Eight, well, then you're legendary.
Drew Franklin
It's legendary. Run, especially in the first year for Mark.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah.
Matt Jones
You know, you don't have to do the remarkable.
Ryan Lemon
We tried early in the year. They're working their way into it.
Matt Jones
It was, you know, it was. What are you laughing at? It was exciting. You know, Milwaukee was weird in some ways because it. Ryan wasn't as many UK fans as usual.
Comedy Announcer
Right.
Matt Jones
The ones that were there were very excited. I think, you know, it's a. It's a broader conversation about the way we do. The SEC tournament, I think, hurts us in the first and second round with attendance was where we treat it as, you know, Comic Con, really. I mean, that's kind of how our fans treat the SEC tournament now. And then they take the first and second round off, and I think we'll treat it as Comic Con again in Indianapolis. But it made it sort of weird. It made it weird to be in an environment that was pro Illinois. But yesterday, they never let those fans ever really get into the game they had. I mean, that arena was bustling with Alana, and they just couldn't get into it.
Comedy Announcer
It was almost a home game for Illinois, but every time Illinois would make a run, we had guys would come down and hit a big shot. Every. Every single time we would stop their run, somebody would hit a big shot.
Matt Jones
Think about some of those. Colin Chandler hit one, Bray hit one. Butler got the steal and the pass to Garrison for an AN one. I mean, those moments just kept happening, and probably the biggest one is they. I'd forgotten till I saw the highlights. They cut it to 6, and then Carr got the N1 that kind of put up, put away the game.
Drew Franklin
To Kentucky's credit, though, they came out, they set the tone early, and they never allowed those Illinois fans to get into it. If it had been, you know, you flip that script and Illinois comes out and, you know, goes on a big run. I think that that maybe could have changed the tone for the entire.
Matt Jones
Oh, yeah. I mean, they started the first and second halves drew great. I mean, Brad Underwood said, we lost the game in the first five minutes, the first half, and the first five minutes, the second half. And I think that's right. I think, you know, coaching I think it showcases itself to me coaching at the start of games, start of halves, and then the last two minutes. And when it comes to the start of the game, the start of the half, our guys aced it.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. Like you said, they had an answer anytime Illinois got close. Maybe I'm crazy, but I feel like Gonzaga, Duke, all the big wins. Andrew Carr had like a late and one like he just.
Matt Jones
Maybe you're right.
Ryan Lemon
Numbers could prove me wrong, but I feel like I've seen him do that over and over this year. That just. Defensively, I thought they were amazing. Once they got that lead, they were just able to protect it. Sure, they had an answer on the other end when Illinois would get hot. But for Illinois to have 14 turnovers and there were 14 steals, that is a pretty crazy statistic.
Matt Jones
Well, first of all, you know Mark Pope, he shortened the rotation. Yeah, right. I think. I think if away doesn't get in foul trouble, you would have had five guys play in 30 minutes, you know, which is what we've been calling for all year. But you know what? May I.
Comedy Announcer
May.
Matt Jones
You know, there was maybe a plan to get these guys minutes. So they've. Because Colin Chandler played 18 minutes. I mean, again, think about. Think about a month ago, if I told you Colin Chandler was playing 18 minutes the second round of the NCAA tournament, you'd think I was nuts.
Comedy Announcer
He was the 11th or 12th man.
Matt Jones
Yeah.
Ryan Lemon
Back then, he was afraid to shoot a three. If you told me he'd shoot from the logo, I'd be like, well, what.
Matt Jones
Kind of logo shot that was? I have to admit, the logo shot was when I got nervous and walked away for a minute. I hadn't seen the logo shot till the highlights. That was a logo shot early in the shot clock. He didn't have to shoot that. And.
Drew Franklin
But how about him having to get.
Ryan Lemon
It rough that wouldn't shoot a three?
Drew Franklin
How about him having the confidence to.
Matt Jones
I know.
Drew Franklin
And he does it so calm and cool, you know?
Matt Jones
Yes. He's gonna be good, man. He is going to be. There's just something about his nature and his athleticism. Colin Chandler is going to be good.
Comedy Announcer
We've seen him develop as the years gone on. I don't know if it's because he was two years off from basketball, but now he's. He's like. He's getting as many minutes as anybody coming off the bench as a six.
Matt Jones
Man. We're sitting there and I expect him to come back. But as we're sitting there kind of waiting official words OA will be the one we wait for the most, probably meaning, like, it's the biggest. But I think Chandler might be second for me. No offense to everybody else, but I think when I'm sitting there going, all right, who's coming back? Chandler's maybe going to be the one that, you know, I mean, I'm out there looking at his fiance's Instagram post saying, we're going to move our home to Lexington. I'm like, good for you, girl.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah, you go, girl.
Matt Jones
You go, girl. There's good, good. There's good opportunity in Lexington for you.
Ryan Lemon
It's a great time to buy, stock.
Comedy Announcer
The mortgage, help you with your financing.
Matt Jones
So we get the win. And, you know, for Mark Pope, we talk. You know, you can see there's a video up. We put Mario put online in my speech last night about kind of the community of bbn. But there was, you know, it was such a cool feeling on the court and I. I intentionally walked back. So. For people who didn't hear the postgame show, I watched the game at the St. Kate Arts Hotel.
Drew Franklin
I do not understand you.
Matt Jones
More specifically in the bank lobby attached to the St. Kate Arts Hotel, because that. Where.
Comedy Announcer
That's where the TV was.
Matt Jones
Well, that was where a TV was. Without sound. I wanted no sound.
Ryan Lemon
Or people.
Matt Jones
Or people. Except the man telling people they couldn't go to the restroom. And, you know, there were a couple times I got nervous. What are you laughing at?
Drew Franklin
You're just. You're incredible.
Matt Jones
Why am I incredible? Well, I am. But why in your mind, again?
Drew Franklin
I said this on the post game show, but we drove from Kentucky to Milwaukee.
Matt Jones
Yes.
Drew Franklin
You have the ability to go in and get really good seats, by the way.
Matt Jones
I understand.
Drew Franklin
And you decide. I don't want to go into the arena. Watch the game.
Matt Jones
No, I was in there before the game.
Drew Franklin
I want, I want to go to a bank.
Matt Jones
Yeah.
Drew Franklin
Watch it on a tv. And most people would say, I would like it. Know some audio so I can hear the game. You go, no, I want.
Matt Jones
No, I gave my own audio. Yeah, I had my own. My own commentary.
Drew Franklin
So what is it about that?
Comedy Announcer
Are you just.
Matt Jones
It's just being in there. It's just too many nerves and like I, you know, and it. I thought I'd be able to watch this one, but I didn't watch the Troy game. Yeah, well, that one was more nerve wracking in some ways. But I, but, but, but I decided to walk back because I wanted to be in the post game atmosphere. I was running, it was pouring rain. I mean, I just raised. It was pouring rain and I was running back and I'm too old to be running. These are not running shoes. These Jordan 11 lows. I don't know when they made these. They didn't make them for Milwaukee street environment through the puddles. So I'm running back. I get there, I get there like right as the game ends. I mean, the game has just ended and I run on the court, I'm dripping like a wet dog. And I go in there and just seeing the post game Ryan environment was so cool. I mean, people, you know, giving me five. And then you see, you know, you take these players and one player is with Pope on cbs, then one players with Jack on the local radio, then another players with Noah Eagle and Tom Creed on the national radio, and it's Butler away and Brea, and then the other players are up in the crowd celebrating. It's just. It was just an awesome environment and it was just such a great feeling. And I've had that feeling a few times over the years. Right. The 2012 national title game. You know, I remember when they. In 2015, when they just pounded teams, the environment after the game. But nothing seemed to me to be that shared where the fans and the players and the coaches were sharing it together. Usually they run in the locker room and to see that moment, you have to go in the locker room. Yeah, this was shared in front of everybody. And Ryan, that was really cool. I don't know that I've ever seen that before and I really enjoyed.
Comedy Announcer
Well, like we talked about on the postgame show the other night, not only did we need this as a fan base, that locker room needed that. They, you know, Mark Pope needed that. You know, he looks over, he sees Arkansas and BYU in the Sweet 16.
Matt Jones
And that shouldn't have mattered, but it probably would. It probably would be why you made it, which is where he was. John Caliperi made it, which is where who was here before.
Comedy Announcer
Sure.
Matt Jones
He. They both had won the day before and he matched it. Right. So almost anything that happens next, you know, you got to the second weekend and he matched it. And I think. Which is more than both of those schools had done before.
Comedy Announcer
Right.
Matt Jones
I think that's a big deal.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. Everybody likes to get online and bicker about who won or who's doing this, but I think we can all just look at each other and go look, all those teams improved and got an upgrade however you want to look at it. So I think it's big that all.
Matt Jones
Three, we all won it was the very. I always say when people break up somebody, it's one person wanted it more than everybody else. But maybe that's not always true because in this case, everybody won. You know, look at these three schools. BYU ended up getting the coach that their biggest donor had wanted and had kind of groomed so that when he got there, they got the NL nil money to go get whoever they want. If you listen to Meyer Metcalf, he says they'll have the most nil in the country. And that dude was only going to give it if that guy was the coach.
Ryan Lemon
They already have the number one player locked in.
Matt Jones
So it worked for them, sure. Then you look at Cal. He was done here. He was done. He, it was over. There was going to be no nil. They wouldn't have had the money to go get John L. Davis, they wouldn't have the money to get Jonas Adu. They. There was no money here for him because people were done with it. They just were. And he was done. He was grumpy and he was angry and it was over. He goes, gets his big pot of money, takes him a little while, but gets reinvigorated and now uses the underdog role to get a couple wins. And then Mark Pope. The thing this fan base needed was to come together as one, feel the energy of bbn. And you couldn't pick a better person to make that happen. Everybody won. And in our case, we won and we won. Ryan, like, we want to win.
Comedy Announcer
Yes.
Matt Jones
Which is as like a group feeling like we're a part of it. That's what we want. We want that more than anything. We like winning more than any. We like winning. But when we can win the way we enjoy to feel it, it's even better.
Comedy Announcer
It's hard to explain, but you're exact right. We want those guys. They're. They're a different kind of one and done. But we want them to appreciate what that means, to put that Kentucky jersey on and love for this program and love the fan base. And they've got that with this group.
Matt Jones
If you think about when Cal was here, the players that we beloved the most were the ones who seemed like they wanted to be here the most. Even going to like DeMarcus Cousins. Right. Michael Kid Gilchrist, Tyler Ulis, the guys that people felt like they're playing with this. Yeah, I know they're going to leave, but they love this. And the ones that it felt like it was a pass through, people didn't feel the connection. This was the kind of group Though, that we really want. No, they're not like Richie Pelfrey, Feldhouse woods, you know, from Kentucky or right here. But they appreciate this opportunity. I had somebody close to Otega always say to me, I'm almost certain he'll come back because he knows this place changed his life. That's what we want.
Comedy Announcer
That's pretty powerful.
Matt Jones
That's exactly what we want. And this is the group that has done that. 859-280-2287. We're just gonna be talking about this. We are here in Merrillville, Indiana.
Comedy Announcer
Marvel. Like, we say Barville. It's marvel.
Matt Jones
How do you know? You said you. You said you didn't know where this was.
Drew Franklin
You've been here for eight hours. You think you're a local now?
Matt Jones
Yeah, You. I literally said, where are we going to stay? And you said, I don't know anything about that place. And now I didn't.
Comedy Announcer
I looked at it, but I know it's. They pronounce it.
Matt Jones
I grew up in Indiana. It's. But you. When I asked you last night, you said you'd never heard of it.
Comedy Announcer
Oh, I knew I didn't know where it was.
Matt Jones
So it's Marvel.
Comedy Announcer
Marvel. Marvel.
Drew Franklin
They could pronounce it.
Matt Jones
Take a break and be right back. This is ksr.
Joe
Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Bachelor happy hour. I'm Joe.
Serena
And I'm Serena.
Joe
And we are here with the I heart music awards and David's bridal, who.
Serena
Are sponsoring this podcast, and we are so grateful to them.
Joe
Thank you. Thank you for finishing my sentence. And we are here with our favorites, Dotton and Charity.
Serena
Where were you in bikinis in the snow?
Matt Jones
Montana.
Serena
Okay. She flew out and joined you guys.
Joe
Isn't it cold?
Matt Jones
No, it was.
Serena
We had bikinis in the snow.
Matt Jones
We risk getting hypothermia for those photos. Wow.
Serena
They were sick, though.
Joe
I don't get bikinis in the snow.
Serena
Just like, an aesthetic. Yeah.
Joe
If him and I did that, if we did, like, speedos in the snow, you guys would be like, douchebags in the snow.
Serena
Would be.
Matt Jones
I would be like, let's see it.
Drew Franklin
Come on.
Matt Jones
I would not complain. I like him to do stuff like that. He's like, no.
Serena
That's gonna be the name of this podcast episode. Bachelor Happy hour. Speedos in the snow.
Matt Jones
David's bridal.
Joe
If you're listening to branding, a little.
Matt Jones
Sponsored by David's bride. Welcome back. It is Kentucky sports radio. We already had one listener figure out where we are. It's like, wearing it is amazing. Well, well, Done. A Marvel Red. Is it Marvel or Maryville? I was right. Maryville.
Comedy Announcer
You act like you said Maryville.
Matt Jones
I did.
Comedy Announcer
He did.
Matt Jones
Check the tape. Maryville.
Comedy Announcer
Maryville.
Matt Jones
I said Maryville. Oh, I was right. Thank you. I grew up in Indiana. Wanted to play for Bobby. He was wrong.
Comedy Announcer
I was right.
Matt Jones
No. 8592802287 Text Machine, 772-774-5525 for it. Hillard Hugehead.
Drew Franklin
What a name.
Matt Jones
No says. As a daily listener since 2012, I think I need to acknowledge that not watching the game in the arena, then rushing back to get a photo op with Pope was lame.
Comedy Announcer
Huge head or foul?
Matt Jones
First of all, Harold, Hugh. I never watched the game in the arena. You know that.
Drew Franklin
Why do we go?
Matt Jones
To be there.
Drew Franklin
But you're not there.
Matt Jones
I am there in spirit.
Ryan Lemon
He likes the local banks.
Drew Franklin
Milwaukee.
Matt Jones
No, I mean, I like to be there before and after the game. I did not try to get a photo op. He just was there and then I. I was. Except. See, you can't even have a nice moment without somebody trying to ruin it.
Drew Franklin
That's right.
Matt Jones
And I didn't even know there was going to be a picture. Like Dylan and Mario. I didn't even know anybody was going to be there.
Drew Franklin
Don't worry about what hero.
Matt Jones
Well, I just. Harold, huge head, trying to spoil my vibe. Kind of like Ryan trying to spoil my pronunciation of this beautiful town.
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. He did tell you it was Marvel.
Matt Jones
I don't think that was Marvel. Marvel.
Comedy Announcer
It's like Marvel.
Matt Jones
One person writes. Matt, do you think Travis Perry will end up not staying because he didn't play? I mean. No, I don't think it's going to be. Whatever happens, not going to be because of that. You know, I think Colin Chandler developing will have an impact on what Travis decides to do. I have not heard that he would do something else. But Colin Chandler is good and he's athletic, and I don't know if he ever considered playing point guard, but now he's had to do it the way it worked. And I actually think he's pretty good at it. Drew you?
Ryan Lemon
Yeah. Just with his athleticism, I don't want to get too far ahead, but if he continues to develop, he could see it in a chance at an NBA career. Because for a guard, the way he plays and the athleticism and he's big and he's big.
Matt Jones
He's got size and he's athletic and he can shoot. You know, I mean, he was playing defense. Ryan. Well, before he started playing offense, he just looked Scared to be shoot. Well, now he's not scared to shoot.
Comedy Announcer
That's how he earned his minutes, with good defense. I tell you, I never envisioned him as a solid point guard, but he's proved me wrong. And the fact that he can hit the shot from outside, that does make him a little more dangerous.
Matt Jones
What was your favorite moment of the game yesterday? What? Was there a play or something that was specific that you liked? Anybody can speak up here.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah, the Brandon Garrison at the end one, because he walked right in front of us. I mean, he was like two feet from us, and he's flexing and he's saying things we can't say on the radio. And that was Garrison.
Ryan Lemon
That was.
Matt Jones
I think that was Lamont. Remember we had turned it over.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
And we stole it right back from him.
Drew Franklin
And a visage had a blocked three point shot by Mari. Yeah, I think that was. And then on the other end went to.
Matt Jones
Yeah. Last night when I was watching the highlights, I think it's Stan Van Gundy goes, why did he shoot that? Like, Amari was right there. Did he think he was going to be able to shoot it over?
Ryan Lemon
Mario could have blocked it with his armpit. That's so well defended. Amari also had another coast to coast dunk. I know we were all a little frustrated Mari early he couldn't make a layup. But the. The coast to coast in both games in Milwaukee were fun to watch for him. Look like Giannis still a couple of.
Drew Franklin
Times where he's dribbling the ball way too. But you know what? I'll take that trade off for what you get on the other end.
Matt Jones
And, you know, he had a. I thought a bad first half that he turned into a great second half, which is exactly what you want to see. I mean, you're not going to always be good. So bad first half, turn it into a great second half.
Comedy Announcer
Jack Givens walked in front of us at halftime. We're like, why didn't he just dunk it? Why didn't Amare just dunk it? He's right there in the basket. He's seven foot tall. Just dunk the basketball.
Matt Jones
I watched games on and off with Larry as a child, and he only had one analysis ever of games. Why didn't he just dunk it? He's been. He's been doing that, like, every time a big man would miss a layup. Going back to Jared Prickett, I like you, Jared, but you were the worst offender. My Larry would just go, why won't he dunk it? And I think of that with Amari. Why won't you dunk it?
Ryan Lemon
Like I can tell you about everyone I know. We're sending me texts, people in the arena, why won't he dunk? I mean it was just lay up, layup and they were all misses. I tried to explain excuse it with the over inflated ball, but when it was like four or five in the first half I was like, well, what.
Matt Jones
About, what about that run by Kobe? I mean those Kobe Braya. I mean he had the announcers, remember Kevin Harlan and Stan Van Gundy are NBA announcers.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
Dan Bonner isn't, but Harlan and they both were like, this dude is a flamethrower.
Drew Franklin
Yeah.
Matt Jones
You know, I was saying yesterday, I don't think any of these guys will get but play in the NBA. I should alter that conversation. Say I don't think any of them will be draft picks, but I could see a team trying to talk themselves into. Bray is shooting because he is a. He is just a rifleman when it comes to shooting.
Drew Franklin
When he gets hot. I don't think there's anybody better in college not shooting.
Matt Jones
There's nobody better shooting the ball.
Comedy Announcer
And he's.
Ryan Lemon
When he created yesterday, he turned that one guy around. I mean he had him spinning. Completely lost defender. I think it's more of a mid range than a three. But he's been showing off some good ball handling and driving here lately too.
Matt Jones
I do think the story of the game though to me is Butler.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
I mean if you're just talking overall story, I mean he's playing with one arm, right. They keep trying new slings. He's on like his fourth sling and I guess this one worked.
Comedy Announcer
I guess it did work because zero points against Troy, right?
Matt Jones
Yeah, and 14 points, but controlled the game. He twice did that thing where he drives by a guy, then Waitsley's behind him and kind of sticks his butt into him to push him back and then goes forward. He did it twice in that game last night and it worked perfectly both times.
Comedy Announcer
We see how valuable he is to the team. Just doing that, just running the offense, keeping everybody in control, making the right decisions and playing deep, playing great defense.
Ryan Lemon
I mean shooters had 13 points and six turnovers.
Matt Jones
He, Casparis, Yakachunas. See, I got it good.
Comedy Announcer
Nailed it.
Matt Jones
He. I won't say he was a non factor but he was completely harassed the whole game.
Comedy Announcer
He was rattled.
Matt Jones
You add Will Riley and Kasparis up, they had 18 points. You take that any day. Those are two first picks that you held to 18 points. Will Riley didn't even play in the second half because he was. Because they had shut him down so much.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah, conspiracy was definitely rattled most of the game. You could tell especially early on, missed some shots because I think. But Butler deserves all the credit.
Matt Jones
Butler played a lot on him. Chandler played him a little bit. I mean, they, they really did an amazing job. 859-280-2287. Who'd you say is from here?
Comedy Announcer
Greg Popovich and then your friend Dan Dockage.
Matt Jones
Okay. But I wish you told me that before I booked the hotel.
Drew Franklin
It's not walking through that door.
Comedy Announcer
He may be. Let's call him, see if he wants to come join us today.
Matt Jones
We'll be right back. KSR. Welcome back, Techie Sports Radio. 859-280-2287. I got to get got sent some pictures of the of KS Bar last night. Looked like it was a lot of fun. There was a guy dressed as like RoboCop, but a Kentucky RoboCop, which I have two. First of all, it looked awesome.
Comedy Announcer
Very awesome.
Matt Jones
You can see it on Ryan Lemon's Twitter account. But I have two questions. One, where does one get one of those? Like, like, where do you find that costume? And number two, like, it's really cool to walk into KS Bar with that costume and get your, get your picture. But then do you just sit there the whole night in that? Like, how do you eat?
Comedy Announcer
Probably gets a little hot.
Matt Jones
Probably gets a little hot. A little uncomfortable. What do you think?
Ryan Lemon
Who's helping you?
Matt Jones
Yeah, who's going to the bathroom?
Drew Franklin
It looks homemade. It looks more like a Stormtrooper to me. I'm not a Star wars guy.
Matt Jones
That sounds like you are. Actually sounds like you. Excuse. Excuse me, sir. It is not a Robocop. It is a Star Trooper.
Drew Franklin
Just Chewbacca there next to him. But yeah, I mean, I think you can't sit in that the entire night. That's got to be hot, too.
Matt Jones
I would think it was like. And he was sitting on one of those high seats with his little feet dangling off of it.
Drew Franklin
So is this what we're going to do now? Just encourage people to dress up like mascots?
Comedy Announcer
Yes.
Matt Jones
I mean, I'll say Friday night at the bar will be exciting. We play. We're going to play Tennessee. I want to focus on Tennessee starting tomorrow. I do want to enjoy this moment because I think this is an exciting moment. What did you, you know, Illinois just. They never really material. We got that early lead and I think we led. They said 38 of the 40 minutes of the game.
Ryan Lemon
Yep. They went up five to four, and then Kentucky led for 37 minutes and 40 seconds. I think it helped. Illinois was pretty cold early, and then the second half, they started hitting a couple threes, but the cushion was already too big for them to really be a threat.
Comedy Announcer
They only ended up shooting 25% from 3, and I think that's just because they hit a couple late. Yeah, they worse than that if it.
Matt Jones
Wasn'T for Little Z.
Comedy Announcer
Little Z? Yeah.
Matt Jones
Little Z had five threes.
Drew Franklin
I just kept waiting for the run to come, and it really never did.
Matt Jones
It never did. They cut it to six right there at the end. And that was, but that was. There's still a minute and a half left when they cut it to six.
Ryan Lemon
Well, on the, on the pregame, I said, they're very inconsistent. And they went 40% the night before. And even those Illinois fans we talked to were like, we can never put two games together. And that proved to be true. They went from 40% to 20 something percent. That's just kind of what their team's been this year.
Matt Jones
Yeah. 859-280-2287. For people who watched at home, I think having Kevin Harlan on the game had to be exciting. Like, even last night when I was listening to the highlights, it was very cool listening to him call the, I mean, like, he's got, you know, he's got that voice, he's got that. And we're used to seeing him on big NBA games. I mean, Mario, you don't talk about geeking out.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah, he was just, he was starstruck.
Matt Jones
I was trying to think like we've talked about before. I, I, in my lifetime. I don't really freak out about many celebrities. Like, if you go through my life with people I've been like, oh, I can't wait to meet. So I met Obama, though, before he was Obama. Like, he was a senator.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
So you didn't. So really, I, I wasn't. Like, I would freak out if I met. Oh, I did meet David Letterman, and I kind of freaked out in a Reds game. I don't think I would freak out if I met Tony Kornheiser, but I'd be very excited if I felt like he'd be nice to me. I think I would freak out with Howard Stern, but I feel like he'd be me.
Drew Franklin
He'd be a jerk.
Matt Jones
I feel like he'd be a jerk, so I'd rather not meet him. So. Point being, I don't think there's many people. I'd be like, mario has a list that starts with Kevin Hart. I mean, my man.
Drew Franklin
The broadcast to go get a selfie.
Matt Jones
No, I mean, he was like, I got to meet Kevin Harlan. Got to meet Kevin Harlan. And he broke away from me at one point and grabbed carrot Kevin Harlan like a stalker and was like, I need you to take a picture. I've never seen. Kevin Harlan has never had a bigger fan than he had with Mario last night.
Comedy Announcer
As soon as I got to the arena, Mario, or I'm sorry, Rio, rushed up to me and to show me his picture with Kevin Hartley. He was so excited about it, dude.
Matt Jones
He was so excited. Look at you. Get you a girl that looks at you like Mario looks at Kevin Harlem.
Ryan Lemon
I share a room with Mario last night, and I looked over, and he was just in bed looking at the photo. I don't know what he'd be doing if I wasn't in there, but he was very excited.
Matt Jones
Who's that? Fire Strike.
Comedy Announcer
Got t o up first to.
Matt Jones
How are you? To.
Caller
Doing good, boys. God bless you. Good to hear from you today. God bless the cats as well. Calling to you from the job site. Putting the footer down and hiding in the porta potty as usual, to make this call. Risking my job because it's that important today.
Matt Jones
A porta potty call. I like it.
Caller
Yes, sir. There are three men in America right now that are working to make things great again.
Matt Jones
No, no, Obviously, just get. I don't want to know one of them, but give me the other.
Caller
Okay, I'll give you two of them. One of them is young Mario. I'm telling you what. Injecting fresh blood into this crew. You guys, I love y'all, but every now and then, we get a little stale. Need a little young blood to get in there. And even though he tanked Sonic stock for a couple days that time, he's a pretty good feller.
Matt Jones
Yes, he is.
Caller
And also, Mark Pope is making the NCAA tournament great again. Well, excited watching the game since. Since the boys, Julius Randle. And then we're making that run.
Matt Jones
Well, you know, and I. From the porta potty, I appreciate it. I actually. I totally agree with him. There is, you know, there was just an excitement about. About that victory. I was trying. I mean, trying the last time I was that excited about a tournament when it was probably when we beat UCLA in 2017 because Darren Fox had had that crazy good game against Lonzo Ball.
Ryan Lemon
You said they got him earlier that year.
Matt Jones
You see, there was. I was really into that win. And, and, you know, but this, to me, I mean, when we beat Houston on the last second shot, that was exciting. But I. I don't know. I don't know that I felt the same. There's just probably go back to that one and, and the Julie. I think the Julius Randall team is a good analogy because we didn't expect any of those wins. So each win got more and more exciting. I kind of thought we were going to lose yesterday, to be honest with you. And so I think it was kind of exciting when we won.
Drew Franklin
It's been a while since we've had anything to get excited about, so that's refreshing, first of all. And now you got your biggest. Well, one of your biggest rivals coming up this weekend in Tennessee. That's going to be a crazy atmosphere, I think, in Indianapolis on Friday night.
Comedy Announcer
I think really this kind of started with the last second shot over Oklahoma just to win that first game in the SEC tournament. And the way they want it, that last second shot, I think just that relief just lifted off your shoulders. And then you win your first game against Troy, more relief. Now you're beating away, going to 316. I think it's just kind of building up. But I think it started with that.
Ryan Lemon
Oklahoma win and you mentioned how fun the celebration was. You know, a lot of coaches, they're almost too cool to celebrate.
Matt Jones
I agree.
Ryan Lemon
Like when Jay Wright hit that buzzer beater, he just keeps a straight face and goes to shake hands. Mark Pope was jumping up and down. If you watch that video UK put out, he's like, jax, get over here. Brandon, get over here. I don't want to hurt you, but he's jumping up and chest bumping every player on the team. I mean, it's. It's fun to see a coach get that into it. Like he was.
Matt Jones
I love that he does that. I love that he does that. I never like when coaches do, though. We ain't won anything yet. No. Take a moment and enjoy it. I mean, I, that I talked about last night that I really love. They're doing this thing now where they put the. The sticker on the brackets for those guys. Take a moment to enjoy it. I mean, Pope said something last night where he goes, and this is true. Like, you have only have so many moments in your life where you have, like, elated joy about something. Take a minute to like, soak that in before you immediately go, okay, what's next? Enjoy that. And I think that Mark Pope is really good, Ryan, about making his team Take that moment and just celebrate and enjoy it. We can talk about Tennessee tomorrow. Let's just enjoy this and live in this moment that they'll remember for the rest of their lives.
Comedy Announcer
And to be fair, none of these guys probably would have experienced it if it hadn't been for Mark Pope and Katie bringing them here. You know, Lamont.
Matt Jones
Lamont experienced it, but. But nobody else has, right? So, yeah, I really like that. I love how much fun they have. I mean, you should see his wife, how excited she gets. I mean, his wife is just running around like she. I feels like she wants to be a cheerleader in those moments. And I feel like I've met his daughters, and I think I've met 75 different people.
Drew Franklin
He's got that many dogs.
Matt Jones
I just keep meeting his daughters, and I don't think they're the same people. I think he's got. I think he has an unending supply of daughters.
Comedy Announcer
I couldn't tell them apart. Layla. One of them is Layla. What's the other ones?
Matt Jones
I don't know. I don't know. I keep meeting.
Comedy Announcer
Can we name their four names?
Matt Jones
I've met some of them, like, five times.
Comedy Announcer
Avery.
Matt Jones
Okay.
Comedy Announcer
She's one on a mission. Layla.
Matt Jones
And then there's. There are others.
Comedy Announcer
There are two others.
Drew Franklin
There's 73 others.
Ryan Lemon
It is very neat how he's made it so, like, they're at every press conference. I mean, the family is with him at all times, going to everything.
Matt Jones
Yeah. His wife claps at the end of the press conferences, which I think is kind of cute.
Comedy Announcer
Does she really?
Matt Jones
Yeah. Spring is sprung, and that means you're getting outside more, whether that's doing yard work or just staying active by biking or running. Increased physical activity when the weather gets warmer can also lead to aches, pains, and injuries. That's where court physical therapy can help. Court therapist can help you heal and get back to where you were before. It's easy to find a center near you. 70 locations statewide. That's court.comk o r t dot com. We'll take a break and be right back here in Merrillville, Indiana, this is ksr.
Joe
Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. I'm Joe.
Serena
And I'm Serena.
Joe
And we are here with the I Heart Music Awards and David's Bridal, who.
Serena
Are sponsoring this podcast, and we are so grateful to them.
Joe
Thank you. Thank you for finishing my sentence. And we are here with our favorites, Daughton and Charity.
Serena
Where were you in bikinis in the snow?
Matt Jones
Montana.
Serena
Okay. She flew out and joined you guys, Isn't it cold? No, it was.
Matt Jones
We.
Serena
Well, yeah. Bikinis in the snow.
Joe
Wow.
Serena
They were sick, though.
Joe
I don't get bikinis in the snow.
Serena
Just like an aesthetic. Yeah.
Matt Jones
Thank you.
Joe
If him and I did that, if we did, like Speedos in the snow, you guys would be like, douchebags.
Matt Jones
I would be like, let's see it. Not complain. To do stuff like that.
Serena
He's like, nah, that's gonna be the name of this podcast. That's Bachelor happy hour. Speedos in the Snow.
Joe
David's Bridal. If you're listening to branding a little bit.
Serena
Sponsored by David's Bridal Bridal Speedos in the snow.
Matt Jones
Welcome back, Kentucky Sports Radio. We got some folks on the phone. I want to go to it, but first we got to talk about pipe bombs. Derek Piper.
Drew Franklin
Ooh, I saw that.
Matt Jones
So Derek Piper. I didn't even know who this dude was. Got nothing against him. He's got 28,000 followers. So he throws some. He says he gives hot takes, which he calls hashtag pipe bombs.
Drew Franklin
Sounds like a nerdy hashtag.
Matt Jones
I will say, if I worked in Illinois media, it would be hard for me not to look at that dude all the time and go, yeah, every time you see him, because he says, like, you can't be. He can't be real. Putting that in his bio. Hashtag pipe bomb. Anyway, he works for 247 sports, which I guess is a ride. Is a right. Is a 24. 7 size. It's not a rival site. It's 247 site. And he made some offhanded comment about how he thought, oh, Kentucky media wears Kentucky gear. Oh, is that how it's going to be? Like, you know, like, you know, he's Mike Wallace or something from 60 Minutes, working it at the Illinois Insider or whatever. Now, I don't think that comment was made at me, although it could have been, but I had normally, just as a side note, I don't wear UK gear. I do think it's kind of like you. I mean, I don't think it's a rule, but I just don't do it because, like, when I start was coming up, people weren't doing it. Now it's becoming much more common. I don't care. Normally, I don't do it. I did have on a KSR shirt, which is like my halfway ground.
Comedy Announcer
Right.
Matt Jones
Because it says Kentucky Sports right now.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
Now I. I had a UK hat on, which I actually didn't mean to do. I kind of didn't realize I had it on. But whatever. Point being, it's not that big a deal. It's certainly not worth a pipe. Okay. And. But I saw that. And then I, like, apparently, maybe he saw Jack Pilgrim or something. And so I felt like I had to, you know, you got to take up for your people.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
So I. I just. So first I responded Piper down, which I liked. But then I remembered the voice from White Lotus. Piper N. Oh, it's perfect. So I sent the. The gift of Piper. No, from White Lotus. And then it just became. I mean, I'm not gonna say poor guy. He put it out there. But I looked up, he had 500 responses.
Comedy Announcer
Oh, my goodness.
Matt Jones
All people sending their own pipe bombs. And it just. I don't think it went well for him for the rest of the day.
Ryan Lemon
No. I think I was looking at his other tweets. They have, like, 10, 20,000 views. That would have, like, 700,000 views. He was probably talking about Jack because Jack had a sweatshirt on, but I was near him, and I had the brightest blue shirt I own in a UK hat on. And I'm sorry. When I got dressed in the morning, I forgot to consider Derek's feelings before I put on my outfit. But I think it's crazy. If he only knew how much money I had on the game, he'd be really upset with journalism.
Matt Jones
Yeah. I mean, look here. I've always had this belief going back to when I started. Everybody has their own personal views. Right. I'm a fan of Just say it. Right. I could sit there and act like I don't like Kentucky, but that's stupid, because I do, and it's going to come across. I feel this way about everything. Like, just be honest about who you are, and then people can make the determination whether they want to believe you or not. Right. Like, I'm not going to believe a word Sean Hannity says because I know what he is, but at least he says it. I think it'd be worse to act like you didn't and then do the same thing. Right. So I have no problem with Kentucky media wanting Kentucky to win. If Piper knew is honest, he's going to get more subscriptions if Illinois wins, so he wants them to win, too.
Drew Franklin
I have to admit, I saw that tweet, and I immediately looked to my left, and guess who was wearing Kentucky gear?
Matt Jones
Who?
Drew Franklin
Ryan Lemon.
Matt Jones
All right, so it could have been a you ride.
Comedy Announcer
I've always wondered, where is this rule written? What? We said media can't wear their school colors. Why? Where is it written?
Matt Jones
Belief for a Long time that you had to act like you didn't care who won. But that's always been nonsense. Yes, Right. That's always been nonsense. And so I'm just. So. When I. A big reason for KSR success was I was open Kentucky. I wanted Kentucky to win. But the thing is, I don't know if Jerry Tipton wanted Kentucky to win, but the Herald Leader wanted Kentucky to win. They sell more papers. Sure Kentucky wins.
Drew Franklin
Think Tom Leach didn't.
Comedy Announcer
What?
Drew Franklin
Kentucky.
Matt Jones
Tom Leach, of course, wants Kentucky.
Drew Franklin
Kentucky.
Matt Jones
Like, let's just be honest. Bill Simmons is, in my opinion, the one who changed this. Bill Simmons came around and said, I want the Boston teams to win. And then all the sudden, it became, well, I kind of want my team to win. Yeah, I kind of want. And as long as you know who that team is, person's team is, then you can judge whether they're fair or not. So, Piper. Bo, like, it was not much of a bomb to me, except. Poor guy, he got a lot. And then I kept thinking I was gonna run into him, and he was gonna be. And I was just gonna go.
Comedy Announcer
Did any of the media run into him? Do you say anything?
Matt Jones
I don't know what he looks like. I mean, I know he had a picture there, but I wasn't sure. But I just wanted to go, Piper.
Ryan Lemon
I had an Illinois fan tweet me, and they're like, typical UK journalism school. You could drop me in UK's campus right now. I wouldn't know what direction to walk to find the journalism school.
Matt Jones
I don't know where it is. Here's a little secret named probably four of the six most followed people in UK broadcasting are sitting on this couch, and none of us went to journalism school.
Drew Franklin
It's true. It's true.
Matt Jones
You may have even. You may have taken a journalism class.
Comedy Announcer
I was a mass communications major at Kentucky Wesleyan College. That put me on the path. I. Where I am today.
Matt Jones
That's the closest. You're the closest.
Ryan Lemon
I was in Dinosaurs and Disasters, not journalism classes.
Matt Jones
Disasters. I took Friendship, Romance, Love.
Drew Franklin
There you go. I took. What is it a written role that you. You can't cheer for.
Matt Jones
You're not supposed to cheer on. Presto. They do say that. They do say that.
Ryan Lemon
I have a written, unwritten rule. Don't worry about what another grown man's wearing.
Matt Jones
What's wrong with Friendship, Romance, Love? Is it.
Comedy Announcer
That was the name of the class. Friendship, Romance, Love.
Matt Jones
That's right.
Ryan Lemon
Is that a three?
Matt Jones
It was like.
Ryan Lemon
It was all three different books.
Matt Jones
So I learned we don't we?
Comedy Announcer
The only dude in the class.
Matt Jones
I learned about friendship. Yeah, well, yeah. Learned about romance and love. Yeah, that didn't stick, but I still got it. Still got an A. Yeah. And it worked out. Who's next?
Comedy Announcer
Michael is up next.
Matt Jones
Michael. Rick's laughing at that one. Go ahead, Michael.
I
Hey, Matt. I just got two quick things. First, I really hope we don't have to play any more of Visages, those two brothers against us. And the second thing is, I just want to say I kind of teared up when I saw that video of you and Pope Huggin. I know these last couple years with the previous staff has been a bit rough on you guys, and I've been listening to you all for years. I love this show. It's a part of my daily routine. And like I said, I know you've been through a lot, and I'm sure there's even more you haven't gone into detail with. So just seeing the coach embrace you, it was great to see. So I'm really glad you got to have that moment last night.
Matt Jones
Well, thank you, man. I mean, I. It was a great moment for me. It's. You know, it was more. It was more symbolic to me. I mean, I know my relationship with Pope was positive, but it was. You know, what made the last couple years hard was the way that the tension between the staff and us affected the way the fans looked at us. And it was the way it was really the reaction we got from the fans because of it. And, you know, that moment last night, to me, is the culmination of a year that really began at the press conference when you started to see, you know, the haters are a minority. But, yeah, that was really neat. And I think Mark appreciates I told this story. You know, when I met Mark the first time, I said to him, you know, Mark, I really thought about not doing this anymore. And I don't. I guess he didn't understand me because he thought I was saying, I still was thinking about not doing it. And he was like, you got to keep doing it. He was like, you're important to this. You are my connection to the fans. You've got to keep doing it. It's going to be worth it. And he was, like, trying to talk me in to keep going. And I wanted to be like, at this point, I've already decided to stay. We're good. But it was like, he really thought there was an important role for the media in this, that it was a connection to fans. I mean, he took a picture with all the media.
Comedy Announcer
Yeah.
Matt Jones
I mean, we didn't get bodied, but he took a picture with everyone else.
Ryan Lemon
We had on Kentucky Gear.
Matt Jones
Yeah, but seriously, like I said this towards the end of Cal, when everything is connected, this place rolls the best. When the staff, the boosters, the administration, the media are all on the same side. You get nights like you got last night.
Comedy Announcer
Amen.
Matt Jones
And that's good to see. We'll take a break, come back hour number two, sksr.
Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (March 24, 2025)
Introduction
Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR), hosted by Matt Jones along with Ryan Lemon, Drew Franklin, Shannon "the Dude" Mario, and guest Mario, dives deep into the exhilarating journey of the Kentucky basketball team making its way to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2019. Broadcasting live from Merrillville, Indiana, the episode captures the excitement surrounding Kentucky's unexpected yet impressive performance in the NCAA tournament.
1. Kentucky's Historic Sweet Sixteen Run
a. Celebratory Atmosphere and Recent Victories
Matt Jones kicks off the episode by highlighting Kentucky's recent successes, including a significant win against Illinois which propelled them into the Sweet Sixteen. The team is set to face Tennessee in Indianapolis, a matchup that's generating considerable buzz among fans.
Matt Jones (01:01): "We are in Merrillville, Indiana just south of Chicago and Gary, Indiana where we stopped last night after a celebratory drive from Milwaukee as Kentucky mates the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019."
b. Team Composition and Underdog Status
The discussion emphasizes the team's unique composition, assembled under Coach Mark Pope, featuring players from diverse backgrounds like Drexel, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Dayton. Despite not returning any points from the previous season, the team has defied expectations.
Matt Jones (02:19): "For the first time since 2019 we go to the Sweet 16, thanks to Pope and this group of, I don't want to say rag tag vagabonds, but there is a little bit of vagabond nature."
c. Overcoming Adversity
The team faced challenges, including injuries that sidelined key players. Despite being two players short, Kentucky's defensive prowess surged, significantly improving their national ranking.
Matt Jones (04:28): "In the last 13 games, Kentucky is 11th in the country defensively. That's crazy after being 115th before that."
2. Player Highlights and Development
a. Colin Chandler's Emergence
Colin Chandler, initially viewed as the 11th or 12th man, has stepped up remarkably. His defensive skills and newfound confidence in shooting have made him a pivotal player for Kentucky.
Ryan Lemon (07:06): "I have seen him do that over and over this year. Colin Chandler is going to be good."
b. Amari and Bray's Contributions
Amari has showcased his versatility with coast-to-coast dunks and improved layup skills, while Bray has been lauded as a "rifleman" for his exceptional shooting capabilities.
Matt Jones (20:37): "Bray is shooting because he is a rifleman when it comes to shooting."
c. Defensive Strength Against Illinois
Kentucky's defense was a key factor in their victory over Illinois, forcing 14 turnovers and executing 14 steals, which significantly hampered Illinois's offensive efforts.
Ryan Lemon (07:24): "Illinois has 14 turnovers and there were 14 steals, that is a pretty crazy statistic."
3. Coach Mark Pope's Leadership
Coach Mark Pope's strategic decisions, such as shortening the rotation and emphasizing defense, have been instrumental in Kentucky's success. His infectious enthusiasm and ability to foster a cohesive team environment have resonated well with both players and fans.
Matt Jones (06:56): "Mark Pope is really good about making his team take that moment and just celebrate and enjoy it."
Ryan Lemon (31:32): "Mark Pope was jumping up and down...like he was having fun."
4. Fan Base and Community Engagement
The podcast underscores the symbiotic relationship between Kentucky's team and its passionate fan base. The community's unwavering support has been a driving force, creating a vibrant and unifying atmosphere during games and celebrations.
Matt Jones (09:12): "I have had somebody close to Otega always say to me, I'm almost certain he'll come back because he knows this place changed his life."
Drew Franklin (30:51): "It's been a while since we've had anything to get excited about, so that's refreshing."
5. Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
Looking ahead, Kentucky prepares to face Tennessee in Indianapolis. The anticipation is high as fans and commentators alike speculate on the team's potential to reach the Elite Eight, which would cement their legendary status.
Matt Jones (26:49): "On Friday night at the bar will be exciting. We play Tennessee."
Drew Franklin (30:51): "And now you got your biggest. Well, one of your biggest rivals coming up this weekend in Tennessee."
6. Memorable Moments and Anecdotes
The episode is peppered with entertaining anecdotes, including Matt Jones's unique experience watching the game at a hotel lobby and the humorous interactions among the hosts. These moments add a personal touch and showcase the camaraderie within the KSR team.
Matt Jones (09:35): "I watched the game at the St. Kate Arts Hotel...just seeing the post game environment was so cool."
Matt Jones (24:50): "There was a guy dressed as like RoboCop, but a Kentucky RoboCop... how do you eat?"
7. Media and Community Interactions
A notable segment involves the discussion about media interactions, particularly addressing comments from Derek Piper, a sports commentator. The hosts reflect on the importance of authenticity in sports journalism and the role media plays in shaping fan experiences.
Matt Jones (35:29): "I just sent the gift of Piper... he had 500 responses."
Ryan Lemon (39:16): "If he knew how much money I had on the game, he'd be really upset with journalism."
8. Listeners' Engagement and Calls
Throughout the episode, listeners call in to share their thoughts, support, and personal stories, further enriching the conversation and fostering a strong community feeling among the audience.
Caller (28:24): "Putting the footer down and hiding in the porta potty as usual... injecting fresh blood into this crew."
Caller (41:53): "I teared up when I saw that video of you and Pope hugging... you've got a list that starts with Kevin Hart."
Conclusion
KSR - Hour 1 effectively captures the electric atmosphere surrounding Kentucky's basketball team's Sweet Sixteen journey. Through insightful discussions, player spotlights, and engaging anecdotes, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the team's dynamics, challenges, and triumphs. The episode not only celebrates Kentucky's current achievements but also builds anticipation for the upcoming games, solidifying KSR's role as a pivotal voice in Kentucky sports commentary.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Matt Jones (01:01): "We are in Merrillville, Indiana just south of Chicago and Gary, Indiana where we stopped last night after a celebratory drive from Milwaukee as Kentucky mates the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019."
Ryan Lemon (07:06): "I have seen him do that over and over this year. Colin Chandler is going to be good."
Matt Jones (26:49): "On Friday night at the bar will be exciting. We play Tennessee."
Matt Jones (35:29): "I just sent the gift of Piper... he had 500 responses."
Caller (41:53): "I teared up when I saw that video of you and Pope hugging... you've got a list that starts with Kevin Hart."
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode, capturing all essential discussions, key insights, and memorable moments, making it valuable for those who haven't had the chance to listen.