Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (March 24, 2025)

KSR, hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), delves into the latest in UK news and views with a strong focus on sports, particularly college basketball. In the March 24, 2025 episode, titled "KSR - Hour 2," the hosts engage listeners with insightful discussions, humorous banter, and in-depth analysis of the ongoing March Madness tournaments.

1. Ryan Lemon’s Memorable Trip ([01:29] - [03:22])

The episode kicks off with the KSR crew reflecting on Ryan Lemon’s recent trip. Drew Franklin humorously laments Ryan’s tardiness, mentioning, “This has been one of maybe the strangest Ryan Lemon trip we've ever had” ([01:51]). The hosts share anecdotes about Ryan leaving his luggage in the hotel lobby and narrowly avoiding a near-miss accident while crossing the street in pouring rain. Ryan himself downplays the incident, quipping, “I'm so fast, I zip right across the street” ([02:25]).

2. College Basketball Sweet 16 Analysis ([03:33] - [06:02])

Shifting focus to college basketball, the hosts discuss the impressive performance of SEC teams, noting that seven SEC squads have advanced to the Sweet 16—the most ever for any conference. Drew Franklin emphasizes the strength of the SEC, stating, “How can you do better than the most teams ever in the Sweet 16?” ([05:52]).

Matt Jones highlights the consistency of SEC teams, acknowledging a couple of upsets but affirming, “overall, I think the SEC has stood up to the expectations we all had going in” ([05:49]). The conversation underscores the increasing competitiveness and quality of play within the conference.

3. Women's Tournament Highlights ([03:02] - [05:18])

The crew also covers the women's basketball tournament, focusing on Georgia Amore's pivotal role. Shannon The Dude reflects on Amore's last shot, “It touched three different parts of the rim. Just that being the final shot of her career, I felt awful” ([04:18]). Despite the heartbreaking miss, Drew Franklin remains optimistic about Amore’s future contributions, stating, “I think Kenny's gonna build a big-time winner here, and she's a big part of that” ([04:26]).

The discussion acknowledges the emotional investment fans have in the women's games, with Amore expressing resilience: “I've had an amazing five years in college. I'm not gonna let one shot define my time” ([04:43]).

4. Officiating Controversies and Discussions ([06:02] - [11:56])

A significant portion of the episode delves into officiating in college basketball. The hosts debate a contentious play involving Gene Stratford, a CBS referee, discussing whether a player walked before making a crucial shot. Matt Jones asserts, “I think a walk is a walk,” ([09:30]), while Shannon The Dude suggests, “Maybe they should reconsider having every official try to explain an arena full of people what happened” ([10:07]).

The conversation critiques the consistency and transparency of referees, with Drew Franklin questioning, “You can't just get a guy who's a basketball rep?” ([18:24]). They highlight the challenges officials face in high-pressure environments and the impact of their decisions on game outcomes.

5. Callers’ Insights and Betting Discussions ([11:57] - [32:08])

Listeners actively participate through calls, offering perspectives on ongoing games and betting strategies. One caller discusses a missed bet on Lamont Butler’s late-game performance, prompting Drew Franklin to analyze potential moneyline parlays for Arkansas and Kentucky in the Sweet 16 ([31:29]).

Shannon The Dude shares her daughter's bracket predictions, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness: “I looked at my youngest daughter's bracket this morning. She's got an all SEC final four” ([42:14]). The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the tournament through platforms like DraftKings, integrating sports betting discussions seamlessly into the conversation.

6. Coaching Strategies and Team Performances ([22:54] - [27:55])

The hosts critique coaching decisions, particularly focusing on Cal's coach Rick, who benched a top player during a crucial moment. Drew Franklin references historical instances where Coach Rick made similar decisions, questioning the rationale behind sidelining key performers: “He did it with Kentucky, Roderick Rhodes in 1995” ([22:54]).

Matt Jones and Shannon The Dude express frustration over inconsistent player usage, emphasizing the importance of leveraging star athletes to secure victories. The discussion underscores the fine balance coaches must maintain between strategy and player management.

7. Community Engagement and Personal Stories ([33:03] - [44:58])

Throughout the episode, the hosts incorporate personal anecdotes and community interactions, fostering a relatable and engaging atmosphere. For instance, Matt Jones recounts interactions with Tom Crane, the Kentucky basketball coach, highlighting Crane's approachable nature: “I kind of really like Tom Crane” ([39:29]).

Drew Franklin shares lighthearted moments, such as coordinating with Annette at Tru Hotel for continental breakfasts and engaging with listeners about local businesses like Don Franklin Auto Vehicles ([37:08] - [37:54]). These segments add a personal touch, connecting the hosts with their audience.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts ([44:58] - [45:01])

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express enthusiasm for the upcoming Sweet 16 games, anticipating an exciting week filled with intense matchups and memorable moments. Drew Franklin encapsulates the communal spirit of sports, stating, “We love it. It's DraftKings. The crown is yours” ([35:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones ([05:49]): “Overall, I think the SEC has stood up to the expectations we all had going in.”

• Shannon The Dude ([04:43]): “I've had an amazing five years in college. I'm not gonna let one shot define my time.”

• Drew Franklin ([09:30]): “I think a walk is a walk.”

• Shannon The Dude ([10:07]): “Maybe they should reconsider having every official try to explain an arena full of people what happened.”

• Drew Franklin ([22:54]): “He did it with Kentucky, Roderick Rhodes in 1995.”

Conclusion

In this episode of KSR, Matt Jones and the crew provide a dynamic blend of sports analysis, humor, and community engagement. From dissecting the strengths of SEC teams in the Sweet 16 to debating officiating decisions and interacting with passionate listeners, the show delivers comprehensive coverage of March Madness. Notably, the hosts maintain a balance between serious analysis and lighthearted banter, ensuring an engaging listening experience for both regular fans and newcomers alike.