Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (March 25, 2025)

Host: Matt Jones
Guests: Shannon "The Dude," Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemond
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Duration: Approximately 41 minutes

1. Recent Experiences and Fan Engagement

Matt Jones shares a heartwarming story about receiving a generous gesture from a listener named Jeff. After a show in Merrillville, Indiana, Jeff drove all the way from Chicago to deliver donuts and coffee to the KSR crew. This unexpected visit not only provided delicious treats but also reinforced the strong bond between the crew and their listeners.

Matt Jones [02:32]: "I would have hated if he had all these donuts and couldn't use them. But still, it was very, very nice."

Drew Franklin adds to the story, highlighting Jeff's dedication to supporting the show.

Drew Franklin [02:18]: "He drove from Chicago to say hello and bring donuts. Perfect timing. Really appreciate him doing that."

2. Ticket Market and Fan Attendance

The hosts discuss the current state of the ticket market for upcoming Sweet 16 games, noting the exorbitant prices being charged by resellers. They express hope that prices will stabilize as demand fluctuates.

Matt Jones [03:59]: "But I do expect Indianapolis… I know at least one group of people that are going to Indianapolis, not even to go to the game. They just want to be there for the environment pre and post-game."

Ryan Lemond comments on the pricing dynamics, suggesting that some resellers exploit the high demand.

Ryan Lemond [04:16]: "Amount of people going… they're trying to make a buck because… the prices people are charging are insane."

3. Fan Culture and Engagement

The conversation shifts to the evolving fan culture in Lexington. Matt reminisces about the vibrant and unique fan activities of the past, such as the "John Wall dance" and "Enos T-shirts," contrasting them with the current obsession with Weetabix cereal.

Matt Jones [05:25]: "There’s a sense of joy and excitement… We haven't had this since 2019…"

He further explores the recent surge in Weetabix sales, highlighting how it has become a popular item among fans, even becoming the number one selling cereal in the U.S. on Amazon.

Matt Jones [07:02]: "Weetabix was the number one selling cereal in the United States on Amazon."

Drew Franklin reflects on the community's enthusiasm and the return of fan engagement.

Drew Franklin [08:03]: "There are folks who have mailed it to the bar, so I assume we'll have it later in the week."

4. Upcoming Sweet 16 Game vs. Tennessee

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the upcoming Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee, a major rival. The hosts delve into the historical context of the rivalry, the pressures on Tennessee, and the high stakes involved.

Matt Jones [09:42]: "This is against arguably your second biggest rival. Right, Tennessee is probably second to Louisville."

They analyze the implications of a win or loss for both teams, emphasizing the potential end of Coach Rick Barnes' era should Tennessee fail to reach the Final Four.

Matt Jones [11:30]: "If Rick Barnes leaves without a Final Four, that era is over."

Ryan Lemond adds perspective on the emotional investment fans have in the team's performance.

Ryan Lemond [12:07]: "This is also a beloved team with a lot of guys who have been there a long time… this is their last ride."

5. Coaching and Team Performance

The hosts discuss Coach Mark Pope's impact on the team, praising his ability to rejuvenate the squad and instill a sense of excitement among fans.

Matt Jones [19:57]: "Pope has done an amazing job for a handful of people…"

They also touch upon the team's defensive improvements, particularly in their game against Illinois, attributing the success to strategic coaching and player hustle.

Drew Franklin [30:14]: "It's actually the difference for us… we're not scared of athletes because we played against them all year."

6. SEC Teams' Athleticism and Kentucky's Defense

A discussion ensues about the overall athleticism of SEC teams and how Kentucky's team leverages this against their opponents. The hosts highlight Kentucky's defensive strategies, such as the "Paja Cut," which have been pivotal in their recent victories.

Matt Jones [31:12]: "They shut down every single option they're switching. It is beautiful to watch."

Ryan Lemond commends the players' adaptability and the influence of Coach Pope's strategies.

Ryan Lemond [31:38]: "That team defense was something we had never seen before."

7. Listener Interactions

The podcast features interactions with listeners, including Devin, Jay and Lyndon, and Joe Bob, who share their support and perspectives on the team's performance and the tournament.

Jay and Lyndon [29:05]: "The SEC has been so good in the tournament because we've always had the best athleticism…"

Joe Bob expresses his unwavering support for Kentucky, likening Danny Hurley to a historically disliked coach.

Joe Bob [42:11]: "Danny Hurley is terrible… I never thought I'd reach a point that somebody was more dislikable than Bobby Knight was."

8. Media Interaction and Danny Hurley Discussion

A heated debate arises around Coach Danny Hurley, focusing on his interactions with the media and controversial behavior. The hosts criticize Hurley's actions and discuss the NCAA's response to media reporting on his behavior.

Matt Jones [39:32]: "Danny Hurley clearly wants to be this dude… he's the heel. He wants to be the bad guy."

Ryan Lemond shares personal experiences with NCAA threats to delete content, highlighting perceived hypocrisy in their actions.

Ryan Lemond [38:58]: "I was on my computer in Indianapolis… I pulled up my Twitter… delete that. I'm not deleting that."

Drew Franklin criticizes the NCAA for attempting to control media narratives.

Drew Franklin [40:15]: "It reflects that arrogant, egotistical attitude that the NCAA or UConn have…"

9. Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by reinforcing the renewed excitement among fans and the significance of the upcoming Sweet 16 game. They encourage listeners to stay engaged and continue supporting the team.

Matt Jones [22:49]: "The nervous feeling… it's nice to feel that fan alive again."

They also touch upon the emotional resilience of the fan base, contrasting past indifference with current enthusiasm.

Matt Jones [22:32]: "Being nervous is like being alive, but being indifferent and not caring is worse."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Jones [07:02]: "Weetabix was the number one selling cereal in the United States on Amazon."

• Matt Jones [09:42]: "This is against arguably your second biggest rival. Right, Tennessee is probably second to Louisville."

• Ryan Lemond [12:07]: "This is also a beloved team with a lot of guys who have been there a long time… this is their last ride."

• Matt Jones [19:57]: "Pope has done an amazing job for a handful of people…"

• Matt Jones [31:12]: "They shut down every single option they're switching. It is beautiful to watch."

• Joe Bob [42:11]: "Danny Hurley is terrible… I never thought I'd reach a point that somebody was more dislikable than Bobby Knight was."

• Matt Jones [39:32]: "Danny Hurley clearly wants to be this dude… he's the heel. He wants to be the bad guy."

Conclusion

This episode of KSR delves deep into the current state of Kentucky sports, highlighting the renewed excitement among fans, the strategic prowess of the team, and the passionate discussions surrounding coaching and media interactions. The hosts provide insightful analysis, engage with listener feedback, and maintain a dynamic conversation that captures the essence of Kentucky's sports culture.