Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 1 (March 26, 2025)

Podcast Information:

• Title: KSR
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
• Description: Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring you the latest in UK news and views Mon.-Fri. from 10 to noon.
• Episode: Hour 1
• Release Date: March 26, 2025

1. Introduction to the Show

The episode kicks off with Matt Jones welcoming listeners to Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) as they gear up for the upcoming Sweet 16 in college basketball. The event is taking place at Rupp Arena on Wings Day, highlighting special promotions such as dollar wings available all day and night at KS Bar.

2. Sweet 16 High School Basketball Tournament Overview

Matt Jones sets the stage for the Sweet 16 high school basketball tournament, emphasizing its uniqueness as the last of its kind in America without class-based divisions.

• Quote:
  Matt Jones (02:23): “And this is the last one. And it is still, I would say, the most special high school tournament in all the land.”

Drew Franklin adds nostalgia, recalling past tournaments where underdog teams like Lyon County and Shelby Valley made surprising runs, showcasing the community support that makes the tournament special.

3. Team Discussions: Adair County vs. Bowling Green

The focal point narrows down to the matchup between Adair County and Bowling Green.

• Adair County:
  Described humorously for having a wide range of ages on the team, from an 11-year-old to someone who appears to be 37 years old, indicating a diverse team composition.

• Bowling Green:
  Highlighted for having notable athletes like Deuce Bailey, the best athlete in the state and a senior committed to Missouri State for football.

Quote:
Matt Jones (16:32): “Adair county has the widest range of ages I've ever seen on a basketball team. There is an 11-year-old, there's a 13, there's a kid who looks like he's 37 and has a mortgage.”

4. Player Highlights and Notable Mentions

• Deuce Bailey:
  Recognized as the top athlete in Kentucky, balancing both football and basketball careers.

• Connor Lloyd (Adair County):
  Leads the state in assists with over 3,000 points, noted for his impressive but under-the-radar performance.

Quote:
Drew Franklin (28:34): “Deuce Bailey, Deuce Bailey, best athlete in the state. But Adair county has the best player in the state that you've never heard of.”

5. Saint X and Jefferson Town Insights

Matt Jones and Drew Franklin discuss Saint X's dominance in high school basketball, noting their limited appearances since 1995 but highlighting their current form as favorites.

Quote:
Matt Jones (16:32): “Saint X has the widest range of ages I've ever seen on a basketball team.”

6. Broadcast and Radio Coverage Ideas

The hosts brainstorm ideas to enhance high school game coverage, suggesting the introduction of a "Game of the Week" segment to spotlight standout matches and players across the state.

Quote:
Drew Franklin (09:11): “The game of the week, game of the night.”

7. UK Basketball and Upcoming Matchups

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the University of Kentucky (UK) basketball team's upcoming games, particularly against Tennessee. Hosts express varying levels of confidence about Kentucky's performance based on past matchups and player performances.

Quote:
Shannon The Dude (12:31): “Tennessee has been the favorite five times in the last three seasons. And not only did Kentucky cover, they won all five games straight up.”

8. Recent Interview on Field of 68

Matt Jones shares his recent appearance on the "Field of 68" podcast, where he engaged in an extensive discussion about UK basketball with notable figures like Rob Doster, Jeff Goodman, and Tyler Hansbrough.

Quote:
Matt Jones (21:20): “I was on there to talk about UK basketball. They left me on there for about 30 minutes.”

9. Transfer Portal and College Basketball Dynamics

Listener Debbie calls in to discuss the impact of the transfer portal on college basketball, particularly how smaller schools might benefit financially from new settlements to support their programs. The hosts debate the potential shifts in player transfers and the overall impact on mid-major programs.

Quote:
Matt Jones (32:11): “I don't find it to be this awful thing that people act like. It’s just more to the sport you can follow.”

10. Predictions and Game Picks

The hosts make their predictions for ongoing Sweet 16 games, focusing on matchups like Adair County vs. Bowling Green and South Oldham vs. Danville Christian. They analyze team strengths, player performances, and historical data to support their picks.

Quotes:
Matt Jones (28:42): “I'm going to pick Danville Christian and the poor kids who aren't allowed to play soccer.”
Drew Franklin (30:01): “I'm going Bowling Green today.”

11. Humorous and Anecdotal Segments

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, sharing anecdotes about local personalities, humorous observations about press row attendees, and playful teasing among themselves.

Quote:
Matt Jones (30:35): “I have to go with Deuce Bailey and the poor kids who aren't allowed to play soccer.”

12. Sponsor Highlights and Transitions

While advertisements are skipped as per instructions, brief mentions of sponsors like TJ Smith Law Office and promotions related to events are interspersed within the content, ensuring a seamless flow of discussions.

13. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, hosts reflect on the day's discussions, reiterate their game predictions, and set the stage for upcoming segments, ensuring listeners are well-informed and engaged for the continuation of the tournament coverage.

Quote:
Matt Jones (44:10): “Having Butler back is the biggest piece. You just see the difference he makes.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt Jones (02:23): “And this is the last one. And it is still, I would say, the most special high school tournament in all the land.”
• Matt Jones (16:32): “Adair county has the widest range of ages I've ever seen on a basketball team. There is an 11-year-old, there's a 13, there's a kid who looks like he's 37 and has a mortgage.”
• Drew Franklin (28:34): “Deuce Bailey, Deuce Bailey, best athlete in the state. But Adair county has the best player in the state that you've never heard of.”
• Shannon The Dude (12:31): “Tennessee has been the favorite five times in the last three seasons. And not only did Kentucky cover, they won all five games straight up.”
• Matt Jones (21:20): “I was on there to talk about UK basketball. They left me on there for about 30 minutes.”
• Shannon The Dude (32:11): “Tennessee has been the favorite five times in the last three seasons. And not only did Kentucky cover, they won all five games straight up.”

Conclusion: This episode of KSR provides an in-depth look into the high school Sweet 16 basketball tournament, team dynamics, player highlights, and the broader implications of college basketball developments. Matt Jones and the KSR crew deliver engaging discussions, backed by insightful analysis and a touch of humor, making it a valuable listen for both regular followers and newcomers to Kentucky sports.