2025-03-28- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: KSR - Hour 2 (March 28, 2025)

Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) delves into the latest developments in UK sports, recruitment updates, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal implications, and upcoming events. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Hour 2.

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1. Cam Williams Commits to Kentucky

Timestamp: [02:06] - [04:35]

The episode kicks off with exciting news about Cam Williams, a promising six-foot-eight freshman forward from Two Lane, who has committed to playing basketball for the University of Kentucky. Hosts Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon discuss Williams' impressive stats from the previous season, highlighting his 41% three-point shooting and average of 10 points per game.

• Ryan Lemon remarks, “[Cam Williams] is somebody that's on the NBA draft watch list for the future and he commits. He'll be the first member of the portal class” ([04:22]).
• Drew Franklin adds, “Cam Williams wasn't wasting any time. He said, there's a spot for me. I want to jump in and be a part of Pope's offense” ([03:39]).

Williams is praised for his athleticism and shooting ability, making him a valuable addition to Kentucky's roster. The team anticipates that Williams' development under coach Mark Pope will significantly enhance their performance.

2. Recruitment Rush and NIL Deal Deadlines

Timestamp: [04:35] - [06:19]

The conversation shifts to the impending deadline on April 7th, when a judge is set to decide on the NIL settlement process. This deadline has created a sense of urgency among recruits to finalize their commitments and secure NIL deals before new regulations come into effect.

• Ryan Lemon emphasizes, “A lot of kids are trying to get signed before April 7th because the new rules could go into place” ([04:41]).

The hosts discuss how this rush affects coaching strategies, with Mark Pope pushing to secure commitments swiftly to ensure that players can be grandfathered into existing NIL deals.

3. Kevin Willard's Turbulent Situation at Maryland

Timestamp: [07:00] - [09:15]

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Kevin Willard, the coach at Maryland, and his strained relationship with the fanbase following a disappointing loss by 20 points.

• Ryan Lemon describes the situation: “Before your Sweet 16 game, you have your own fans booing you... he says he won't speculate about his future” ([07:14]).

The hosts analyze the backlash Willard faces, citing social media criticisms and memes mocking his leadership. They express skepticism about Willard's future at Maryland, suggesting that fan opposition may make it difficult for him to retain his position.

4. Impact of NIL Deals on Team Dynamics

Timestamp: [09:15] - [11:56]

The discussion moves to NIL deals within the team, specifically mentioning Derek Queen's partnership with Dairy Queen.

• Drew Franklin critiques: “This was the easiest NIL deal, but they could have capitalized more effectively” ([09:31]).

The hosts debate the effectiveness of NIL marketing strategies, with Drew highlighting missed opportunities for creative promotions. They emphasize the importance of having a dedicated social media coordinator to maximize NIL deal benefits.

5. Announcement of Drew Week Hosting

Timestamp: [10:37] - [12:22]

In an exciting announcement, Drew Franklin is named the host for the upcoming week (April 7th - 11th), dubbed "Drew Week".

• Ryan Lemon announces, “Drew has Drew week now. Drew told me he's been taking notes for this for a long time” ([10:38]).

Drew expresses enthusiasm about leading the show solo and engaging with listeners, promising fresh content and unique perspectives during his tenure.

6. Audience Engagement and Listener Calls

Timestamp: [12:22] - [29:59]

Several listeners call in with questions and comments, covering topics such as game predictions, team performances, and personal anecdotes.

• Listener Ryan questions the impact of Auburn offering $2.2 million in incentives, to which the hosts respond skeptically, emphasizing Kentucky's strong loyalty and recruitment reputation.

• Matt Jones shares a humorous story about inadvertently visiting the wrong house, showcasing the camaraderie and light-hearted nature of the show.

7. Game Analysis and Predictions

Timestamp: [29:00] - [43:25]

A detailed analysis of upcoming games features Kentucky’s match against Tennessee, discussing defensive strategies, player performances, and historical statistics.

• Matt Jones states, “Kentucky has become a really good defensive team... their percentages now are like what, they're top 10” ([26:32]).

• Ryan Lemon highlights key players and tactical adjustments, assuring listeners of coach Mark Pope’s ability to counter opponents’ strategies effectively.

The hosts also engage in predictive discussions, filling out brackets and sharing their confidence in Kentucky advancing to the Elite Eight and beyond.

8. Special Segments and Off-Topic Banter

Timestamp: [31:00] - [44:50]

Interspersed with sports talk, the hosts indulge in humorous and off-topic conversations, including a listener's bizarre academic article featuring the hosts as symbols of capitalism and playful debates about celebrity figures like Stephen A.

• Ryan Lemon mentions an unusual article: “...he's a symbol of greater like of our economic system” ([32:03]).

• Matt Jones and Ryan Lemon joke about their on-air personalities and listener interactions, maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.

9. Closing Remarks and Final Predictions

Timestamp: [44:50] - End

As the episode concludes, the hosts recap key points, express anticipation for upcoming games, and thank listeners for their engagement.

• Ryan Lemon encourages fans to attend the pregame show: “If you're in Lexington, get here at the bar. I think it's going to be a great atmosphere” ([43:35]).

• Drew Franklin looks forward to celebrating with listeners post-game, emphasizing the community spirit of the KSR audience.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ryan Lemon: “A lot of kids are trying to get signed before April 7th because the new rules could go into place” ([04:41]).

• Drew Franklin: “Cam Williams wasn't wasting any time. He said, there's a spot for me. I want to jump in and be a part of Pope's offense” ([03:39]).

• Ryan Lemon: “He just remains getting piled on online. It's far beyond just the Terrapins fan base” ([08:36]).

• Matt Jones: “Kentucky has become a really good defensive team... their percentages now are like what, they're top 10” ([26:32]).

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Conclusion:

This episode of KSR provides an in-depth look at Kentucky's recruitment successes, the complexities of NIL deals, and the dynamics within college basketball coaching. With engaging discussions, listener interactions, and upcoming event announcements, Matt Jones and the KSR crew deliver a comprehensive and entertaining hour for sports enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

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[Ryan Lemon]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Drew Franklin]

Presented by Stockton Mortgage.

[Matt Jones]

Now here's Matt Jones.

[Ryan Lemon]

Welcome back Kentucky Sports Radio Hour Number 285-928-02287 Text Machine 772774, 5254 here at KS Bar where we just opened for the morning. It's going to be a rowdy day this afternoon and evening here we have some breaking news. Shannon Kentucky gets a commitment. Did you just Wanting. He did.

[Matt Jones]

He just won.

[Ryan Lemon]

Hang on just a second. You know what, Drew? Can we, let's, can we extend it over here? I'm going to get you to do this for me. Sir, I don't know what your. Yeah, come here. What is your name? Yeah. Before I give the breaking news, I'm going to. Here we go. Breaking news. There you go. I love it. Yeah, it was beautiful. Kentucky has gotten A commitment from two lane forward Cam Williams, six eight freshman, shot 41% from three last year. Average 10 points a game. Big time athlete. You know, we talked, you've heard me talk a lot this year that maybe we didn't have the best athletes in the world in terms of top level. This kid is an athlete and he can shoot. He's somebody that's on NBA draft watch list for the future and he commits. He'll be the first member of the portal class. Drew, you know, you look at the guys, I, I had heard they were in good with this kid and it was just really about kind of what he wanted to do. And now you end up getting to add him to the roster.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. And we're going to see what I think we're going to see a lot of. His first comment in his commitment interview is I saw Mark's Pope system and I want to be a part of that, you know, first round of recruiting. He didn't have a year under Kentucky to his belt to show off what he does and how he coaches. Cam Williams wasn't wasting any time. He said, there's a spot for me. I want to jump in and be a part of Pope's offense and I think it's a great gift. Like I said, 41% from 3. I'm sure Pope saw that right away.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, that's a, that's a great start. I mean that's the kind of, if you look at the other guys that we're going after, some of them are more shooters and, and, and, and, and like passers. This is an athlete that can also shoot. I think it looks like a great.

[Matt Jones]

Get athletic 6, 8 wing that can shoot. Check that box.

[Ryan Lemon]

Check.

[Matt Jones]

You got that? Check. Okay, now you got point card box, big man box.

[Ryan Lemon]

I mean they'll use him like Almanor, but he's an athlete. Like he can get to the basket. He doesn't just have to stand in the corner. You've seen how Almanor spot has been positive even though he's not a good athlete. Now imagine you have a great athlete in that role.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Only 19 years old, still Pretty raw. Got a lot of good basketball left. And you let Pope and that coaching get his hands on him. I think he can really turn him.

[Ryan Lemon]

Into something so nice to get one locked up. I'll remind you this is going to start to happen fast and furious because remember, the Judge meets on April 7 to decide whether to approve the, the house. The house settlement. And if she does, from that day forward all the, the nil deals have to follow the process. So a lot of kids are trying to get signed before April 7th because they get grandfathered in. So I think you're going to see most of these players, a lot of these players try to get committed and get their nil deal done before April 7th because the new rules could go into place on April 7th. And I think you're. I think there is. Part of the reason Mark Pope is doing this is there is a rush because a lot of these kids want to get it done so that the new rules don't apply to it.

[Matt Jones]

That's all they got is dedicate part of their day to this. Not just getting ready for Tennessee. They got to get ready for this. What's getting ready to happen? Kids trying to make a decision.

[Ryan Lemon]

April 7th is next is a week from Monday. So I mean you're basically looking at a 10 day period that you're going to decide this stuff. I mean I was last night after the Reds game, we went to a restaurant there on the banks in Northern Kentucky was there and our guy, Darren Horn and he had recruits in and I was just talking to him and he was like, it's just going to move so quick because of that deadline. Literally they've got 10 days to get a lot of guys done.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. And Dent and we mentioned earlier who's one of the top guys out there. He said he's got an April 1st deadline, maybe sooner. So he's even getting a week out.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I mean April 1st quickly. April 1st is what, Tuesday, a few days away? Yeah, Tuesday. So I mean expect the news to continue to wanna fast and furious.

[Drew Franklin]

Hope could have a roster and still be in the tournament depending how far Kentucky goes for sure.

[Ryan Lemon]

I mean like all these schools are gonna have to do that. Michigan State. I heard Izzo say he's not going to think about it till after the tournament. If he makes the final Four. He may not have a choice.

[Matt Jones]

He may do that.

[Ryan Lemon]

He may have to.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, you can't delay. You got to go out and do that. Can I tell a story of myself about the guy that just did the wani Na, na.

[Ryan Lemon]

If you would like, yes.

[Matt Jones]

Well, about five or six years ago, I pull up to my friend's house, knock on the door. It's the wrong house. It's his house. The guy that just did the Wanna. Wanna. I showed up at the wrong house.

[Ryan Lemon]

I mean, that's not crazy for you?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I went in.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oh, you went in to the wrong house.

[Matt Jones]

Spent some time with him.

[Ryan Lemon]

That's right. I remember this. See, this is a great Ryan Lemon story. Cause Ryan Lemon is the only person that would knock on a door, be at the wrong house, and then hang out with the person who is at the house. Yeah, like Ryan is the only person who would do that.

[Matt Jones]

We talked UK hoops, little ksr.

[Drew Franklin]

Did he invite you in or did you just walk on in?

[Matt Jones]

I just barged in, say, hey, let's go meet everybody while we're here.

[Ryan Lemon]

If you're him, that's got to be weird. You just are sitting in your house, and you answer the door, and there's Ryan Lemon at your door.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he was up in his living room watching tv, and they brought me back to him, said, hey, what's up? He had no idea.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, there you go. Only you. 859-280-2287. We got to talk for a second about the Kevin Willard situation yesterday. What an absolutely bizarre thing. So Kevin Willard would not, leading into the game, say that he wasn't going to Villanova. He handled it really poorly because he. He said a bunch of stuff, but then he wouldn't say that. Then I don't know if you saw. They were in the hotel about to walk to the bus, and fans were waiting in the lobby, and some of them booty. Before the game, miss. Before your Sweet 16 game, you have your own fans booing you. Then they go and they lose by 20. When it's over, he says he won't speculate about his future, which means he's leaving. I mean, there's no way. You don't say, we're not speculating about the future. Fans, if you were to put his name onto Twitter search. Last night, Maryland fans were saying some very mean things about him. Scott Van Pelt, who's probably the most famous Maryland fan, says it's not over. He might end up staying. But I kind of wonder, Drew, how can you stay at this point with all that's happened?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, they're excited to be in the sweet 16. We're in the sweet 16. And, you know, he's the fans souring on him a little bit when it should Be a happy moment. He became a meme last night too because his quote said I don't know what I'm doing and ESPN made a big graphic just that said, I don't know what I'm doing with his picture. So he just keeps getting piled on online. It's. It's far beyond just the Terrapins fan base.

[Ryan Lemon]

It's got to be crazy because I mean he gave Maryland one of their best runs in a decade and now he's still getting booed before the game.

[Matt Jones]

We saw exactly what happens when there's a fracture between the fan base and your coaching staff. We saw it happen here. That's what's going to happen in Maryland. I don't know how you could bring him back if he decides to come back. I think the fans have already turned against him.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think they have too. And then they lost. Derek Queen though was still awesome. That kids going to end up being a great pick. I do like that before the game Derek Queen got an NIL deal from Dairy Queen. I thought that was a. I feel like that's the kind of thing a good marketing person would go and do.

[Drew Franklin]

That was the original intent of NIL is deals like that actually going out doing some promotion. If only someone at Weetabix would wake.

[Ryan Lemon]

Up because it's so bad at weed a bit.

[Drew Franklin]

As someone with a marketing and advertising degree. Oh, look at you throwing. That's what I wanted to do. Make kind of commercial. Come up with clever stuff. If something like that falls in your lap and you're just sleeping on it, you deserve to be fired. I don't even know who is. Maybe they don't have a social media coordinator, but this was the easiest.

[Ryan Lemon]

So you're firing people now?

[Drew Franklin]

If they're even in the building. They're clearly not working.

[Matt Jones]

They're not working. Wake up.

[Drew Franklin]

I mean this fell in your lap and you could capitalize on this and not a peep on any of their social will.

[Matt Jones]

Levis got a mayonnaise endorsement out of. I don't know why he never got Levi's jeans to do him.

[Drew Franklin]

He has that now too in the NFL. He didn't have it.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, so I want to also throw something out there for the. Alright, so next week I'm doing the show Monday through Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday these guys will do it. I'll be gone for Amsterdam. But then the next week Shannon, Ryan and Mario are also on vacation. So we have named two weeks. We have made the week of April 7th through the 11th. It's Drew Week.

[Matt Jones]

It's Drew.

[Ryan Lemon]

Drew. Whoa. I got a pop. Drew Pressure has really never hosted the show for an entire week. He showed he's hosted individual days, but he's hosting for the entire week. And I've given Drew permission. He can have anyone on he wants. He can co host with anyone. Everyone's gonna be gone but Drew. And Drew has Drew week now. Drew told me he's been taking notes for this for a long time. He's been. He's been waiting for this moment for a long time. So Drew, 10 days from now will be Drew week. Are you excited for Drew?

[Drew Franklin]

Very excited. I appreciate all four of you taking your vacation the same week, but I see it as an opportunity. While Ron and Shannon are off spring breaking, putting sunscreen on each other's backs, I'll be here working. You know, it's helpful. That's national championship Monday. Hell, I might be in San Antonio by myself.

[Ryan Lemon]

You might be.

[Drew Franklin]

Might be doing a trophy radio show as they bring the bus into rough. If not, we'll still recap the season. Got the masters going on. Billy's hair will hopefully grow out by then, so I'll have Billy on. We can talk about that, but we'll be fine.

[Ryan Lemon]

So people have suggestions of what. Of what they'd like to hear from Drew at Drew Franklin ksr. But I'm very excited for Drew week. You know, one of our bosses is like, I'd like to see what happens when Drew kind of takes the helm. Drew week is a chance for that to. To happen.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a fun week. Like I said. I've got a little notes app. I've been throwing in ideas as they pop up. So we'll have. We'll have plenty of good content.

[Ryan Lemon]

True week.

[Matt Jones]

But, Ryan, a lot of times when you're gone, we. We like to finish the brackets and the things we've never finished when you're around. So maybe you can pick up one of the. We did the counties. We finished the counties last summer when Matt was off.

[Drew Franklin]

That's lazy work. I'm going. I'm going.

[Ryan Lemon]

Going.

[Drew Franklin]

Original, creative.

[Ryan Lemon]

You don't have to make the. This is Drew week. You don't need to make the suggestions. Drew has.

[Matt Jones]

I got you.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm doing a tell.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, who's up next? Shannon.

[Matt Jones]

Dj.

[Ryan Lemon]

Dj. Go ahead. Dj.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I just wanted to call and.

[Ryan Lemon]

Give a couple takes real quick, and then I'll hang up and listen. I was just gonna say that basically, Arkansas lost in Cal Fashion last night. And then I got The Cats winning 7975 tonight and Amari Williams being the.

[Matt Jones]

Player of the game.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, I will tell you this. 79, 75, I appreciate the call. Is the kind of score that I would like to see tonight. I'd like to see. I mean, obviously you'd like to see Kentucky scored 90, but I think that's hard to do against this team. You play a 79, 75 game. I think that's a game, Drew, that Kentucky can win.

[Drew Franklin]

I think 75 might be the rule of 75. Usually 71, but they had 75 and 78. The two wins against Tennessee. In one of those games, Ziegler played well. Really, the story for what Tennessee can do will be Lanier because he did not play well in the two regular season games, but he's had 22 and 20 in their first two tournament games. So their offense hasn't been great, but he can be a difference maker that we didn't see in the regular season.

[Ryan Lemon]

So who we putting on each guy? Like, who's guarding linear? Who's got. Are you putting Butler on Lanier or Butler on Ziegler?

[Drew Franklin]

Butler's got to go Ziggler.

[Matt Jones]

He's got to go Ziegler. He's the only guy.

[Ryan Lemon]

And Bray on Lanier.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, yeah. One on one on him, the other on Gainy. I think that's how you got to spread it out.

[Ryan Lemon]

Gainey played really well against us in Knoxville. When the other two guys did not. He kind of kept them in the game in Knoxville.

[Drew Franklin]

He did. It's one of those things, though. If Ganey is their best player, you feel good and really bray. We don't give him enough credit since he took over Robinson's role, knowing he's the guy. He stepped up defensively, more well rounded offensively. He's become a really good player, even more so than he was when he was.

[Ryan Lemon]

I don't know if you all saw. You may not have if you watch the video. They interviewed all. They interviewed a bunch of players in the Sweet 16, the NCAA and said, who do you think is the best shooter you've ever played against? And like five of the guys said Brea, like from other teams from Alabama. And very. Though almost all of them said Brea.

[Matt Jones]

Which it was fascinating and it's been fun. Like we've talked about, he's become a different player. He can now get his shot other ways, off the dribble, come in, you know, pick and pop. He can do it a lot of different ways. When early in the season, he just had to have a stand out of their wide open three.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think he's developed his game, his overall. Yes, he has.

[Matt Jones]

Yes, he has.

[Drew Franklin]

I hope he's not getting too confident, but I liked yesterday they were asking about the sight lines and Lucas Oil. You know, some guys, that's a little more difficult. Some said they'll adjust. He said, is the rim still round? Is the ball still around? All right. I'm gonna be okay.

[Ryan Lemon]

They also had somebody look at the basketballs. You know, the. Yeah, you know, we've talked a lot about the basketballs. There was somebody that went to the open practice yesterday, one of the journalists, and he dribbled the basketballs and said, not as inflated as they were in the other first and second rounds. So maybe, maybe we get even better shooting. Maybe the basketballs are not quite as pumped up.

[Matt Jones]

Well, if last night's game any indication, teams are shooting the lights out already in this turn with those balls.

[Drew Franklin]

Can we not have the rims or at least the microphone on the rims Texas Tech had when they were throwing up bricks last night? It just made it much very loud.

[Ryan Lemon]

That's true. I mean, that's. I didn't think about that. But those teams did shoot lights out last night. Maybe that. Maybe they actually did make a ball adjustment because the, the shooting for the tournament had been bad. But last night was great.

[Matt Jones]

Makes sense. Kind of coincidental if they do that. And all sudden the shooting percentages went well.

[Ryan Lemon]

Alabama shot well. Duke shot well. Byu.

[Matt Jones]

BYU shot well.

[Ryan Lemon]

Arkansas, I mean, like a lot of those, you know, that's an interesting point. I hadn't thought about Volunteers of America, Mid States, part of Volunteers of America. That's VOA for short. Founded 125 years ago. Helped 2 million people a year with housing, justice, veteran support and more every day, more than 600 VOA midstate professionals help folks in this community. Go to central location in Downtown Louisville. It's voamid.org voa mid.org to learn more. Today we'll take a break and be right back here at KS Bar, everybody's getting their lunch in. This is Kentucky Sports Radio. This is Jenny Garth from I do part two.

[Drew Franklin]

You could have lost 10 pounds already.

[Ryan Lemon]

If you started one month ago. So are you ready to start today? Find out if weight loss meds are right for you in just three minutes at tryfh.com try fh.com Results vary based.

[Drew Franklin]

On start weight and adherence to diet.

[Ryan Lemon]

Exercise and program goals. Data based on independent study sponsored by FutureHealth. Future Health is not a healthcare services provider. Meds are prescribed at providers discretionary. Welcome back. It is Techie Sports Radio 8592802287 Text Machine 772-7745254 I decided during the show I gotta go to Indy, so.

[Matt Jones]

Yay.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, so we're still gonna do. Everybody didn't seem as happy as I thought you'd be at that. We gotta go to Indy, right? You gotta go. So I'll be at Tin Roof. We're gonna have to find me a chair to sit in but otherwise we're gonna do it. Hopefully be there getting a win.

[Matt Jones]

We'll get up there, get set up, find you a couple big chairs you can sit in. We'll take care of you, you'll be alright.

[Ryan Lemon]

But yes, and we need to because it's gonna be hard to hobble around Amsterdam for a week and a half.

[Drew Franklin]

I've been to 10 RUF Indy a few times. They have some things that'll make you forget all about that back pain. If you need me to help you.

[Ryan Lemon]

Out, my parents are there. You need to, you need to go.

[Matt Jones]

The big question for you is walking from 10 roof to the arena.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, you know how I am about going to the arena.

[Drew Franklin]

Anyway, she's gotta find a bank.

[Ryan Lemon]

That's exactly right. 859-280-22871, person writes Matt, I read a post online that said Auburn offered away $2.2 million. Have you ever heard anything like that? I did hear something like that but I, I don't put a lot of stock in it. I, you know, Auburn still playing, Kentucky still playing. A lot of these conversations happen in private. I mean there might have been like some reach out but I, I would be, I was told by somebody very close to the program the OA feels like this place changed his life and they don't expect that he would want to go anywhere else. And I think that's. Yeah, yeah. I mean because it did, it did completely change his life. So I suspect whatever always going to be their top priority. So if he were to play college basketball anywhere except here, I'd be shocked. You know. Now if the NBA wants him, that's a different situation. But if he were to play college basketball, Drew, anywhere but here, I would be shocked.

[Drew Franklin]

I completely agree. We might hear that he's fielded some calls, his agent might have to play the game, probably test the waters for the NBA. But I, I'd be very surprised too if he's not on Kentucky's roster next year.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, the agent's priority agent's probably going to do that. Maybe he can just get more money out of Kentucky. That's the whole purpose. Maybe talk somebody else. You want to stay at Kentucky? We're trying to get maybe a little more money.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. I will say this though. I have heard through the grapevine that our guy Mark Pope is very much a. Once the season starts, I don't want to hear from your agent guy that like we'll get it all done but then when it starts, we'll talk about it when the year's over. And I, I've heard that was expressed at one point this year. And I think that's the way to go about it. I think I want these kids to make as much money as they can make. But then once the season starts like you're in. I do think there's and I think coaches, I'm on the player side on 99% of these debates about nil. But the one thing I wouldn't be on the player side is if you ask for more money in the middle of the year. To me that's like, that's not, that's a no go for me.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, me too. I think most coaches should go that way. I know they don't. But if you're trying to win games and you're practicing, installing new things, teaching things, I don't need you with your hand out or your foot out the door looking at other opportunities.

[Ryan Lemon]

And you're also just asking to make your team match, you know, because then the other guys, well, why don't I get more, you know, like you just I want them all to make the most money that they can. I think they deserve it. I think I also here's what's been pleasant for me. I never believed that college basketball would feel different in the nil era, but there was at least a worry of oh, they're making money. This team I think has been as beloved as any team in a long time. And so I don't think people have gone, you know what I don't love Away or Williams or Butler or Brea because they are making money. I don't think has that. You think that's had any effect on people at all?

[Matt Jones]

I think zero effect on this team. All coming in from these smaller mid major schools, most of them coming in together for one purpose to win and try to get the next banner. Banner number nine.

[Drew Franklin]

There might be a few rare cases at some school somewhere, but I don't think it's a problem whatsoever you want.

[Ryan Lemon]

Overall, you know, all you got to do is watch, you know, think about how much money LeBron James has made. All right? He makes like 60 million a year. I watched them last night. They lost at the buzzer last night, and the dude looked really disappointed. And he makes it. I mean, like, competitors want to win.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemon]

If you're. If you're a competitor, you want to win no matter what. Nobody wants to lose. Right. So I. I think this group has.

[Matt Jones]

Been amazing, and you don't want a situation like we had with Oscar a couple years ago where there was some discontent in the locker room. And there's not been one incident of that this year.

[Ryan Lemon]

But I mean, that discontent, though, wasn't money based, in my opinion. It was just Oscar's personality. And a couple guys on the team rubbed each other the wrong way. That's going to happen. I don't think that's a money thing.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I think that was just clashing personalities there. I mean, Oscar, we love him, but he was a unique guy. Just didn't mesh well with the other guys on the team.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I mean, Oscar. Oscar's seemed like a really great guy, but he was a tough dude for. For guys. I think his teammates had a hard time gelling with him both years, especially the second year. So I'm not saying he's wrong, but that was just kind of how it was.

[Drew Franklin]

Probably a lot of Oscars out there signing autographs for two hours again, like you're supposed to ready to go home, go out, and Oscars making us look bad.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. Who's up next?

[Matt Jones]

Randy.

[Ryan Lemon]

Randy. Go ahead, Randy.

[Drew Franklin]

Good morning, gentlemen.

[Ryan Lemon]

Hey, I. I called there, the university, the ticket office there. They.

[Drew Franklin]

They indicated they only got like 1700.

[Ryan Lemon]

Tickets to the university. Does that sound about right or. Yeah, more. I think that's more than they usually get. I mean, the university gets an allotment of tickets. All four universities, if one of the university doesn't use them, they offer them to the other ones. But that's still a very small group. You got to remember, probably 10 to 12,000 of these seats, maybe 15 were sold before they even announced who the teams were in the region. They were sold a long time ago, and then they put the others up on the open market. So you're. It would not surprise me if the team. 1700, honestly, actually sounds high. I thought it was usually around 800 to 1,000 they got.

[Drew Franklin]

And she kind of indicated that there would be.

[Ryan Lemon]

It was 1700, and then the university would keep 400 at that just for staff and everybody. That very well may be true for players and players families and all that. Yep. And we'll see you tonight, guys. Go Big Blue. Appreciate the call. I look during the break again, there are. There are a couple different ways you can buy seats. There's stub hub, but there are Ticketmaster verified seats coming directly from Ticketmaster that are like a hundred dollars right now, $110. So if you, if you're fine sitting up high, there are places for you to sit. Right.

[Matt Jones]

So you, Larry and your mom going to sit up top tonight?

[Ryan Lemon]

I got them better than the.

[Drew Franklin]

They're worth More than $100.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, they, you know, I mean, I can't. I love them. They're not going to have the feet on the floor, but they're going to. I think they're, you know, I think it'll be okay.

[Drew Franklin]

Take care of excited talking to them during the break. They're fired up, ready to go.

[Matt Jones]

They're blue. Got their blue on already, ready to go.

[Drew Franklin]

They might be leading the go.

[Ryan Lemon]

Big Blue chance one person writes, Matt, my favorite show you've ever done was the pregame show in Indianapolis before the Louisville Sweet 16 game. Any chance of a repeat of that tonight? That was probably me at my most salty of all time. But remember, they booked us in the middle of a UofL pep rally, so it was me doing the Kentucky pregame show at a U of now. If Tin Roof has a Tennessee pep rally, then you'll hear it again. I don't expect that they will. So I don't know that we'll get an exact repeat. I don't think I'll have a woman try to puke on me or all the things that happened that day.

[Matt Jones]

That may be your best. That was the most scared I've ever been. I went on the other side of the table trying to keep people away while you were just pointing at them like.

[Ryan Lemon]

I've never talked more trash than I did. And before they start, like, there was a sense where it felt like we might need to get. I mean, I had somebody say, do we need to call security to get you out of here?

[Matt Jones]

They came up, give you the double bird right in front of us. They were not happy with you.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I don't expect that Drew today. But let me tell you, if I get in there and there's a lot of orange, I can't say 10 roofs.

[Drew Franklin]

A safe space, we'll be okay. We do well at 10 roof.

[Ryan Lemon]

We'll take a break. Be right back. Kentucky sports Radio TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call TJ he'll make him pay.

[Matt Jones]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio, presented by Stockton Mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Ryan Lemon]

Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio, 859-280-2287. Corey Price writes, Did you know since 1985, Kentucky has the second best winning percentage in the Sweet 16 of any team in the tournament.

[Matt Jones]

Nice.

[Ryan Lemon]

Florida is first and we're second. We are 17 and five in the Sweet 16 since 1985.

[Matt Jones]

That's pretty impressive. I didn't know it was that good.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes. Now Tennessee in the last 10 years is something like 5, 40 or something in the Sweet 16, but then has won no Elite Eight games.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemon]

So they've been pretty good at this round two.

[Drew Franklin]

They've also lost five of six against the Cats. So lots of good numbers in our favor.

[Ryan Lemon]

You don't think that number works against us at all?

[Drew Franklin]

No, not really.

[Ryan Lemon]

I mean, I mean, once the game starts, nobody's going to care what happened in the this is a completely different.

[Drew Franklin]

Setting, a lot more pressure. The stakes are higher than they've ever been in that series. Mark Pope even said yesterday this is, this is a freestanding game compared to the past series.

[Ryan Lemon]

Pope says that Tennessee plays differently, but then he also noted that, that Kentucky has a different team than they had in terms of, you know, they haven't had the exact group of people they're going to have on the floor this game. In any of the games against Tennessee.

[Matt Jones]

Kentucky has become a really good defensive team. And I don't know if any of us saw that coming, but right now at this point in the season, there's good a defensive as anybody.

[Ryan Lemon]

You think so?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, they're like, their percentages now are like what, they're top 10.

[Ryan Lemon]

They're like 11, 11th.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, that, that surprised me. I didn't know they could get there.

[Drew Franklin]

I like the, the coaching chess match started early. When I got back from Milwaukee, I went and had dinner with my dad and he mentioned get ready. Barnes threw in a new trap we didn't see all year. And I didn't watch the Tennessee game and I didn't know he's talking about. But that night on Pope's radio show, he said, I'm watching on the iPad and I caught a Barnes wrinkle that he hadn't done before. We're already on it.

[Ryan Lemon]

So Barnes is like, they're on a difference.

[Drew Franklin]

They're already on it.

[Ryan Lemon]

I tell you one good thing about having Mark Pope in all of these games I don't worry about being out schemed or out thought, you know, we might get outplayed, we might get out talented. But I don't sit there and worry like they're going to do something and we can't figure it out. And that's something I have thought at various times in the last few years. I don't feel that way about Mark.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, in game adjustments, man, they're on it. They're calling the right plays at the right time, making the right adjustments at the right time. I don't, I'm with you. I don't worry about that kind of play out at all.

[Ryan Lemon]

Couple things that are good and bad. All right, so here's some good vibes about the game. Today is Marcia Poe's birthday. Today is also the anniversary of when we beat Louisville in the sweet 16 in Indy. It was this day 11 years ago. Negative. Today is Reba McIntyre's birthday. So there's pro and there's con in terms of vibes going into the game.

[Drew Franklin]

Do you think that could be a distraction for the team heading into the game?

[Ryan Lemon]

I don't know. Also apparently, you know DV8 kitchen, which is a restaurant here, they are making today in honor of the game, Weetabix cinnamon rolls.

[Matt Jones]

I'd like to have one of those. We all tried Weedy Bix yesterday. Better than I thought.

[Ryan Lemon]

I thought. Except for the warm milk. I thought it was fine.

[Matt Jones]

Better than I thought.

[Drew Franklin]

I've been eating it for the last two hours. It is still stuck in my teeth from breakfast. Does Amare play with all Weetabix in his mouth or am I just. Am I eating it wrong?

[Ryan Lemon]

So you want a Weetabix cinnamon roll?

[Matt Jones]

Yes. And Marsha Poe is greater than Reba McIntyre.

[Ryan Lemon]

I agree with that. Who's up next?

[Matt Jones]

David.

[Ryan Lemon]

David, Go ahead, David.

[Matt Jones]

It's also, it's also Oscar Combs birthday.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oh, today is Oscar. Okay, now that's another big positive. Oscar Combs. You know, Oscar, the Tennessee series is probably his most important. Series.

[Matt Jones]

Series.

[Drew Franklin]

He.

[Ryan Lemon]

Because where he grew up, he is. He cares about the Tennessee series more than any of them. So even better. That's, that's much better than that guy's birds. David.

[Drew Franklin]

Saul Smith's birthday.

[Ryan Lemon]

Okay, now that's not good for Ryan, but it's good for Kentucky. But go ahead.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I'm.

[Ryan Lemon]

I'm ready to, to knock those ugly orange.

[Matt Jones]

Orange jerks out of the tournament.

[Ryan Lemon]

Jerks. Wow, that's a very strong word, David.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, well, I hate Tennessee because first.

[Ryan Lemon]

Of all, it's Tennessee.

[Drew Franklin]

Not to mention orange is an ugly color.

[Matt Jones]

The only good orange is nickelodeon orange.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, well, I. I appreciate the call, David. Let's get this victory and then hopefully I can hear you on the post game show with. If Kentucky were to win, would you rather play Houston or Purdue in the next round?

[Drew Franklin]

Definitely Purdue. Definitely Purdue. I have Houston winning on my bracket. I think they're going to be very good. I think this might be the year for them if Kentucky can't take them down. So I'd rather Purdue go ahead and handle that before we even get to that point.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, Purdue's got some long, athletic guys. I don't know if we match up very well with them, but I think we match up really well with Purdue.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I mean, I think we do, too, but you would have a huge Purdue crowd, might have another road game if that were to happen.

[Drew Franklin]

They were just in the championship game. They've made a good run. But I just feel like Houston's been knocking on this door for a few years. We got him with a buzzer beater in 2019. I just think it might be their year.

[Ryan Lemon]

By the way, what'd you think of Stephen A. Yesterday? He's. I think we're watching a man go delusional. I really do. Like, he gets up there yesterday and says something to the effect of LeBron. I could have said other stuff. Like, for instance, you didn't go to Kobe Bryant's memorial service, which he did. Like, he just got up there and said the false thing. Then he later apologized. Like, what? Stephen A's. I think he acts like he plays.

[Matt Jones]

Like we said yesterday, he thinks he's bigger than the game now. He thinks he's bigger than the job. He just, you know, he. He needs a good.

[Ryan Lemon]

He needs. To me, he needs a little bit of a humble.

[Matt Jones]

He does.

[Ryan Lemon]

Would you agree with that? Maybe. Maybe just a little bit. Because, like, I think he. He thinks he's as big as these dudes that are playing the game.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I was with him a little bit when LeBron confronted him a month or two ago for comments about Bronnie, because we all know LeBron set Bronnie up for that. But I'm completely back on Team LeBron. Stephen A. Is of LeBron James and he's acting like he is.

[Ryan Lemon]

Today is also the. The anniversary of Kentucky Duke 92.

[Matt Jones]

Wow.

[Ryan Lemon]

A lot of anniversaries on this day, isn't it? Like, that's a lot of stuff to happen in one day with Kentucky Marsha.

[Matt Jones]

Po greater than Christian Laitner.

[Ryan Lemon]

But what about greater than list? Christian lightner and Reba MacIntyre.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemon]

And Saul Smith.

[Matt Jones]

Yes. Marsha Po. Greater than all that.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, who's up next?

[Drew Franklin]

Sarge.

[Ryan Lemon]

Sarge. How are you, Sarge? Hey, I'm doing good. I'm down here in enemy territory down in Pigeon Forge for my son's spring break.

[Matt Jones]

We want.

[Ryan Lemon]

I was pulling for Arkansas for some reason last night, and then that debacle just. Oh, my gosh, Calamity's sake.

[Drew Franklin]

I don't know if you guys noticed, but Carr was playing like a man.

[Ryan Lemon]

In that Illinois game. I mean, he. He was blocked, he was boxing out.

[Drew Franklin]

He might only had two points. Only thing I want is for Butler.

[Ryan Lemon]

To not dive on the floor today. And, yeah, we need Butler to stay healthy. That's huge. We need. Appreciate the call we got to have Butler stay healthy. I. You know, I think we saw during the Alabama game in the SEC tournament, without Butler and Robinson, this team's just not going to win. I mean, like you, we have to have Butler in order to. To have a shot in these games.

[Matt Jones]

And then caller mentioned Car. Car didn't play at all in Knoxville. Only played two minutes. So we. They've not seen a healthy Andrew Carr yet who has really become a force inside when we need him to be.

[Ryan Lemon]

Can I tell you, by the way, completely off topic, but I saw this last night. There's a. There's a. Like an intellectual magazine magazine called Current Affairs. I don't read it very often, but it comes out, I think, once every month or two. They have an article in this month's issue, Shannon, about how wrestlers, specifically me and Al Snow, is a symbol of greater like of our economic system as a whole. I'm not kidding. Because it's literally, like, written in all this academic, intellectual language. And it's about me and Al.

[Matt Jones]

I can't wait to read that.

[Ryan Lemon]

It's so crazy. Like, when they sent it to me, I was sitting there reading it going. I mean, like, I can't do it justice. And I. I'm gonna have to read it again. I read it really late last night, but it's literally about, like, when you look at the American economic system as a whole, it's really symbolized by Al Snow and Matt Jones, almost not kidding you. And then Haley and they. And Haley.

[Matt Jones]

Haley.

[Ryan Lemon]

It was me, Alan Haley. That we symbolize American economic capitalism.

[Matt Jones]

Was this writer drunk when he.

[Ryan Lemon]

I don't know this. Right. It was. It was bizarre to read about yourself in that context.

[Matt Jones]

You got a Cliff Note version for me how you couldn't hide that in.

[Ryan Lemon]

I thought to myself reading it. Ryan will never read this because he can't get through this away.

[Matt Jones]

I thought with the Cliff Note a.

[Ryan Lemon]

Lot of big words.

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Ryan Lemon]

I don't think you're good.

[Matt Jones]

Not doing it.

[Ryan Lemon]

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[Ashley Iaconetti]

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[Ryan Lemon]

Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio 859-280-2287. Matt Jones, Ryan Lemon and Drew Franklin. One person writes in I would like to know if your heart of hearts were to decide, would you rather lose tonight or losing the Elite Eight. Well, of course you would say losing the Elite Eight, right?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. That means you beat Tennessee. Get to the Elite Eight. Taking that all day.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think that would be great.

[Drew Franklin]

It's an easy decision.

[Ryan Lemon]

By the way, the SEC is going to get at least three and then if Auburn makes it four, probably should have been five. If Arkansas one, it could be six if Ole Miss has. But you're guaranteed at least three teams. Ryan in the Elite Eight, has that.

[Matt Jones]

Ever happened before from the same conference?

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I mean they've had three teams in the Final Four before. So yeah, I mean it's happened, but I don't. I bet there's never been six or five or whatever it is.

[Drew Franklin]

Drew no. And I know Alabama runs into Duke, but they're looking as good as anyone right now. So I expect at least one in the Final Four, maybe even a couple. Hopefully Kentucky's in that mix too.

[Ryan Lemon]

What do you think about that, by the way, with the. With Alabama, I mean, they looked unbelievable last night, didn't they?

[Matt Jones]

They have the last couple weeks. Even though I still don't know how they lost the SEC tournament because they were on fire there, too. I got Alabama winning it all. They're my team to win it all. So I'm pulling for him a little bit.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think. I think they have as good a shot as they're going to give Duke all they want. And when they're as hot as they were last night, nobody.

[Matt Jones]

Nobody's beaten.

[Ryan Lemon]

Nobody's beat them last night. Now, I mean, they won't be hot like that every game. But by the way, Nate Oates was funny when they interviewed him afterwards, he said, we're going to have to be a lot better against Duke. Duke hadn't won yet at that point. Duke hadn't even played yet. So, like, if Arizona had won, they might have been. But. But obviously it ended up doing.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I mean, Duke ended up winning, but Arizona at least made it uncomfortable for a few minutes. But what watching that Bama game, the fact that they took, what was it, like 5131 threes. I mean, and Sears most of their shots.

[Ryan Lemon]

Sears made 10.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemon]

Sears made 10 and I felt like.

[Matt Jones]

He could have made 20 if he really wanted to.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, he made 10 and you know, the record all time was 11. He was only one one off. He made. By the way, this is an amazing stat. Alabama made the second most threes last night of any team in any game ever in Division 1. There was only one other time that loyal. That Loyola Martin got 25 in a game and they got 24, which is unbelievable. Who's next?

[Matt Jones]

Let's go to Tio.

[Ryan Lemon]

Tio, how are you? To. Yeah. God bless you, boys. Today I was just thinking, if we win tonight in one year, Mark Pope.

[Drew Franklin]

Has basically ended the whole Tennessee era right here with Rick Barnes.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, yeah, there is a lot to that. I mean, if Kentucky. You know, in some ways Kentucky ended the patino Louisville era with that win in 2014. And there's an argument that if they win tonight, they end the Barnes Tennessee era because he may very well retire. And even if he comes back, I mean, this team, he's had some of these guys for a number of years. You could. You could end the eras, Drew, of maybe your two biggest rivals.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, Tennessee is one of the most veteran teams in basketball. He's had many of these guys since they were freshmen. I think he held Zakai Ziegler when he was a little baby in A blanket. So this is their last ride. Even if Barnes comes around, Tennessee as we've known it for several years can be completely different. Kentucky can keep him out of the Final Four one more time.

[Ryan Lemon]

Wouldn't that be kind of neat to end 210 both of our rivals sort of. Biggest errors keep Tennessee from making a Final Four. Still haven't made one yet.

[Matt Jones]

And so well at Tennessee. And to end that era with still another loss and keep him out of the Final Four yet again would be. Would be very satisfactory.

[Ryan Lemon]

Three times in a year, you know, especially when they have a team that on papers better than ours to beat them three times. You're right. Would be a heck of a thing to do. I just Drew Palooza. I mean, this is going to be one wild week. I appreciate the call. Drew week is going to be Drew Palooza.

[Drew Franklin]

I might run with that.

[Ryan Lemon]

Drew Palooza.

[Matt Jones]

Palooza.

[Drew Franklin]

I'll note on if you beat Tennessee a third time. They were the betting favorite in all three games this year. Just. Just to twist the knife a little more into their heartbreak.

[Ryan Lemon]

It'd be interesting to see what parlay would be for money line all three of those games if you just kept rolling it over your.

[Matt Jones]

Your boy Joe Fortenbaugh just made it his pick of the night. Kent, he covering over Tennessee.

[Ryan Lemon]

Did he really?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he does.

[Ryan Lemon]

Do our draft kings. Let's do our picks tonight. We'll save Kentucky for the pregame. So let's go. Ole Miss, Michigan State. Michigan State's only a 3 1/2 point favorite. I love Ole Miss, but I like Michigan State to win and cover here.

[Matt Jones]

I'm with you. I like Michigan State. I got them in the Final Four, so I'm picking them.

[Ryan Lemon]

Is those another guy? He has like a crazy good record in the sweet 16. I like. I like Michigan State.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I'm actually surprised Ole Miss is still here. I thought their magic ran out with that buzzer beater in Nashville.

[Ryan Lemon]

So I'll go Mississippi State, Auburn State, Auburn and Michigan. Auburn's an 8 1/2 point favorite.

[Matt Jones]

I know that's a lot of points, but I've still taken Auburn and Auburn will cover too many points.

[Drew Franklin]

Auburn win, but I think that should be a little lower.

[Ryan Lemon]

Too many points.

[Drew Franklin]

Danny Wolf hadn't played well. He'll turn it on tonight.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think Auburn wins, but I think Michigan covers the eight and a half. Shannon, what about you?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, give me Auburn and the points.

[Ryan Lemon]

You're taking Auburn. All right. Purdue and Houston beyond after us. Houston is an 8 1/2 point favorite.

[Matt Jones]

I'm taking Houston into cover again. I lot of points in the Auburn game in Houston, but I'm taking them both.

[Ryan Lemon]

I'm gonna take the Big Ten to cover again. I still think Houston wins, but Purdue's gonna have a huge crowd advantage. If Kentucky were to win. I think a lot of our fans will stay and cheer for Purdue because they would rather play for play Purdue than play Houston. So I'm gonna say Purdue covers that even if they don't win too many.

[Drew Franklin]

Points again, it's in Purdue's backyard. This is the sweet 16. I think we're in for some close games. I think Purdue covers. But Houston, Houston wins.

[Ryan Lemon]

Shannon.

[Matt Jones]

Houston wins. Purdue covers.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. Who's up next?

[Matt Jones]

Let's go to Caleb.

[Ryan Lemon]

Caleb. Go ahead, Caleb. Hey, Matt Jones, first time, long time. Who are.

[Drew Franklin]

I got a couple questions.

[Ryan Lemon]

The first one is going to be.

[Matt Jones]

About the transfer portal and then I'll.

[Ryan Lemon]

End with just Kentucky Tennessee. How about. We just got time for like one so give me your best question. Okay, I'll go the transfer portal. So I heard you guys talking about.

[Drew Franklin]

It earlier and I know we just got a cam from Tulane.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes, I think I walked. He had committed but my question is are go ahead sir. Do you.

[Matt Jones]

Do you think that.

[Ryan Lemon]

All right, I gotta go. I'm sorry. I appreciate the call. We only have like a minute left. It was way too much intro for. For the.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm gonna be wondering all day as.

[Ryan Lemon]

Far as on the transfer portal. I will answer this. I expect you'll see at least one more commitment by. Well, I leave for Amsterdam. I leave Wednesday night. I think we'll have two more players by Wednesday night.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, like I said, it's happening so fast but you have to move fast before everybody they sign with somebody else.

[Drew Franklin]

And if you're going to get Dent, he'll probably have it done by the weekend. I know it's down to UCLA and Kentucky, so.

[Ryan Lemon]

And by the way, I still think, I still think Kentucky is heavy in on a guy in that crown tournament which might be something that delays it a little bit depending on if their team still continues continues to advance. It's time to score big at Don Franklin. Thousands of new and certified pre owned vehicles slam dunk deals at your local Don Franco dealership. Get up to $5,000 off MSRP. It's Don Franklin auto.com. don Franklin's there to serve all of your auto needs. Don Franklin auto driven by family. Are we going to be happy tonight, Ryan?

[Matt Jones]

Yes, we will be happy tonight. It'd be a good Postgame show tonight when we're all done.

[Ryan Lemon]

You feel like you're feeling good?

[Matt Jones]

1 point win coming on the last possession, but we're going to win it.

[Ryan Lemon]

One point win?

[Matt Jones]

Yep.

[Ryan Lemon]

You think we make who makes a play?

[Matt Jones]

I think they have a shot at the end and they miss it.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oh, okay. So we get a defensive stop.

[Matt Jones]

Defense stop on a team that would play horrible defense.

[Ryan Lemon]

And you won't be on the post game or on the pregame show or. No. Well, maybe you will. You're coming, right?

[Matt Jones]

I mean, I guess.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes, that's right. So never mind. Shannon, you're coming. I forgot Ryan was going to pick you up. By the way, Ashland Leads Bowling Green 36, 33. Bowling Green has kind of come back, so it's a big battle in the third quarter. I'll tell you tonight, if you're in Lexington, get here at the bar. I think it's going to be a great atmosphere. It has been for the first two games.

[Matt Jones]

Taking reservations. People are asking me.

[Ryan Lemon]

No reservations. You just have to show up. Enjoy tonight, folks. Like this is, you know, the lead up to this game. This is kind of what this is. What we like is to get to have moments like this. We have not had a game like this since COVID and that's one of the reasons to kind of enjoy it. We probably thought in when we lost to Auburn in 2019. Well, this just happens every year. Every year it does not. So enjoy this tonight and let's hope, Drew, we can beat the Dirty Vols.

[Drew Franklin]

Can't wait to get up there and can't wait to celebrate with you all in the post game show. It's going to be a fun night.

[Ryan Lemon]

I hope that's right. We will be at tin roof at 5 o'clock. If you come, do me a favor, please don't grab me and shake me.

[Drew Franklin]

Make a path for Larry and Karen.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, very fragile. Yes. Make a path for my parents and they'll bump into me so that I can get through the night.

[Matt Jones]

Larry's got a cane for you you can use.

[Ryan Lemon]

I may need it if I'm not careful, but I'm not missing this one.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, good for you.

[Ryan Lemon]

It's gonna be too exciting. Thank you all very much who came here today. We really do appreciate it. We will see you tonight. 5:00, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee pregame show. This has been Kentucky Sports Radio.

[Ashley Iaconetti]

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