Podcast Summary: KSR – April 17, 2025: Hour 1

Hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew from iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), this episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) offers in-depth discussions on UK sports, including football and basketball, updates on local sports figures, and engaging interactions with listeners. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Rehearsals for "Romeo and Juliet"

Timestamp: 03:35 – 07:12

Shannon the Dude introduces an exciting development regarding the crew’s involvement in a local theater production. The team is preparing to debut their play, leading with a rendition of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

• Rehearsal Insights:

  • Shannon the Dude (03:35): Discusses the initial rehearsal, emphasizing the informal nature and the camaraderie among cast members. “We did voice warm-ups and acted out hobbies to loosen up” (04:03).

• Character Preparation:

  • Shannon the Dude (05:01): Shares his role details, highlighting his character’s pivotal scene where he must "die at the end in the final scene" (05:12). This preparation includes studying acting techniques to convincingly portray death on stage.

• Technical Preparations:

  • Gene Mitchell (05:48): Jokes about the spoiler of the play’s ending but encourages support. “Please. License children’s theater. Go get tickets” (05:55).

• Audience Engagement:

  • Shannon the Dude (07:12): Confirms the play’s informal, comedic tone and encourages listeners to attend, noting the relaxed rehearsal atmosphere with refreshments provided.

2. Harley Gilmore’s Return to UK Football

Timestamp: 11:08 – 16:25

A significant topic discussed is the controversial return of Harley Gilmore to the Kentucky football team despite his previous misdemeanor assault charge.

• Initial Reactions:

  • Shannon the Dude (12:14): Expresses skepticism about Gilmore’s return, citing past off-field issues and questioning the optics given Coach Stoops’ emphasis on improving team culture. “It is an odd move. It’s really bad optics to add him” (13:08).

• Team Culture and Second Chances:

  • Gene Mitchell (13:09): Highlights the dilemma of Coach Stoops supporting Gilmore while striving to clean up the team’s reputation. “If you bring them in, I think you gotta say this is an absolute zero policy situation” (13:49).

• Support for Gilmore:

  • Ryan Lemond (14:15): Shares a supportive quote from someone close to the program: “He’s really not a bad kid, just needs to grow up. He will be number one wide receiver this year. He’s that good” (15:00).

• Hope for Improvement:

  • Shannon the Dude (15:32): Acknowledges Gilmore’s potential for growth and maturity, hoping the team has implemented strict disciplinary measures. “He’s young. Maybe he’s done some maturing and growing” (15:12).

• Conclusion on the Topic:

  • Ryan Lemond and Shannon the Dude discuss the importance of giving Gilmore a second chance while maintaining the team’s standards, ultimately emphasizing trust in Coach Stoops’ judgment.

3. UK Basketball Roster and Player Highlights

Timestamp: 18:40 – 24:22

The crew delves into the current state of the UK basketball roster, discussing player performances, potential recruits, and historical comparisons.

• Player Performances:

  • Shannon the Dude (20:53): Praises Tyler Hero for his outstanding performance, noting his career-best game with 38 points against the Bulls. “He had 23 points at halftime and was 8 of 8 from the field” (21:11).

• Historical Perspective:

  • Ryan Lemond (22:45): Reflects on the 2015 UK basketball team, highlighting the presence of nine NBA players from that roster and comparing it to the current team's potential.

• Current Roster Analysis:

  • Shannon the Dude (23:09): Discusses players like Mohammed Diabate, Jalen Lowe, and Cam Williams, analyzing their strengths and areas for improvement. “Jalen Lowe needs to develop, but he’s got the talent to someday be a superstar” (32:42).

• Upcoming Recruits and Transfers:

  • Ryan Lemond (29:03): Updates on potential recruits such as Braden Hawthorne and Jasper Johnson, assessing their impact and fit within the team’s strategy.

4. Listener Interactions and Callers

Timestamp: 24:22 – 37:55

The episode features several listener calls, providing perspectives, questions, and anecdotes related to UK sports.

• Music Anecdote:

  • Caller Gene Mitchell (24:55): Shares his background as a singer and humorously discusses sharing names, adding a nostalgic touch to the conversation.

• Engagement on Player Transfers:

  • Caller Richard (28:43): Inquires about Eagle Staf and Tyson, discussing their potential impact on the team. “Have you heard anything in the portal about Eagle staff or Tyson?” (29:03).

• Concerns on Player Development:

  • Caller Wayne (31:48): Questions the focus on point guards over shooting guards, bringing attention to Jasper Johnson’s potential. “Why no one has even mentioned Jasper Johnson” (32:25).

• Positive Feedback and Support:

  • Caller Mark Anthony (37:43): Compliments the hosts’ handling of the Gilmore discussion and expresses admiration for Stoops’ support. “I hope he's got his head the right place now” (37:54).

5. Lee Corso’s Retirement and NCAA Rule Changes

Timestamp: 42:40 – 44:55

The show covers major updates in the sports community, including Lee Corso’s retirement and new NCAA regulations.

• Lee Corso's Retirement:

  • Ryan Lemond (43:51): Announces Lee Corso’s retirement after 38 years in broadcasting, expressing the impact on the college football community. “College game day won't be the same without him” (43:14).

  • Shannon the Dude (43:47): Reflects on Corso’s contributions and his relationship with colleague Kirk Herbstreet. “It was sweet watching his last couple seasons” (43:51).

• NCAA Rule Changes:

  • Ryan Lemond (44:14): Reports on the NCAA’s new rules aimed at reducing fake injuries in college football to prevent game clock manipulation. “They can’t just all of a sudden miraculously be walking across the field” (44:31).

  • Shannon the Dude (44:31): Agrees with the changes, citing previous frustrations with players simulating injuries. “It got hard to watch. It’s like soccer, you just have guys flopping” (44:31).

6. Upcoming Events and Announcements

Timestamp: 35:52 – 49:41

The hosts discuss upcoming events, including concerts and speaking engagements, as well as sponsorship messages interspersed within the content.

• DeAndre Liggins Joining the Show:

  • Ryan Lemond (20:06): Announces that DeAndre Liggins will join the show via phone at 11 o’clock to discuss his role on the TBT team. “DeAndre Liggins will be joining us” (20:27).

• Tyler Childers Concert:

  • Ryan Lemond (47:19): Promotes the Tyler Childers concert at Kroger Field and a pre-game party at KS Bar and Grill, encouraging listeners to attend and enjoy the festivities. “Tyler Childers like pre game party here at the KS Bar and Grill” (47:19).

• Sponsorship Messages:

  • Throughout the episode, sponsors like T-Mobile, Red Lion Hotels by Sonesta, PayPal, Discover, Chase for Business, and Greenlight are featured in brief advertisements. These segments are excluded from the main content summary as per instructions but are noted for context.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Interactions

Timestamp: 49:41 – End

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and final listener interactions.

• Pharmacy Humor:
  • Shannon the Dude (49:41): Makes a humorous comment about waiting in pharmacy lines, adding a relatable and comedic end to the show. “Maybe I'll grab some deeply discounted out of season Halloween candy” (49:41).

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Shannon the Dude (05:13): “So I have to die at the end in the final scene.”
• Gene Mitchell (13:08): “He’ll make them pay.”
• Ryan Lemond (15:00): “He will be number one wide receiver this year. He’s that good.”
• Shannon the Dude (22:17): “MK has been an All Star. That’s pushing it a little bit.”
• Ryan Lemond (32:46): “22 of 25 three pointers.”
• Shannon the Dude (44:31): “It got hard to watch. It’s like soccer, you just have guys flopping.”

Conclusions and Insights

• Team Dynamics: The return of Harley Gilmore to UK football is met with mixed feelings, highlighting the team's ongoing efforts to balance talent acquisition with maintaining a positive and disciplined culture.

• Player Development: Emphasis on the growth and potential of current basketball players, with discussions on how they can evolve to meet the team’s competitive standards.

• Community Engagement: Active listener participation showcases the community’s deep connection to UK sports, offering diverse perspectives and personal anecdotes.

• Legacy and Changes: The retirement of Lee Corso marks the end of an era, while the NCAA's new rules reflect a commitment to fair play, indicating evolving standards in college sports.

• Future Prospects: Upcoming events and guest appearances, such as DeAndre Liggins’ participation, suggest a continued focus on featuring significant sports figures and enhancing listener engagement.

Overall, this episode of KSR offers a comprehensive look into the current state of UK sports, blending expert analysis, community interaction, and entertaining segments that keep listeners informed and engaged.