KSR Podcast Episode Summary: April 22, 2025 - Hour 2

Introduction

In the second hour of the April 22, 2025, episode of Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) hosted by Matt Jones on iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM), the KSR crew delves into a variety of topics primarily focused on University of Kentucky (UK) sports, organizational changes, and engages with listeners on both sports and personal subjects. The discussion is enriched with listener interactions, insightful debates, and updates on local events.

1. Sale of OVW to a British Group

Timestamp: [04:18] - [05:06]

Matt Jones announces a significant shift in his involvement with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). He reveals that while he did not sell all of his stake, the majority interest has been sold to a British consortium owning the Welsh soccer team, Haverford West.

“We sold the majority interest... to a British group that owns a soccer team in Wales, Haverford West.” ([05:06])

Jones explains that this decision was driven by the need for a dedicated full-time management team for OVW, especially after his partner Craig was elected mayor, making it challenging to handle both roles effectively. He expresses optimism about the new owners' track record in revitalizing sports franchises, particularly noting their success in moving a soccer team from the brink of bankruptcy to competing in European tournaments.

2. UK Basketball Team Roster and Player Development

Timestamp: [07:00] - [15:10]

The crew engages in an in-depth analysis of the UK basketball team's current roster, discussing player potentials, injuries, and strategic positioning under Coach Mark Pope's system.

• Jaden Quaintance's Potential:

  A caller compares Quaintance to "Amari Williams on steroids," suggesting his high potential if he remains healthy.

  “Do you think you'll see Quaintance as the star? If he's healthy, absolutely.” ([07:12])

  Matt Jones responds confidently, stating:

  “If you're asking me in 10 years who's going to be the best basketball player that's on this Kentucky team, it's going to be Jaden Quaintance.” ([07:57])

• Player Roles and Team Strategy:

  The hosts debate the starting lineup, considering players like Travis Perry, Cam Williams, and Jasper Ortega. Drew Franklin posits options for starting roles, while Shannon The Dude emphasizes the potential European influence on the team's playing style due to the recent OVW sale.

  “I don't think that's crazy. I'm going to go low.” ([14:04])

• Travis Perry's Development:

  Discussing Travis Perry's ceiling, Matt articulates:

  “Do I think we can win a national championship with Travis Perry as a starting point guard? No. But do I think he can be a contributing player on a team that wins a national championship? Yes, I do.” ([41:41])

3. UK Football Team and Coaching Staff Insights

Timestamp: [28:56] - [36:16]

The conversation shifts to the UK football team's performance, focusing on Coach Mark Stoops and Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart.

• Coaching Stability:

  Caller Terry poses hypotheticals about Mark Stoops' tenure and Mitch Barnhart's future as AD. The crew speculates that Barnhart might retire or step down within the next few years, citing his long tenure.

  “I would not be shocked at all if that's the way it plays out.” ([34:02])

• Mark Stoops' Future:

  Matt Jones discusses the potential outcomes for Coach Stoops, suggesting he might either rejuvenate the team's performance or consider stepping down after the current season.

  “Either one more year or he leads you into the new era, too.” ([35:17])

• Team Communication and Strategy:

  Shannon The Dude expresses concern over the football team's recent radio silence, drawing parallels to other programs like Cal's, questioning whether this strategy indicates underlying issues.

  “I don't want to make a headline. I think they're just kind of avoiding any chance to have.” ([30:52])

4. Listener Interactions and Debates

Timestamp: [16:13] - [19:59]

Listeners engage with the hosts on personal and sports-related topics, fostering a dynamic and interactive segment.

• George Clooney's Marital Claims:

  A caller challenges George Clooney's statement about never having a fight in a 10-year marriage. The hosts unanimously label the claim as unrealistic.

  Matt Jones: “Do you believe it is possible to be married to someone for 10 years and not have a fight?” ([16:13])

  Drew Franklin: “100. Absolutely no chance in France. That is true. That is B.S.” ([17:54])

  Shannon The Dude adds:

  “We've had a few little ones, but I will say we're pretty good. I would never claim we haven't had any.” ([18:26])

• Sports Knowledge and Expertise:

  The hosts address criticism regarding their knowledge of all football and basketball players, emphasizing authenticity over pretending to be experts.

  Matt Jones: “I would much rather somebody say they're not an expert than act like they are and have never seen them play.” ([27:15])

5. Announcements and Upcoming Events

Timestamp: [24:37] - [41:22]

The KSR crew promotes various local events and activities, encouraging listener participation.

• Bowling League and Trivia Nights:

  Announcements about the KSR bowling league and upcoming trivia events are made, fostering community engagement.

  Drew Franklin: “Yes, the first night of this summer season is tomorrow night out of Collins Bowling center on Southland Lane.” ([24:31])

• Healing Appalachia Concert:

  The hosts discuss the upcoming concert featuring Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton at the Boyd County Fairgrounds, expressing concerns about accommodating up to 50,000 attendees.

  Matt Jones: “They're saying that it could be up to 50,000 people.” ([39:48])

  Drew Franklin: “There's no way the Boyd county fairgrounds can hold 50,000 people, right?” ([40:43])

• DraftKings Promotion:

  A promotional segment encourages listeners to participate in DraftKings with a special code.

  Matt Jones: “Pick a team, make your pick, bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets. Use my code KSR.” ([25:03])

6. Final Discussions and Closing

Timestamp: [41:26] - [43:17]

In the closing moments, the hosts wrap up ongoing discussions about team performances and share light-hearted moments with listeners.

• Jalen Lowe's Role:

  Matt Jones queries how many listeners have actually watched Jalen Lowe play, highlighting the disconnect between fan expectations and actual team engagements.

  Matt Jones: “How many of you all have watched Jalen Lowe play basketball? Our point guard next year.” ([28:12])

• Concerns Over Team Performance:

  The hosts express skepticism about the football team's prospects and the silence from the coaching staff, pondering the implications for future seasons.

  Matt Jones: “The radio silence of all things football is a little concerning now.” ([32:14])

• Stretching Routine Humor:

  A humorous segment ensues as Drew attempts to demonstrate his stretching routine at the restaurant, leading to light-hearted banter and antics.

  Shannon The Dude: “He needs new ones.” ([38:22])

  Matt Jones: “Why are you putting your foot on the table?” ([38:13])

Conclusion

The April 22nd episode of KSR offered a comprehensive blend of sports analysis, organizational updates, listener interactions, and community event promotions. Matt Jones and the KSR crew maintained an engaging and conversational tone, addressing both serious topics like team strategies and personal anecdotes with equal enthusiasm. The inclusion of listener calls added depth and relatability, making the episode both informative and entertaining for UK sports fans and the broader community.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the transcript provided.