KSR (Kentucky Sports Radio) – Hour 2
Date: October 3, 2025
Host & Crew: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin, Shannon Dawson
Location: Shady Rays in Louisville
Show Focus: Latest University of Kentucky (UK) sports news, college sports media changes, fan culture stories, and memorable Kentucky sports personalities.
Episode Overview
Hour two of KSR is Matt Jones’ first show after returning from travels in South Africa. The crew covers a wide range of topics: Matt’s wild experience at a South African soccer game, changes and frustrations with UK basketball games moving to streaming (“computer games”), inside info on Kentucky basketball, breaking news regarding Billy Gillespie, a hearty discussion of MLB and UK football, plus reflections on personal loss in the Big Blue family. The tone is lively, humorous, and occasionally reflective, with signature banter and plenty of UK focus.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Matt’s South African Soccer Story
[01:54–08:29]
- Matt recounts attending an Orlando Pirates soccer game, describing the stadium chaos and unique sports culture.
- Observed a lack of gates/security policy—“If you can get in, you are in.”
- Noted the energy, singing, and camaraderie—surpassing anything he’s seen in US college sports.
- Felt protective and slightly responsible for a group of women he was with in a crowd mostly comprised of local men.
Quote:
“It was the wildest scene I’ve ever been in, in my entire life, bar none. And I don’t think there’ll ever be one to top it.” – Matt Jones [02:19]
Humorous Moment:
Matt describes a seven-year-old boy latching onto his leg trying to sneak into the game, and his admiration for the child’s “tenacity.” [04:17]
2. Stadium Culture Comparisons: South Africa vs. Kentucky
[08:26–08:56]
- Discussion about the “first come, first served” stadium seating in South Africa.
- Suggestion (tongue-in-cheek) that such chaos would improve Kroger Field’s home atmosphere.
- Drew jokes about UK’s recent survey on improving Kroger Field experience, suggesting “no admission, just let everybody in.”
3. UK Basketball “Computer” Games Frustration
[08:56–13:35]
- UK basketball will have six games only available on streaming this season – a sharp increase.
- The crew laments difficulties for older/less tech-savvy fans, and the fragmentation of sports media.
- The new streaming play-by-play guy is mentioned but, in comedic KSR fashion, his name is forgotten.
Quote:
“There are people who literally don’t have that option. So I hate that it’s so many.” – Drew Franklin [10:15]
Fan Poll Moment:
Matt asks the crowd how many actually have streaming access—only 30-40% raise hands. [12:44]
4. Inside Scoop: UK Basketball Practice
[14:04–15:05]
- Matt shares info from a source: UK’s basketball team looks better than last year, deeper at every spot, ceiling “infinitely higher.”
- More probable NBA prospects this year vs. last year.
Quote:
“This team’s upside was, quote, infinitely higher than the team’s last year.” – Matt Jones, relaying his source [14:24]
5. Breaking News: Billy Gillespie on Leave
[17:19–17:56]
- Billy Gillespie, former UK coach, placed on administrative leave from Tarleton State for undisclosed reasons.
- Glenn Cyprien, former UK assistant, stepping in.
Quote:
“That’s tough news for a guy who’s, you know, been up and down a lot.” – Matt Jones [17:56]
6. MLB Playoffs – Matt’s Reds Make It
[18:25–22:24]
- Matt shares delight at Cincinnati Reds clinching the playoffs while he was abroad.
- Tells story about attending a key win over the Mets, which ended up being the playoff tiebreaker.
- Ryan jokes that Matt leaving the country is lucky for his teams—calls for Matt to leave during March Madness.
Quote:
“We ended up getting the tiebreaker over the Mets because of a game that I attended.” – Matt Jones [19:10]
7. Baseball Deep Dive, Future Optimism
[21:27–22:24]
- The crew discusses young Reds talent, the need for more power hitting, and optimism for next season.
- Shannon asks if Matt will renew season tickets.
8. Other Sports Highlights: Golf, Ryder Cup, UK Football
[22:35–24:40]
- The crew briefly riffs on MLB postseason (including a fresh-faced Red Sox pitcher), oddities from the Ryder Cup (USA fans behaving poorly), and more.
9. Life Without a Phone: Matt’s Travel Fiasco
[27:01–29:57]
- Matt explains the pain of being without a phone:
- Locked out of apps/bank/social media due to 2-step verification.
- Uber, airport boarding passes, even basic communication—all reliant on mobile devices.
- Highlights how vulnerable modern travelers are when locked out of mobile/online access.
Quote:
“I just want you to think about your phone for a second ... I did not realize how much of our life ... is now online.” – Matt Jones [27:13]
10. Paul Finebaum Rumor: Running for Senate?
[30:01–32:33]
- Crew discusses rumors of SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum running for political office.
- Matt recalls how KSR was modeled after Finebaum’s format, but jokes that it’s time for someone new to take the slot.
Quote:
“That’s the Qual Finebaum Show: dry salad, no dressing, no croutons.” – Matt Jones [30:49]
11. Tribute to a Big Blue Friend: Manny Robertson
[36:18–39:26]
- Matt reflects on the recent passing of close friend and superfan Manny Robertson, offering condolences to family and friends.
- Drew shares heartfelt remarks; current and former Cats wear “Manny” ribbons.
Quote:
“You gotta hope in life you have somebody that’s as loyal to you as Manny was to his friends.” – Matt Jones [38:52]
12. KSR Parlay and Picks (for DraftKings)
[39:26–41:27]
- Each member makes a football betting pick for the weekend.
- Matt: Miami to cover at FSU
- Shannon: Texas to beat Florida
- Ryan: Iowa State to beat Cincinnati
- Drew: Virginia to cover vs. Louisville
- Spirited debate over Louisville’s chances and UK’s.
13. Preview & Predictions: Kentucky vs. Georgia
[42:00–44:12]
- Consensus: UK will not win, but may keep it respectable.
- Predictions: Drew – Georgia 27–9; Ryan – Georgia 38–13; Shannon – Georgia 35–16; Matt expects “30 to 13 or something like that.”
- Concern that a blowout could push fans’ focus fully toward basketball.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “It was the wildest scene I’ve ever been in… bar none.” – Matt Jones on SA soccer [02:19]
- “If you can get in, you are in.” – Matt Jones describing the stadium entrance [03:34]
- “All year last year… there’s no NBA player… there are NBA multiple guys who can play in the NBA [this year].” – Matt Jones [15:05]
- “When you decide to do that, you are taking the game away from a significant amount of your fans.” – Matt Jones on streaming-only games [12:58]
- “You gotta hope in life you have somebody as loyal to you as Manny was to his friends.” – Matt Jones [38:52]
Noteworthy Timestamps
- South African soccer chaos: [01:54–08:29]
- UK streaming game frustration: [08:56–13:35]
- Basketball practice scoop: [14:04–15:05]
- Billy Gillespie breaking news: [17:19–17:56]
- MLB playoff talk: [18:25–22:24]
- Life without a phone while abroad: [27:01–29:57]
- Finebaum for Senate talk: [30:01–32:33]
- Homage to Manny Robertson: [36:18–39:26]
- Weekend football picks: [39:26–41:27]
- Georgia-UK predictions: [42:00–44:12]
Episode Tone and Takeaways
Classic KSR mix of irreverence, sports obsession, and heartfelt moments. Matt’s return brings strong narrative energy, insider basketball takes, and global perspective. The show highlights: the frustrations with modern sports broadcasting, athlete and fan culture abroad and at home, and the importance of community—in sports and life. Loyal listeners get both laughs and emotion, with the show ending on a note of remembrance for a beloved Big Blue friend.
For more UK talk, tune in to KSR weekdays from 10–noon!