2025-11-21- KSR - Hour 1

Summary

KSR Podcast Summary – Hour 1 (November 21, 2025)

Podcast: Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR)
Date: November 21, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond, Drew Franklin (often called "Frank Franklin" in this episode), Shannon
Location: Live from Parlor Pizza, Lexington, KY

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Episode Overview

This episode of Kentucky Sports Radio, hosted by Matt Jones and the KSR crew, brings listeners into the thick of a pivotal dual-sport weekend—UK Basketball faces a must-win game after recent disappointments, while UK Football prepares for a big matchup against Vanderbilt. The crew tackles the mood around both programs, addresses fan concerns about Coach Mark Pope and the basketball team’s chemistry, and fields listener questions about recruiting, team talent, and even off-topic curiosities like airline dress codes and family dynamics when running major sports teams.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Live from Parlor Pizza and the State of UK Sports

• The show is hosted at Parlor Pizza, touted as “the best pizza in Lexington,” energizing the crowd with talk of the new hot honey pepperoni offering (03:08, 03:52).

• Dual Football/Basketball Weekend: This is the last weekend of the year with both sports in play. The crew weighs excitement for tonight’s basketball game vs. tomorrow’s football game:

  “Football season's almost over. Are you sad it's ending?” (04:18)

  • Ryan Lemond is unexpectedly more excited for the football game than the basketball game tonight, citing Kentucky as an underdog “trap game” candidate against Vanderbilt (04:32).

2. Basketball Team Troubles & Chemistry Concerns

• Basketball Mood Check (09:04–11:32):

  • Drew ("Frank Franklin") is more excited for basketball due to hope for a blowout win to lift the mood.

  • Matt Jones recaps Coach Mark Pope’s latest press conference, noting key statements:

    • Pope tries to shut down rumors about Louisville, but Matt calls him out: “You don’t bring something like that up and then go … ‘Why are you all wondering about it?’” (09:20)

    • Pope insists there are no chemistry issues on the team—Matt and Drew are skeptical.

      “I've never heard a coach say, ‘We have chemistry issues in the locker room.’” —Guest/Caller (10:25)

  • On-Court Chemistry: Multiple hosts and friends note the team doesn't look connected—body language and in-game communication suggests something is off (11:07–12:14).

    • Players are seen arguing, not communicating, and Pope appears more upset than usual.
    • The consensus: “Something is just a little off. And I think it’s a combination of everything you said.” —Ryan (12:14)
• Brandon Garrison’s Role:
  • Pope says Garrison is the “second most efficient player” on the team. Matt is skeptical of the stats given Garrison’s struggles against tough competition (12:28–13:07).

3. Drew’s “Pope Fatigue” and Fan Sentiment

• Drew jokes he already has "Pope fatigue," reacting to two consecutive 20-point losses in meaningful games (14:05–15:01).
• The crew debates whether fans and the show are being too negative or not negative enough:
  • Listeners voice both sides—some accuse KSR of negativity, others of being “sunshine pumpers” (21:00).
  • Matt: “I am surprised… we’re struggling by so much. I didn’t think Mark Pope would lose by this amount…” (21:12)
• Listener Comments: Many agree that Kentucky lacks a "dude"—a true difference-maker or star player (24:53). Jamal Mashburn’s national commentary echoed this: “They’re a team with a bunch of kitties... you need a dude.” (24:47)

4. Injuries, Roster Construction & Recruiting Worries

• Injury Updates:
  • There’s hope that Jalen Lowe will attempt to return soon rather than opting for season-ending surgery. “If Denzel Aberdeen is the dude you’re leaving open… okay, but if we’re all waiting on Denzel Aberdeen to score—I don’t know.” —Matt (22:54)
  • The team desperately needs Lowe and Quaintance (not yet seen in action) to reach full strength.
• Development Issues:
  • Drew notes several returners have not only failed to improve but have regressed, a major red flag (23:32).
• Recruiting Issues:
  • Kentucky hasn’t landed a “great” player outside the state under Pope (36:54).
  • The main theory: Pope's system plays too many guys, limiting minutes for top recruits. “If you’re Tyron Stokes…you’re gonna get 30 to 35 minutes wherever you go. [Here] not the case.” —Frank Franklin (38:39)
  • Jack Pilgrim and others suggest that Pope’s equal-minutes philosophy and "niceness" may deter top recruits and result in UK being used for leverage rather than commitments (39:05).

5. Fan Calls and Q&A

• Fans ask about chemistry, recruiting, potential lineup changes, and the impact of Pope's honest but perhaps naive press conferences.
• Notable Call: One caller questions Pope’s inability to "read the room" with fans/recruits post-game, citing Jack Pilgrim’s reports (25:50–27:17). Matt and Ryan suggest Pope is “too honest to a fault,” but all agree he’s had a tough couple of weeks in media.

6. Off-Topic: Flying Attire & Family Business

• Should People Dress Up to Fly?
  • Inspired by transportation chief Sean Duffy's comments, the crew laughs off the idea, firmly in the comfort-over-style camp.

    "Absolutely not. … I'm wearing sweats and a hoodie and flip flops and I'm being comfortable." —Ryan (30:21)

• Could You Fire Your Family in Business?
  • Jeanie Buss of the Lakers fired her two brothers from the family empire; the crew debates whether they could do the same if running a team (46:21–48:24).
  • Most say yes, but not without some guilt and awkward family dinners.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You don’t bring something like that up and then go, ‘Hey, why are you all wondering about it?’” —Matt Jones, on Mark Pope and the Louisville rumor (09:20)
• “I’ve never heard a coach say, ‘We have chemistry issues in the locker room.’” —Caller (10:25)
• “My God, we were down by 20 in our only two meaningful games.” —Drew/Frank Franklin (13:50)
• “Something is just a little off.” —Ryan Lemond (12:14)
• “It was quite embarrassing when Michigan State puts their walk-ons in at the end of the game because they’re beating us so bad.” —Ryan (15:42)
• “We have none.” —Ryan, on NBA-level talent on UK’s roster (45:16)
• “If you’re Tyron Stokes… you want to play and put on good film for the NBA.” —Jake, caller (49:39)
• “We’ve gotten a ton of really good players, but why do you think we haven’t gotten the great player yet under Pope?” —Matt (37:54)
• "[Reed Sheppard] had a chance to go to the NBA; what’d he do? Went to the NBA. ... All these guys want to go to the NBA." —Matt (33:52)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:08 — Live from Parlor Pizza; football vs. basketball excitement
• 09:04–13:07 — Mark Pope’s press conference analysis; chemistry questions
• 13:47–15:14 — Drew voices strong frustration with Pope/UK’s losses ("Pope fatigue")
• 21:00–25:29 — Fan text reactions, Lowe’s injury status, Jamal Mashburn’s criticism
• 25:46–28:00 — Fan call: recruiting, Pope’s “reading the room,” honest pressers
• 36:53–39:07 — Recruiting theory: minutes per game & Pope’s rotation system
• 46:21–49:28 — Lakers’ Jeanie Buss firing her brothers; could the crew do the same?
• 49:39–51:00 — Caller: recruiting is about minutes per game; analytics vs. NBA aspirations

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Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is candid, restless, and self-awarely negative—reflecting the fan base’s frustration with the basketball team’s early performances and post-Calipari transition. There’s camaraderie, dry humor (especially about the pizza, “Pope fatigue,” and the idea of UK’s NBA drought), and a sense of seeking solutions while maintaining hope for the future.

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Overall:
This episode is essential listening for UK fans wanting honest, knowledgeable discussion of the current basketball and football climate, insight into recruiting challenges, and the unique personalities that make KSR a staple of Kentucky sports talk.

Transcript

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[LEGO Star Wars Promoter]

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[Matt Jones]

Or both.

[LEGO Star Wars Promoter]

Definitely both. Like with Jango Fett's Starship. I mean with Stud Blasters, Seismic charges and three minifigures, your kid is gonna be creating stories until the banthas come home. And for yourself, there's the Jango Fett's Firespray Class Starship LEGO set from the Ultimate Collector series. Enjoy some Jedi Master level mindfulness during your building time. Shop now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in Lego retail stores.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Caller or Guest]

This is Kentucky Sports Radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome everyone. It is Kentucky Sports Radio Friday, November 21st. I am Matt Jones here at Parlor Pizza right off of Har Harrodsburg Road in what would you call this shopping center right here.

[Ryan Lemond]

This is turf.

[Matt Jones]

Former Turflin Mall shopping center. On a rainy day. It's been raining for a week straight but we are here. Great crowd at Parlor Pizza which is has been claimed by many to be the best pizza place now in Lexington. Many locations, Shannon and our home of Louisville, Kentucky. But now here in Lexington and well, it's where flavor meets food. Fun.

[Caller or Guest]

Did you know that sounds fun to me. I can't wait to try the hot honey pepperoni.

[Matt Jones]

Hot honey pepperoni pizza is here and I'm sure a lot of the folks are going to try that when we're here. They've got a breakfast pizza until then. And you can come and join us. 859-280-2287 on the Clark's Puppet shop phone line. A vision autoglass text machine. They say I say it too fast. So 7727745254 in this dishon sponsored by the TJ Smith Law Office. If you call TJ he'll make him pay. It's rainy and kind of disgusting and has been for a while and I think it's going to be this weekend. But nevertheless, this is our last dual football basketball weekend of the year. Ryan, football season's almost over. Are you sad it's ending?

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, it's kind of weird how I have flipped. I am more looking forward to that football game tomorrow than I am the basketball game tonight. I probably wouldn't have said that a couple weeks ago but I'm excited about the football game.

[Matt Jones]

You are? You're excited?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. I mean, you know, it's going to be tough. We're going to be an underdog. We're a touchdown underdog already. But just to see him on the court in the field where they've played the last three games. I think Vandy may be overlooking us a little bit. I think we're a trap game for Vandy.

[Matt Jones]

Sold out. We're a trap game for trying to.

[Caller or Guest]

Get into the playoffs.

[Frank Franklin]

There's no traffic at Tennessee next week.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I hope we beat. I honestly hope we beat Vandy. Just to shut your smug mouth up. You have been, you have been way too trash talky to be a Vanderbilt fan.

[Caller or Guest]

I don't have trash talked at Alger.

[Matt Jones]

This is Your last nerdy year of excitement that that football program will ever have. Yeah, and I would love just like I would love to shut up. Well, the Louisville people aren't bragging anymore, so now I think the thing left to do is shut up your protractor dork mouse down there in Nashville.

[Caller or Guest]

You're mistaken me for Diego Pavia. He's the one that talks all the trash.

[Matt Jones]

I don't consider him a dork. Diego Pavia, you all, as I think Drew said, he must have taken online classes. That guy is not. He is not a real vandy.

[Caller or Guest]

Wait till he comes back for an eighth year next year.

[Matt Jones]

He keeps suing. So he's the guy in the Walmart parking lot 10 years after he graduates high school, cruising around. But Drew, I. I think we have a shot tomorrow. Maybe I'm just delusional, but why not?

[Frank Franklin]

I think we have a shot. I'm actually expecting a rare shootout for Kentucky football game. I don't think they're gonna be able to stop Pavia. And we've seen that offense turn the quarter the last three or four games, and I think we're gonna have a little bit of a Bowley Pavia shootout down in Nashville.

[Matt Jones]

I actually do too. I'm. I'm looking for. I'm with Ryan. I'm looking forward the game too. We are here at Parlor Pizza, where there is pizza. If you. I would you come and join us? You can come sit with some of your KSR fans, order food. I've been asked a lot, Ryan. I want to make something clear. I've been asked a lot. Have we forgotten the Ryan has to eat out by himself? We have not. It's been really a travel circumstance. I have not been here. And then next week, of course, is Thanksgiving. I'm now maybe targeting the week after Thanksgiving. But I want you to know you're not. You're not out of doing that. I know you thought if you didn't mention it, nobody would do, but you're not out of the week of going and eating by yourself.

[Ryan Lemond]

I really thought it was gonna be one of those Matt Jones ideas like the camp out The Wadi Werewolf, 24 Hours of Ryan radio. I thought this was gonna just kind of slide in that ether and we all forget about it.

[Caller or Guest]

It still could.

[Matt Jones]

Don't worry. It's not. I'm not gonna let it because I have people reminding me they want to see you be alone for a period of time. So I just want people to know we have not forgotten it. And I want you to maybe you can get some practice this weekend.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, I did have a little practice last night. Yoga girl had something to do, so I went to the. The opening of the Festival of Lights at Applebee's football Park.

[Matt Jones]

I saw that. What was that?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, you know, like, they've got the Christmas lights at the horse park you have to drive through. This is similar, but you walk through it. You park and you walk through the ballpark. It's really kind of cool. But I had to eat by myself there. Even though a lot of people around, I still ate by myself there.

[Frank Franklin]

If you go to the holiday show by yourself, that's much worse than eating out alone.

[Ryan Lemond]

I went to the holiday show by myself. Ate by my. Walked by through the thing by myself.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, so that counts.

[Ryan Lemond]

There's one down.

[Matt Jones]

No, that doesn't count. But that is sad in its own way.

[Frank Franklin]

Yeah, that's much worse than going to dinner.

[Matt Jones]

Well, it's better. I went to dinner at a restaurant and ended up with a dude screaming at me the whole time. And. Which was which. That's a People. That's a rare experience. But there was a drunk guy at the bar just screaming, matt Jones. And then he would laugh like he had said the funniest thing in the world. And then he just got. And then he. Wait a few couple minutes, he'd go mad, and then he would just.

[Caller or Guest]

Sounds like a pleasant experience. Did you at least take his picture?

[Matt Jones]

No. I mean, I contemplate. I sit there and go, okay, because there's, like an angel and a devil on my shoulders there. There's like, my mom going, don't give him the time of day. This. You would just be acknowledging him. But, like. And my mom is right.

[Caller or Guest]

Yep.

[Matt Jones]

And then there's the devil going, I want to embarrass this dude and maybe take his picture and. But I ended up. I let it. I let. My mom went out and I just. I left and so what are you gonna do?

[Caller or Guest]

See, you're just to that level now where you can't even go out in public without getting.

[Matt Jones]

Heck, normally, it's totally fine. I don't. I don't know why this guy. He was particularly rude. But nevertheless, we're here, here today, and like I said, dual weekend. Basketball tonight, football tomorrow. One of the things I was gonna ask is which one you're more excited about. Ryan is clear. It's football. Yep. For me, it's football. Does it. Is anybody basketball?

[Frank Franklin]

I'm basketball.

[Matt Jones]

Okay.

[Frank Franklin]

I mean, I am excited about football, but I'm just looking at what's in front of me. I'll get to football in the morning. I know we won't get any questions answered tonight, but I just. I need a good taste in my mouth. I need some joy around Kentucky basketball. Assuming this is a blowout. I just need to smile again with that team in Rupert.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. So we had. They had the Pope press conference after it was over. I think really two or three noteworthy things about it. One, he basically said, you know, and this is going to be my last time bringing it up because I do think fans are kind of exhausted of it. But it is worth noting he tried to close the. The book on the Louisville thing by saying it was nothing, which, you know, don't believe you. I don't believe him either. I'm going to be honest. I love you, Mark. I don't believe you. You don't bring something like that up and then go, we're going to tease Taylor Swift, let you think about it, and then go, hey, why are you all wondering about it? What's going on? Like, he started that. It's fine. It is what it is. I do think it's not productive for it to keep being brought up, but that's on him. That's. That's a screw up on his. On his part. Second thing he said, though, and I do think this is a little different and important is he said there are no chemistry issues on the team. He was like, all the talk out there about them not liking each other, etc. He said, that is not true. Now, my. My inclination is going to be to believe him, but then I don't know. What do you think about that?

[Caller or Guest]

I've never heard a coach say, we have chemistry issues in the locker room.

[Matt Jones]

What do you guys say?

[Caller or Guest]

What else would you expect him to say? And like you said, I don't believe that there's nothing to it. Because if there was nothing to it, why bring it up at all in the first place? So clearly.

[Matt Jones]

Well, to be fair, he didn't bring up that they had chemistry.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

He brought up that something happened the fans have created. And I'm not saying the fans are wrong. Right. I'm just saying the sort of rumors about chemistry are like people like us watching their body language. Right. And then fans, these kind of stories. My thought about chemistry. Drew has always just been watching them on the court. They don't look like a group of guys who kind of love each other. I mean, that could be wrong, but that's what it's. Look, that's where mine come from.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Frank Franklin]

I'm the same way. And we have multiple friends that are at that game in New York. It's just not what's on tv. They're just looking at them. They're looking at Michigan State, a team that's playing for each other, and they're looking at Kentucky, a team that wasn't. And some of it on bat. There's been times there's been an open guy, and he doesn't pass it.

[Matt Jones]

You know what?

[Frank Franklin]

That's could be nothing, but it's just from a basketball standpoint, there's no chemistry. And then I worry about even the team liking each other, but they're not a cohesive unit right now. There's no debating that whatever is going on.

[Matt Jones]

There were. I talked to two different people that were sitting Ryan, like, courtside in two different places, and they both had essentially the same art thing. They were like. There's apparently an incident where Brandon Garrison and some teammates yelled at each other. Not like in a fighting way, but in a arguing way. But the bigger thing was they just. They were like. They don't communicate. They don't seem to talk. And then I heard some, like Mark Pope sort of being a level of upset. You don't see a lot. I mean, I. I don't think you can act like things are rosy right now. Whatever. Whatever the case is, I don't think they're rosy.

[Ryan Lemond]

We can all look. I mean, we're basketball bennies. We can all look.

[Matt Jones]

Something is off.

[Ryan Lemond]

Something is just a little off. And I think it's a combination of everything you said. Maybe Pope has backed it out of character. Maybe they had a little issue in the locker room. Maybe they're being a little selfish on the court. Maybe losing Jalen Lowe's put him into a tailspin. I think it's kind of maybe a combination of all that.

[Matt Jones]

Well, let's talk about a couple other things from it. First of all, he said that Brandon Garrison is the second most efficient player on the team right now, which, I don't know.

[Caller or Guest]

You wouldn't think that.

[Matt Jones]

I'm always. I'm a numbers guy. Like, I'm a big believer in. If the numbers say it, the numbers say it. Like, I sometimes I don't like when people argue with numbers, because I'm like, numbers are objective. I don't know if these numbers are objective. You know, maybe if you include the games against the bad teams. He's done really well against them, but he was very adamant. Look, Brandon Garrison's the second bet, most efficient guy. He's done a lot better than people realize. So I don't think this is a guy Drew that he's going to be out of the starting lineup soon.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Frank Franklin]

And this is the pope speak. We knew we're going to get. Everything is always perfect and rosy. Like, someone asked about Brandon Garrison. You can say he's not playing as well as we need him. He needs to get his butt in gear. But he spun it to. Oh, but his efficiency numbers. Like, at some point, we can be a little negative. We have eyeballs, like, let's call it like we see it. We don't have to put a positive, beautiful, extraordinary spin on literally everything.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, so with that point, I had some people write me last night and let you. You. You tell me if. What your thought is on that and say that they feel like you are. I don't. They said turning. I don't believe you're turning on Pope, but that you have, like, a lot of negativity about the Pope experience right now. Would you agree with that?

[Frank Franklin]

Hell, yes.

[Matt Jones]

Did you watch the last two games?

[Frank Franklin]

My God. We were down by 20 in our only two meaningful games. Now, I'm not saying fire the guy, and I still think it can get corrected, but I'm not going to act like that was a fun eight days we just went through at all.

[Matt Jones]

And I'm also annoyed you don't usually get like this, though. I mean, this is not.

[Frank Franklin]

We also don't go down by 24 to Louisville. Like, let's. It's strictly bass basketball and then acting like it's fine when it's not. It can get fine. This is all just me reacting to the last eight days. But my other big complaint. He keeps saying we flipped the switch too early. Why are we flipping switches for marquee games? Like, shouldn't they already know this is Louisville. Why is there a literal switch?

[Ryan Lemond]

Right.

[Frank Franklin]

All right, guys, let's get ready now. No, they should have been ready weeks ago.

[Matt Jones]

But you also don't want to hear flip switch again. I'm just, you know, for. For longtime listeners of this show, I think they know, like, they know all of our personality.

[Ryan Lemond]

These.

[Matt Jones]

And this is a lot more worked up than you usually get.

[Frank Franklin]

Okay, let me remind you all, we.

[Matt Jones]

Were down by 20 in the only.

[Frank Franklin]

Two games that have mattered.

[Matt Jones]

All right?

[Frank Franklin]

I'm not.

[Matt Jones]

I'm not wrong. I'm not saying you're all right. You would agree this is not a normal Drew. Okay, one more.

[Frank Franklin]

It's not normal being down by 20.

[Caller or Guest]

Drew's got Pope fatigue already.

[Matt Jones]

Well, it does sound like that a little bit. It does. I, I, you know, I think the listeners that were reacting, I mean, it does. Do you have Pope fatigue?

[Frank Franklin]

It's not Pope specific. I don't know if I'm not making my point. We've played two games, and at the tip, we weren't in.

[Matt Jones]

I think you're making your point, but.

[Frank Franklin]

Like, I can't act like that's fine. We don't do that in Kentucky. We've never done that. When have we been down by 20 to Louisville?

[Matt Jones]

No, exactly.

[Frank Franklin]

So, yes, that's what I'm reacting to.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I mean, so me and Pope are good.

[Frank Franklin]

I wish we'd stop flipping switches and it's beautiful. You all speculate. I'm down.

[Matt Jones]

I'm.

[Frank Franklin]

I'm tired of being down by 20.

[Ryan Lemond]

It was quite embarrassing when Michigan State puts their walk ons in at the end of the game because they're beating us so bad.

[Frank Franklin]

Exactly when does that happen?

[Ryan Lemond]

That was.

[Frank Franklin]

It should never happen.

[Matt Jones]

Very, very rarely. Well, I, I am, I am concerned not so much about Mark or the State Department. I'm concerned that this team's just not very good. And that, that's what worries me is that I'm sitting there looking and I think that text message I got, that sort of look. I had this inclination back in July, but my saving grace was that Jalen Lowe I thought was going to be a star. But it just. If. I just wonder if we just don't have enough good guys. I mean, Rick Patino said yesterday, and I thought this was a really interesting comment, and maybe we'll talk about it later. Rick said college basketball is better right now than it's been in 25 years. And I actually think that's right. I think a lot of people like to complain about nil, and I think NIL has had some negative effects on football. When it comes to basketball, the quality of play is better now. You got guys staying longer. The thing everybody wanted. Everybody wanted people to stay longer. Well, now they're staying longer. You got foreign players coming in that could have been pros and in some cases were pros, and they're now coming in. The freshmen are now skipping G league and overtime, they're coming. This is more talent in college basketball than has existed. And if you watch some of these other games, like even last night, Wake Forest played Texas Tech, and it was a great game. And you watch these games and then I go, are our guys good enough for this? Like, I got. I see Illinois's got like five guys who can take people off the dribble and score and hit threes. And I'm like, I mean are we good enough? I. I don't know. And so that, that's what kind of worries me is did we accident? Did we sort of stack a team of role players with two stars that are hurt and a third guy? No way. That's just not doing his thing.

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know.

[Caller or Guest]

We're gonna find out. We got a tough slot ahead.

[Matt Jones]

We do.

[Caller or Guest]

St. John's North Carolina. Gonzaga.

[Matt Jones]

That's kind of what worries me. 859-280-2287 we are here at Parlor Pizza. Ryan Lemon, who soon will be eating by himself a worked up Drew Franklin in a regular shade in the Dew. We'll take a break and be right back. This is Parlor Pizza. No, this is ksr.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[LEGO Star Wars Promoter]

When you say LEGO Star wars, the first thing you think of is imagination or action. Or both. Definitely both. Like with Jango Fett's Starship. I mean with stud blasters, seismic charges and three minifigures, your kid is going to be creating stories until the banthas come home. And for yourself, there's the Jango Fett's Firespray class Starship LEGO set from the Ultimate Collector series. Enjoy some Jedi Master level mindfulness during your building time. Shop now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in lego retail stores.

[Jenna Kim Jones]

Breaking news everybody. Not everything is terrible. I repeat, not everything is terrible. The ripple effect Jenna Kim Jones is proof that the Internet it hasn't ruined Humanity entirely. It's hosted by me, Jenna. I'm a comedian, so you know it's gonna be funny and uplifting. Of course. Each episode of the Ripple Effect features real stories of kindness, of barbers changing more than just their clients haircut, of the secret life, of leftover hotel soap, of vending machines that dispense just the help that someone might need. It's like the magic, you guys. So put down your doom scroller and pick up your faith in humanity and join me, Jenna, for the Ripple Effect. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. You really can. Listen to the Ripple Effect with Jenna Kim Jones on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Making the holidays magical for everyone on your list. It's no small feat, but with TJ Maxx, your magic multiplies with quality finds arriving daily through Christmas Eve, you'll save on luxe cashmere, the latest tech toys and more. So you can check off every name on your list and treat yourself to a holiday look that'll turn heads. Now you know where to go to make all that holiday magic. It's TJ Maxx. Of course. It's shaping up to be a very magical holiday.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio 859280-2287. It is fascinating for me to read the text machine and read f reactions. First of all, seems like a lot of people agree with Drew. You can call me Frank. Today I was about to say, well, that's. What is this? Frank, Frank.

[Frank Franklin]

Frank's here.

[Matt Jones]

He's a legacy from the caliperia. What's. What's funny though, to me is there are at in literally back to back text Shannon. There are people that complain that KSR in general is both too negative and too sunshine pump.

[Caller or Guest]

Oh, really?

[Caller]

Wow.

[Matt Jones]

That's really just means that for those people, they just want you to reflect whatever their opinion is. I just want to hear it right back. Whatever my opinion is the right opinion, give it back to me. I am, I am surprised. I'm. I'm both surprised and not surprised. We're struggling. I'm surprised we're struggling by so much. I didn't think Mark Pops would lose by this amount of points to teams, but I am not surprised that with this otega away not playing well. Ryan, we're struggling so much because I still, I, I said all year we're only going to be good if Jayl Low's good and we don't have low and OA has struggled. Now, we had some good news, I think, about Low yesterday.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yes, we did.

[Matt Jones]

Which is Pope said, essentially, we're going to work and we're going to try to give it another go or something like that. So that says to me, he hasn't given up on the season, which I assumed he would have, to be honest. So I heard that as he's going to try to play again, and that's good. Is that how you heard it?

[Ryan Lemond]

It's exactly how I heard it. I think we all heard before the Michigan State game, it was the other way. He was leaning towards surgery. Maybe that game kind of made him want to come back and help the team. He saw how pitiful they were without him.

[Caller or Guest]

They were.

[Ryan Lemond]

You know, they were. He makes a difference. The minute he walks on the. On the court, he just, you know, the offense just runs better, more efficient. But even without. Without him, Ortega is still the key man. He has got to snap out of this.

[Matt Jones]

But I think he turns some of those role players Drew into really good players. Like a guy who's a. Who's a third option. It's harder for him if he's the second option, but if he gets to be the third option. Right. So if Denzel Aberdeen is the dude you're leaving open to guard away and Low. Okay, now wait a minute. But if we're all standing around waiting on Denzel Aberdeen to score, I don't know. So, like, at Florida, he got to be that guy because Walter Clayton and those guys were getting. And he got to kind of be the third, fourth option. Maybe all these guys are meant for a role that with Low out and away not playing well, they don't get to do.

[Frank Franklin]

Yeah. And, you know, I know we got used to the one and done and guys just are what they are, but guys are supposed to get better each year. And I know a lot of these were just role players, but when you lock them in, you're hoping they get better. And two of the starters have not only not gotten better, they seem to have gotten worse. And that is a huge problem.

[Matt Jones]

That's a really good point about this. We got so used to one and done that, like, whatever we saw, that's just what they were. Guys get better. Like, look at, you know, Colin Chandler, like, college, always a perfect. I don't know what always, like, as a freshman, but he wasn't probably what he is. So, you know, I will say that Jamal Mashburn and then we'll. We'll move on. Jamal Mashburn was on a different game last night, and he's sitting with, I mean, there's a lot of people with Kentucky connections. Adam Lefkoe was the host, used to be in Louisville. Mashburn's on there. Bruce Pearl's on there. Jalen Rose and his steak hair are on there. And, and they, and Mashburn said they're not playing like Wildcats. They're a team that, with a bunch of kitties and basically said, you need a dude. That was just a. Mashman was saying, you need a dude. And he was like, none of these guys look like a dude. That's kind of what we've been saying, Ryan. But it was interesting to hear Mashburn, who was certainly a dude in his day, say that.

[Ryan Lemond]

So the, the optimistic Kentucky fan might say, matt, the calendar does still say November. There's plenty of time to turn.

[Matt Jones]

But who's the dude? If Jalen Lowe does it, Let's, I mean, if we're being, this is why I'm worried. If Jalen Lowe doesn't come back, who's the dude?

[Ryan Lemond]

It's got to be Otega, man. Don't you think? It's got to be.

[Matt Jones]

And I, I, I don't know. Maybe it's, I, I, I, I don't know. If he's that guy, you know, and.

[Caller or Guest]

Jaden Quaintance comes back, can he be that guy?

[Matt Jones]

Maybe. So maybe.

[Frank Franklin]

He'll certainly help defensively in rebound.

[Matt Jones]

He will, he will help with that a lot.

[Caller or Guest]

You know, assuming Jaylen Lowe will come back, and that's a big assumption. But if he does and if Quaint, you know, recovers, I want to see what this team looks like fully healthy, then I'll judge the team. I'm going to reserve my judgment until that happens.

[Matt Jones]

I will, too, if you promise me they'll be fully healthy. We haven't seen Jay and Quaint play a game yet.

[Ryan Lemond]

Right.

[Matt Jones]

And we don't know about Jalen Lowe. So we'll see who's up first. 859-280-2287 Adam. Adam, go ahead, Adam. Go ahead, Adam. Or don't. Who's next?

[Ryan Lemond]

Brian.

[Matt Jones]

Brian. Go ahead, Brad.

[Caller]

Amen. Thank you for taking my call. I was listening to Jack last night on his sources say and he was talking about Mark's, Mark Pope's inability to read the room, like with the fan base in his post game press conferences. And then he went into how this is, how this is affecting recruiting and he gave, you know, like some examples about, like how it's carrying over, like in to the recruiting area. And I was wondering if you had heard anything like that. I'll hang up and listen. Thank you.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I have not. I mean, Jack. Jack, I. I don't do, like, I don't talk to high school kids or coaches anymore. So I, I can't. Jack would know that a lot better than mine, than me. You know, there's always been this question about, well, how does Mark relate to. To players, et cetera? Is there because, you know, I mean, he's Shannon, kind of a corny guy. Like. Like, so how does that. How does that work? My view has always be been judging by what he brings in. Now, we haven't brought in a superstar yet, and so you do wonder about that. So I can't say about the recruiting thing. I. I still think Ryan fans still really love the guy, and I think he's done a really good job of reading the room except the last eight or ten days. So I don't want to just say, like, make these grand pronouncements that he doesn't know how to talk to fans. I just think he's had a bad couple weeks.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. And we talked about that whole Louisville pregame incident. He's the one that initiated that. He brought it up to us. We would probably never know anything ever happened. He didn't even say anything. I think he's too honest to a fault sometimes. And maybe he's kind of learning by fire that maybe there's some things that need to stay in the locker room.

[Caller or Guest]

You should know that, though he played here, he knows this fan base.

[Matt Jones]

But you also can just have a bad week. You can, you know, you can just have a bad week. Sometimes you're grumpy. You know, sometimes I walk out of the show and go, I don't know if that's what I wanted to say, you know, and he, he. He only gets 10 minutes in front of us three times. Right. So, you know, maybe he just had bad days. We'll see. The problem is we're not going to know anything else till we play somebody good.

[Frank Franklin]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

And it's two weeks away until we do. We'll take a break here. Parlor Pizza, this is Kentucky Sports Radio. TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call tj. He'll make him pay.

[Caller or Guest]

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

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back, Tucky Sports Radio. Liam, you do a good job with the music selection. I do have to say, I mean, like, you know, you're not. You're no Shannon, but you do. You do a good job with the Music selection. And Liam, I do appreciate it when you're there. I try to play get the people going, you know. Well, I don't know if it gets people going, but I, I, it gets me going, but I just like you do it. On topic, we are here at Parlo Pizza. It was named best of Lexington 2025 for their amazing pizzas, by the way. So congratulations. Those awards just came out. We won best wings and we won best place to watch a game.

[Ryan Lemond]

Nice.

[Matt Jones]

And this place won best pizza. And they deserve it. They're growing. Got location in Hamburg on Richmond Road, and they have a UK room right over here. It's a private party room that you could use to watch UK games or other sporting events. I know Drew has used it and is going to use it, so it's right over here. Before you folks that are here leave, make sure you go check it out. Very cool room in there. Well, here at Parlor Pizza for the.

[Frank Franklin]

Arkansas game, I'll be here.

[Matt Jones]

859280, 2287. I don't want to make this all, like, you know, complaining, so I also want to talk about a couple other things. I got a question for you. Right.

[Ryan Lemond]

All right, let's go.

[Matt Jones]

The, the, the guy that's in charge of the transportation department, his name is Sean Duffy. He was on the the Real World or Road Rules or one of those. So he's perfect to run the transportation department. He, he did an interview and he said a bunch of things about the holiday travel season. But one thing he said is he is. He thinks people should dress up more when they go on planes. He said that if everyone dressed up more when we went on planes, it would be a better experience. Now, I know back in the day, like, you would see those pictures in, like, the 50s and 60s, people would wear suits or they would dress up and they would look really, you know, they would look, look like they're going to church when they go on planes. Of course now people, like, look like they just woke up going on planes. You like to fly, sprint to a lot of places. Do you think that that would be spirit? Do you think it would be better for people to dress up? And then if they, if they, if you did, will you dress up to go on plane?

[Ryan Lemond]

Absolutely not. I mean, where else in our lives are we crammed into a metal cylinder? When you're sitting in the middle of all and you're trying to find a place just to lay back and put your head and put your elbows, you want to be comfortable, man, I'm Wearing sweats and a hoodie and flip flops and I'm being comfortable.

[Matt Jones]

But do you think if people dressed up, it would be like, everybody be more polite and civilized and it would be a better experience for everyone?

[Ryan Lemond]

No. Make me more uncomfortable there for you.

[Matt Jones]

Especially because you don't ever dress up.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Matt Jones]

Anything. What about you? No.

[Frank Franklin]

I mean, actually, I like when I see usually someone a little older, they're there and they're in, like, a full suit. I have, like, a briefcase.

[Matt Jones]

It's kind of sweet when I see.

[Frank Franklin]

That, but I'm not. I'm not doing it. I'm usually taking the first flight in the morning. I usually roll out of bed and crawl into an Uber and get to the airport.

[Matt Jones]

I see all those pictures, Shannon, from, like, the 50s and 60s when people did dress up. And I don't know when that changed, because I can't think of a time in my lifetime that I've ever seen in people not just look terrible right. On a plane. So when did that change?

[Caller or Guest]

Because, you know, with the hippies in the 60s, probably he traded in their suits for tie dye. And, you know, I mean, I don't.

[Matt Jones]

Know that I'm the best person to talk because I wear a hoodie almost every day. But like. But like, I. I've talked about. I don't like churches now. I don't like the whole wear jeans to church thing. I. That. But. But I don't consider planes like that. To me, planes. I don't know if me wearing a suit's gonna make anything better. It's just gonna give me a wrinkle jacket.

[Caller or Guest]

Exactly. Gonna make you more uncomfortable. And if you're traveling, I'm all about comfort. I really don't care how I look. I'm there for comfort.

[Matt Jones]

So you don't think that's going to change?

[Caller or Guest]

I don't think that will ever change anytime soon.

[Matt Jones]

All right, well, that was.

[Frank Franklin]

I didn't know the Road Rules guys are transportation.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, it's Sean Duffy. He married. I think he married a woman from Road Rules. Or, excuse me, from Real World. It was a Road rules, Real World marriage.

[Frank Franklin]

The challenge was a challenge marriage.

[Matt Jones]

They did. They married together. She, his wife was on the one with Puck eating the guy's peanut butter.

[Frank Franklin]

Okay. That's back when I used to watch.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, me too.

[Frank Franklin]

I guess it makes sense.

[Matt Jones]

That's true. He traveled. He was perfect for the transportation department. Who's up next? Otis. Otis. Go ahead, Otis.

[Caller]

How you gentlemen doing? I know you're doing. Well, I'm not Going to ask that retort question.

[Matt Jones]

I haven't heard from you in a long time, Otis. So I want you to get that engine revved and start talking fast.

[Caller]

All right, man. I just got two concerns. I'm a little concerned about Mark Pope. The last, I want to say, dating back to the tournament, the last big, big game, not the little game he has got blown out. Tennessee Georgetown, Louisvill, of course, this last one. So I'm a little concerned about that situation. Hope we can get that rectified. And my main concern is with. Oh, wait. I'm thinking in my mind, this is my, you know, I'm really objective, and this is my opinion. I'm thinking in my mind, he thought he should have went to the draft and should be in the NBA. He didn't want to come back to college because, you guys think about it. He waited to the last second to declare he's coming back. But in my mind, he thought he probably was a better prospect than Lamont Butler and some of the other guys that got drafted. So he's stuck in limbo. Like, man, I want to be here, but I don't want to be here. I want to be here for the money, but at the same time, I want to go into my. Start my career.

[Matt Jones]

So what do you.

[Caller]

I want hang up and get you a pain on that. Thank you, guys. Holiday and look forward to you.

[Matt Jones]

Here's my secret for fans. When you talk about wanting to be in the NBA, here's a little secret. Every single guy wants to be in the NBA. Everyone. Every single one of them. All of them. So I don't care. Think about Reed Shepherd. You remember how everybody go. Reed Shepherd's from Kentucky and he loves his place. And he'll want. Like, when he had a chance to go to the NBA, what'd he do?

[Caller or Guest]

Went to the NBA.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, all these guys want to go to the NBA. So I'm not going to hold it against OA that he wanted to go to the NBA, right? We've had guys wait till the last minute, come back the next year and be great, you know, so Keith Bogan's perfect example tried to go to the NBA twice, got turned down twice, came back his senior year and had one of the best years for UK in the last 25 years. So that, to me, Ryan is not an excuse for him playing bad, is he wanted to be in the NBA. All these guys wanted to be in the NBA. You know, Jalen Lowe went through the process as well. He wasn't picked, but, I mean, like, or he wasn't going to be selected. But they all want to be in the NBA.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's like last year they played with like a chip on his shoulder. Like, I have to something to prove that I do belong here and I do be an NBA prospect. This year it seemed like that that's missing and I, I don't know what's between his ears right now. If he's just so concentrating on what the NBA scouts told him that you got to become a net three point shooter if you're ever going to play in this league. And he thinks that's what I have to do. Come out and shoot seven, eight threes a game.

[Matt Jones]

I think it's a combination of that, Drew. And then there's a combination of the thing he was good at is hard for him because we're not making shots. We're not spacing the floor and the lanes. He got last year. Excuse me, he's not getting. And don't forget Amari Williams used to be at the top of the key leading the offense. And Brandon Garrison doesn't do quite the same job at that maybe as Amari Williams did.

[Frank Franklin]

And he had more shooters around him. I think that's a very big problem for Away right now. I actually went back and watched his highlights the other day and he would get the ball and the second it touched his hands, no hesitation.

[Matt Jones]

Yep, I'm going to the rim.

[Frank Franklin]

And he was finishing. I don't know that he's done that once this year. I mean, he's attacked, but there's been some delay. We pass around the perimeter. You take a shot, I'll take a shot. He seems like a completely different player and I get the caller's point, but almost flip it the other way. I watched Away in the combine. He was playing really well. He should see Nichols in Eastern Illinois and be like, I am going to kill these guys. And he doesn't have that attitude.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, he hasn't had, he said 12 or 14 points, but we probably need him to have 20 or 22. Like you were reading some of his box scores at the end of last year. Who's next? Kenji. Kenji, go ahead.

[Caller]

Hey guys, thank you for taking my call. First off, I heard you all talking about more talent in the in college nowadays. Do you feel like why you think we're missing out on that talent? Hopefully we can get a guy like Tyron Stokes. And then secondly, I'd like to say, how do you all feel about maybe moving. I love Colin Chandler, first of all, maybe moving him to Second string and bringing in Jasper to start because I think that Colin will give us a boost off that second string because our second string has been struggling.

[Matt Jones]

Well, I mean, if we don't have Colin, then I wonder who's gonna make a shot. I think you do that. We've just made our shooting even worse than it was before. I'm still starting Colin Chandler, at least at this point. You know, if you're just asking who deserves to be benched of the starters, it'd be oa. I mean, if we're being real, if you want to take two starters that deserve to be bench, it'd be OA and Garrison and then you'd start Johnson and Moreno, the freshman. So I, I would not take out Colin Chandler. Appreciate the call. Now, why are we getting the top guys? It's an interesting question.

[Ryan Lemond]

It is.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, so you, you look at recruiting right now, we have yet to get a top guy. Not from the state of Kentucky. We've yet to do it. And that's an issue, especially this year in a class where the freshmen are really good. Like there's some really good freshmen. AJ DeVonts at BYU, Caleb Wilson at North Carolina, Darren Peterson at Kansas, but Cameron Boozer at Duke, the kid out at Arizona whose name I forget. But he's been, he's been. He's just as good as he's been. He's been really good. I mean there's been all these dudes really playing. Then you go back last year to the Portal. Donovan Dent, probably the number one player in the portal, ended up not getting him. The kid that went to Michigan, Yaxel, whatever ended up not getting him. We did get Jalen Lowe, but he was kind of our second choice at point guard. A lot of guys we. The guy Ryan called incorrectly, Lamar Wilkinson. Why do you think when it comes, we've gotten a ton of really good players, but why do you think we haven't gotten the great player yet under Pope?

[Ryan Lemond]

I don't know. I think it's a question we can't answer. That's why these, these like you mentioned the other day, there's these three top freshmen. Kentucky's got to get one of those three guys or the perception that he can't get anybody is just going to grow.

[Matt Jones]

Well, let's use that. I mean we are kind of very. We're either one or two with like three of the top 12 players in the country. But like all the other non players signed with their schools. Why are the three we want, why aren't they coming like, why is it all the other guys are get. Teams are getting their guy locked up, Drew, and we're not. Like, why? That, that's. That doesn't make sense.

[Ryan Lemond]

No.

[Frank Franklin]

And it could be Pope's personality. But one thing I thought the moment he took the job is he does not play anyone over 30 minutes a game. We see it, saw it last year, we're seeing it now. He wants to play 10 deep. And if you're a five star, number one stokes either number two, number three, you're gonna get 30 to 35 minutes wherever you go. And whatever he's doing in the living rooms, what he's saying, I think just the way he shows he doesn't give people the minutes and let them kind of be the guy.

[Matt Jones]

That's what Jack Pilgrim thinks it is.

[Frank Franklin]

I mean, Jack, the moment he took the job, because at BYU, he. Everybody played about the same minutes in the 20s.

[Caller or Guest]

I think Mark Pope is too nice, too honest, too open. And say what you want about Caliperi, he was a great salesman. I don't see that in.

[Matt Jones]

Here's what's interesting, though. He's also. He's not playing some of those freshmen this year. And then he just lost two guys that they thought they were going to get.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Last day, I mean, he had a kid flip from Arkansas to Maryland on the last day. That didn't used to happen. So I wonder if it's just fundamentally a different game and we haven't adapted.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yet because of money. We got the money.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Frank Franklin]

I'm worried they're using us to get more money from other people.

[Matt Jones]

That might be true. Kentucky Skin Cancer center, they just sent us a new travel skin care set set right here for today. It's sitting right over there. We're all going to take it with us. They gave us the products that they. We had in Owensboro before the live show. This holiday season, Kentucky Skin Cancer center is giving KSR Lifters listeners 15 off a travel skin care set. So go to Kentuckyskincancercenter.com you want to know what's in it?

[Ryan Lemond]

What's in it?

[Matt Jones]

Cream serum. It brightens your skin, makes you look younger. I expect you to use it. I'm going to use it. It's the travel Skin Care set. Go to Set. Go to. Go to Kentuckyskincancercenter.com use code KSR. And it's a good gift for the men and women in your life, a little travel thing. Let's pull our. Pull one of ours out there, Billy, so we can wake up Billy. There you go. Kentuckyskincancer.com promo code KSR. That's your travel skin refresh.

[Ryan Lemond]

It's gonna make me look like a movie star.

[Caller or Guest]

Slow down.

[Frank Franklin]

Papaya Enzyme Gentle Cleanser.

[Matt Jones]

I like Papaya Miracle Cream. We will take a break and be right back here at Parlor Pizza. This is ksr.

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[Jenna Kim Jones]

Breaking news everybody. Not everything is terrible. I repeat, not everything is terrible. The Ripple Effect with Jenna Kim Jones is proof that the Internet it hasn't ruined humanity entirely. It's hosted by me, Jenna. I'm a comedian, so you know it's gonna be funny and uplifting. Of course each episode of The Ripple Effect features real stories of kindness, of barbers changing more than just their client's haircut, of the secret life, of leftover hotel soap, of vending machines that dispense just the help that someone might need. It's like magic, you guys. So put down your doom scroller and pick up your faith in humanity and join me, Jenna, for the Ripple Effect. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. You really can. Listen to the Ripple Effect with Jenna Kim Jones on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Making the holidays magical for everyone on your list. It's no small feat, but with TJ Maxx, your magic multiplies with quality finds arriving daily through Christmas Eve.

[Caller]

Save.

[Jenna Kim Jones]

You'll save on luxe cashmere, the latest tech toys, and more. So you can check off every name on your list and treat yourself to a holiday look that'll turn heads. Now you know where to go to make all that holiday magic. It's TJ Maxx. Of course. It's shaping up to be a very magical holiday.

[Matt Jones]

Welcome back. It is Kentucky Sports Radio 859-280-2287 here at Parlor Pizza, Best pizza in Lexington, and folks are starting to order the hot honey pepperoni. Is that right?

[Frank Franklin]

That's right.

[Caller or Guest]

Yep. These wings look amazing. I can't wait to try one of those.

[Matt Jones]

Looking forward to to try it. One person writes, Matt, I'm for Frank Franklin. I think instead of playing paying 11 or 12 guys and being deep, we should pay six or seven dudes and then have role players then, you know, I mean, we'll find out. Maybe that is the strategy. I don't know. I mean, I. But then, and we did that last year, then people got hurt and we were going, hey, I wish we had more players. I mean, remember when we. Part of the issue last year is we were playing Travis Perry and we're playing guys and we're like, oh, now we're not good enough. So I don't know. I mean, I think whatever you do, the injuries can what the greatest plans of mice and men. What is it? Best laid plans of mice and men may not matter if you get hurt.

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah. We've always said you can judge a team by how many NBA guys they got.

[Matt Jones]

We have none.

[Ryan Lemond]

That that tells you right there the talent level.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, we will have one when Jaden Quaint plays, but he's not playing right now. But right now on the court tonight, we will not have one NBA player playing there Might be guys who develop in the NBA players, but there are no NBA players right now playing. And by the way, there were no NBA players on the team last year. Like real ones. I'm not saying those guys can't make the league and play, but. Right. Consistently making the league and being we didn't have him last year, we don't have him this year.

[Ryan Lemond]

Drew.

[Matt Jones]

It's just how it is.

[Frank Franklin]

And I. As you said with the freshman, I think this college basketball season is going to be pretty unique with how many stars. There are even some transfer portal guys like Hagerty who we could have gone after. I think he had like 40 for Kansas State last night and just doing whatever he wanted.

[Matt Jones]

Do you remember the guy's name? What was it? Magoon Guath or whatever from San Diego state. He had 24. 4 in his last game. And if you watch it, you go, oh, he would have been nice. So. But maybe those guys will end up showing up for us as we go. 859280, 2287. I have a question for you, Ryan.

[Ryan Lemond]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Jenny Buss. Do you know who Jenny Buss is?

[Ryan Lemond]

Owner of the Lakers.

[Matt Jones]

Owner of the Lakers. Yesterday she fired her two brothers as the head of scouting for the Lakers. Lakers. So her two brothers, Joey and Jesse had kind of been running the Lakers scouting department and she got rid of them and said it was nice having you here, brothers, but get out. Now presumably they all sort of own the team together, but she runs it. I don't know if dad. I guess dad selected her and said. Because I think in their TV show the two brothers are both idiots. She. So she. They select the one. But do you think you could fire your brother from the team that you all own together?

[Ryan Lemond]

It's going to make for a very awkward Thanksgiving next week when they sit down and you look across the table and there's your two brothers and you fired both of them. I don't. I could maybe firing, but I would reassign him to a different position. You know, like let's. Let's move you down to a.

[Matt Jones]

What?

[Ryan Lemond]

Head of custodial services or something.

[Caller or Guest]

Here's a bomb.

[Frank Franklin]

I think that's work. Worse.

[Matt Jones]

I think that it's definitely worse.

[Caller or Guest]

At least you're still employed.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's right.

[Matt Jones]

Could you fire your brother?

[Frank Franklin]

Absolutely. I mean, if I own a coffee shop. He's the barista. No, you own the Lakers. They're gonna be all right. Like, let's find someone who can run this ship. I mean, they're million billionaires. Sorry. Brothers. You had fun playing scout. Go do something else. I'm gonna get.

[Matt Jones]

What if you're Mark Stoops, can you fire your brother Mike?

[Frank Franklin]

Yes.

[Caller or Guest]

Yeah, I never would have hired him to begin with. That's about the thing. I wouldn't have been in that situation.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, you all are acting all hardcore. I've seen you all like go above and beyond for. I've seen all of you guys go above and beyond. For family members, it's easy to paycheck. We don't own the Lakers. It is theoretically possible to, To. To. To. To fire family. But it's another thing, Ryan, to do it like. I can't see you firing you. You can talk all the trash you want, but I have no. I've seen your relationship with your brother. It is hard for me to see you firing your brother.

[Ryan Lemond]

That's what I said. I would just reassign him. I just.

[Matt Jones]

But what if he doesn't want to be reassigned?

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, then I'm gonna make him be reassigned.

[Matt Jones]

So you're gonna fire.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, so you gotta. You have to move into the custodial service.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, stop with the custodial service. But like, do you like some cushy.

[Ryan Lemond]

Job in the front office? I'm sure he would like that. He's still on getting benefits.

[Matt Jones]

No, he is upset.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, no one like you reassign him. I would reassign my guy.

[Matt Jones]

I'm telling you, he's upset right now. He doesn't.

[Ryan Lemond]

My brother.

[Matt Jones]

Yes. In my. In my hypothetical, he does not want to be reassigned.

[Ryan Lemond]

Well, it's. It's that or nothing.

[Caller or Guest]

You can't always get what you want.

[Matt Jones]

Is your brother's name Chad?

[Ryan Lemond]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, okay. I thought you were just making up a name and saying your brother was Chad.

[Frank Franklin]

All right, so I'm a casual Cowboys fan. They need to do this too. I. I love that you all like having your family operations. These are billion dollar businesses. You're dealing. This isn't. This is even completely different than Stoops and Stoops.

[Ryan Lemond]

I'm.

[Frank Franklin]

When I'm thinking you own the Lakers. Yes. Get out here. Go find a hobby. Like we need to actually win and have the best of the best here.

[Matt Jones]

You all would not have good family meals after.

[Caller or Guest]

No, but we would have a good team.

[Frank Franklin]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Frank Franklin]

And we would make more money.

[Matt Jones]

It's odd to me they did it because the Lakers are better this year than they've been in a long time. Which seems like a. Which seems like a weird time to do it. Who's up next Jake. Jake. Go ahead, Jake.

[Caller]

Hey, morning Madden team. I actually have a quick comment for you and then a question about tonight's game. So to kind of piggyback off the discussion about Pope not being able to land the top recruits, I think the diagnosis for that is actually pretty simple and it's minutes per game. Did you know that we only have one guy on our team playing more than 25 minutes per game, and that's Denzel Aberdeen at 25.4. So if you're, you know, Tyron Stokes or you know, name your top favorite recruit, if you see that man, you want to play and put on good film for the NBA. So I think that'd be a pretty big deterrent for some of these guys, especially if nil money.

[Matt Jones]

I. I think that's a perfectly. I think you're exactly right. Appreciate the call. I go back to Pope, would look at the analytics and go, guys are not efficient unless they play 25 minutes. But you're exactly right. If I'm Tyron Stokes, I'm number one player in the country. Do I want to come play 20 minutes a game? Probably not. I will note Cal did the same thing often and he got guys to come. So you can do it. Ah, greetings from my bath festive friends. The holidays are overwhelming, but I'm tackling this season with PayPal and making the most of my money. Getting 5% cash back when I pay in 4. No fees, no interest. I used it to get this portable spa with jets. Now the bubbles can cling to my sculpted but pruned. Anybody make the most of your money.

[Ryan Lemond]

This holiday with PayPal.

[Matt Jones]

Save the offer in the app ends1231 see paypal.com promoter terms can be redeemed.

[Caller or Guest]

For cash and more Paying for subject.

[Matt Jones]

To terms and approval.

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[Matt Jones]

What a matchup we got y'.

[Ryan Lemond]

All.

[Matt Jones]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rockin and the crowd lit Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah.

[Frank Franklin]

It calls for an ice cold Coca Cola.

[Matt Jones]

Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola.

[Frank Franklin]

That's a winning combo.

[Matt Jones]

No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Frank Franklin]

The day begins at the Chase Sapphire lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder In San Diego, it's Tostadas New York.

[Matt Jones]

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[Frank Franklin]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Frank Franklin]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Frank Franklin]

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[Matt Jones]

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