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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.