2025-12-31- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

KSR (Kentucky Sports Radio) – December 31, 2025, Hour 2

Hosts: Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon
Special Guest: JP Blevins (former UK basketball player)
Location: KS Bar & Grill
Airing Date: December 31, 2025

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Episode Overview

The final 2025 episode of KSR takes a nostalgic, lively look back at JP Blevins’ Kentucky basketball journey and his life since, while mixing in plenty of Kentucky culture, high school stories, and reflections on the current UK basketball program. The hour is packed with personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes tales from Blevins’ playing days, insights into NIL and college athletics, and fun interactions with callers and listeners. No Matt Jones today, but Drew and Ryan fill the airwaves with classic KSR banter in front of a busy crowd at KS Bar & Grill, celebrating Wings Day and New Year's Eve.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. JP Blevins’ Kentucky Basketball Journey

• Early Fandom and Recruitment

  • Growing up in Metcalf County, dreaming of playing for UK after attending Rick Pitino’s summer camps.

    “My dad sent me to camp when I was in fourth grade, and I was like, man, I don’t care what I do in this world, but man, I could play here one day. So that was kind of a wild dream come true.” — JP Blevins (04:36)

  • Noticed as a recruit after impressing at camps like Five-Star in Pittsburgh, leading legendary scout Howard Garfinkel to tip off Rick Pitino (05:20).
  • Committed to Pitino as a junior, then stuck to UK after the Tubby Smith coaching change, even after the initial heartbreak:

    “You know, obviously for the fans, you remember what that was like. You know, we were on top of the world, and the king decides to leave. … Tubby and them, you know, they came and watched and certainly said, hey, look, we still want you, if you still want to come. So obviously, the dream trumped the coach, so that ended up going that way.” — JP Blevins (06:52)

• High School Legend and Small Town Anecdotes

  • Colorful stories of being a basketball star in rural Kentucky, including wild newspaper clippings, small town rivalries, and infamous on-court moments:

    “There’s a coffee shop owner who was quoted as saying, this is about the only excitement we’ve had around here in a while since someone shot my jukebox with the 9 millimeter.” — Ryan Lemon (08:31)

  • How he got his jersey number, and his brother’s defensive instincts after a tough foul (07:35, 09:35).
  • Tales of going off for 40+ points amid hostile opposing gym chants (10:06).

2. Wildcat Locker Room and College Career

• Playing For Tubby Smith After Committing to Pitino

  • The surprise and transition of leadership when Tubby replaced Rick.
  • “The dream was always way bigger than the coach… You’re gonna offer me a scholarship to play here, man, I’m in. I don’t have to do a lot of things.” — JP Blevins (11:47)

• Teammate Dynamics and “Team Turmoil”

  • JP details the famous in-flight fight between Gerald Fitch and Corey Sears, finally setting the record straight:

    “Gerald had some Skittles in his hand, and he was kind of pitching them across and hitting Corey in the back of the head… [Corey said,] ‘You hit me with one more Skittle and I’m coming across the aisle.’ My man threw a green Skittle and hit him in the face. And my man came across the aisle and it was on.” — JP Blevins (20:39)

  • Discussion on what UK teams may have lacked to get back to the Final Four, and how injuries (especially Jason Parker’s) derailed a title run (21:26–22:20).
  • Stories of Tubby Smith’s intense stare-downs:

    “Yeah, I don’t think anyone really escaped those. You could feel them from a mile away. … The best thing to do is just not look over there. It was pretty serious.” — JP Blevins (11:12)

• Iconic On-Court UK Moments

  • Blevins was on the floor during Tayshaun Prince’s legendary five straight threes versus North Carolina:

    “Not even close. When the fifth one went in. This is loud as I ever heard. And it was truly—you just knew. It was one of those special moments that, you know, wasn’t going to be recreated.” — JP Blevins (23:06)

  • Even upper-deck UK fans were losing their minds:

    “There was a, like, grandma behind them that almost headbutted them.” — JP Blevins (23:27)

3. NIL, Financial Guidance, and Life Beyond the Court

• Helping Calipari and the Program with NIL

  • JP was tapped informally by Coach Calipari to advise and facilitate small-group NIL fundraising, given the changing landscape and the new pressures from recruits’ families:

    “He [Calipari] comes down and basically he says, look, this NIL thing is hitting a different gear… I got some mamas calling me, saying, ‘Coach, what you going to do for me?’... So I told Coach, look, I don’t want to see any money… but I’m happy to put some guys in the room.” — JP Blevins (25:22)

  • Transitioning to the Pope staff: Relationship developing, but the structure for alumni involvement is changing (35:45).

• Personal Lessons from Basketball to Business

  • Blevins emphasizes invaluable life skills learned from chasing his UK dream:

    “Honestly, like, chasing that dream to me will always be cool that I put the jersey on. But really the real gift…is kind of who you have to become, the process of that… every major lesson that I ended up taking to the business world, I really learned from the court.” — JP Blevins (12:57)

• Financial Advice for College Athletes

  • Offers a passionate breakdown about the power of early wealth accumulation for players, compounding interest, and the real-life opportunity NIL presents:

    “Let’s just say a guy has a million dollars in post tax money … and let’s just say it compounds annually at 10%, which is historically what the S and P has done. … $32 million. So 10% doubles every seven years. … In today’s dollars, you’d be anywhere between 12 and 15 million dollars.” — JP Blevins (32:31)

  • Stresses support systems and sound investment to change family legacies.

• Gratitude, Giving Back, and Role of Mentors

  • Cites life-changing influences outside basketball (notably Chip Mahan), the importance of giving, and paying it forward.

    “My story is full with a lot of grace. Right time, right place. I got around some amazing people doing things at a high level… Seems like the happiest people that have also had some things break their way are some of the biggest givers.” — JP Blevins (29:09)

4. Listener Calls & Community Connection

• Caller Corey’s Shout-Outs

  • Light moment as a listener corrects JP about “no change” in Edmonton—now “we got a traffic light. It goes all three colors now. It used to only blink red.” (18:13–19:10)
  • Shared history: Corey's mom was JP’s elementary school teacher.

• Listener Questions: Local Favorites

  • JP’s endorsement of The Lighthouse Restaurant's biscuits, gravy, and country ham:

    “If you want biscuits and gravy and country ham, Lighthouse is your spot.” — JP Blevins (19:18)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Chasing Your Dreams at Kentucky

  “The dream trumped the coach.” — JP Blevins (06:52)

• On Life Lessons from Basketball

  “Really, the real gift…the one that stays with you is when you’re chasing something that big—of kind of who you have to become, the process of that.” — JP Blevins (12:57)

• On NIL and College Athletes' Financial Opportunity

  “You have erased what people, typical people do from 20 to 55 of grinding it out. … If they actually have the right support system, whether they ever play in the NBA one day, you can change generations of families by this opportunity they have up right now.” — JP Blevins (33:30)

• On the “Team Turmoil” Airplane Incident

  “He threw a green Skittle and hit him in the face. And my man came across the aisle and it was on…Yes. Emergency landing.” — JP Blevins (20:39–21:03)
  [On what KSR thought happened] “Glad you settled it. …It was the sugary candy that almost brought down that team.” — Drew Franklin (21:12–21:25)

• On the Iconic Tayshaun Prince Game

  “Not even close. When the fifth one went in. This is loud as I ever heard. And it was truly—one of those special moments.” — JP Blevins (23:06)

• On Kentucky Small Towns

  “Nothing’s changed in 50 years. One stoplight, not a lot to do… But nothing, nothing beats it.” — JP Blevins (09:01)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:25 — Show proper begins, introduction of JP Blevins
• 04:36 — JP’s childhood fandom and UK recruitment story
• 07:35–10:00 — High school heroics, rivalries, and local culture
• 11:12 — The Tubby Smith “stare-down”
• 12:57 — Life lessons from basketball, lasting impact
• 19:18 — Lighthouse Restaurant & Metcalf County recommendations
• 20:39–21:12 — Airplane "Skittles Fight" story
• 22:20–23:13 — Jason Parker's injury and its impact; iconic Tayshaun Prince moment
• 25:22 — Calipari, NIL, and JP's role in helping the program
• 29:09 — Giving back, financial wisdom, gratitude for mentors
• 32:31 — Explanation of compound interest and generational wealth for athletes
• 36:09 — Relationship with Mark Pope and current state of the UK basketball team
• 38:13 — Analysis of current team’s three-point shooting and performance confidence
• 39:01 — JP’s current life: family, business, giving back
• Final Minutes (46:00–49:30) — Goodbyes, New Year plans, quick football picks, setting up for Friday’s show

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Tone and Style

The episode is relaxed, humorous, and down-to-earth—filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, and a deep affection for Kentucky basketball and community life. The hosts tease each other and JP, listeners chime in with personal calls, and even memories of family quirks and rural legends make their way into the conversation, all in typical KSR fashion.

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For Newcomers

• Even if you’ve never seen JP Blevins play, his stories offer an authentic window into Kentucky high school and college ball culture, what UK basketball means to the state, and how its lessons translate to life and success after sports.
• The episode is also full of practical wisdom about the new NIL era and the importance of financial literacy for young athletes.
• Packed with heart, humor, and history, it's a fitting way for KSR to close out 2025.

Transcript

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[JP Blevins]

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[JP Blevins]

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[Drew Franklin]

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[Drew Franklin]

And Doug, what a horrible call. Hey, ref.

[JP Blevins]

Open your eyes, ref.

[Ryan Lemon]

You're really not gonna call that?

[Drew Franklin]

Come on.

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[Ryan Lemon]

I don't think you get what we're doing.

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[Ryan Lemon]

Nope, that's not it.

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[Drew Franklin]

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[Ryan Lemon]

Welcome back to the second hour of KSR. Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon here at KS Bar and Grill, where it is Wings Day and we are counting down to 2026 with some of our favorite 2025 memories, even though we haven't even got to them yet.

[Drew Franklin]

We got plenty of time.

[Ryan Lemon]

We got plenty of time. We'll put those on the back burner for now because our special guest just joined us. We have JP Blevins, former Wildcat. And if the off air stories are as fun as the on air stories will be, Ron, I think we're gonna be in for a fun interview, huh? JP thanks for joining us.

[JP Blevins]

Hey, Happy New Year's, guys. The place looks great in here. It's been a while since I've been in, so. But happy New Year's, you guys. Great to be here.

[Ryan Lemon]

We need some. We need some Blevins up here. Don't we have anything?

[JP Blevins]

I found a great team picture back there.

[Ryan Lemon]

Okay, good, good, good.

[Drew Franklin]

And you signed the door one time you were here with DJ and some of those guys. I think we had you sign the door back there.

[JP Blevins]

Okay. All right. Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

I got to tell you, the first time I met JP Please. He's a sophomore, Metcalf County. And you guys are playing in the all A tournament down in Richmond.

[JP Blevins]

Oh, yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

And you know, are you just committed to Pitino and you're like throwing passes, driving the lane, throwing pass behind your back, like, who is this kid? Who is this? So that's the first time I met you, way back when you were a sophomore. Yeah, yeah.

[JP Blevins]

No, I committed Patino as a junior. So maybe.

[Drew Franklin]

Maybe we were your junior.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah, it was a junior. But I mean, I grew up kind of like. I mean, you did. It's like, you know, I was in third grade when Pitino took over and they went on that run and it was the. You know, it got to be the glory years. And, you know, you get caught up in all that, and, you know, it's like. My dad sent me to camp when I was in fourth grade, and I was like, man, I don't care what I do in this world, but, man, I could play here one day. So that was kind of a wild dream come true. And when Rick actually called, let's start.

[Ryan Lemon]

There, because we were on the same path. And then you went right, and I went left because I also went to Rick Pitino's camp. I grew up wanting to be a wildcat. I came to Lexington for summer camps, and then I just didn't stand out as much as you. I was a few years behind you, but rig didn't offer me. But that's how that put you on the map, right? Your dad sending you up to Lexington for those summer camps.

[JP Blevins]

So that was a big one. You know, the other thing that happened, I would go to. Back then, you didn't really play on a travel team. You went to these summer camps like Nike, abcd, five star. And I went up to five star in Pittsburgh and had a really good camp. And there was a guy named Howard garfinkel who ran that camp, a legend. And I think he kind of called Rick and was like, hey, you know, you got a guy in your backyard, came up here and had a big week and. But, yeah, no, you know, it's like going to those camps was. It was. Was certainly a big deal, too.

[Drew Franklin]

And your first class was you, Tayshawn, Desmond, Allison, Jules kamara, and Todd tackett.

[JP Blevins]

That's it right there. Heck of a class stories on all those dudes. Which one you want me to carve up?

[Ryan Lemon]

We don't just let out all the secrets.

[Drew Franklin]

Desmond's the guy that got most playing time when you guys came in as a freshman. He ended up starting as a freshman.

[JP Blevins]

So people don't realize this. When Desmond got to school, you know. You know, Desmond was given the award of the athlete of the decade in Tampa, Florida. Now, you think about the athletes that come out of Tampa. He looked like he could play Cornerback in the NFL when he showed up at 18. Yeah, honestly, he picked the wrong sport. He should have been a cornerback, but he was the most physically ready at 18. Obviously, Tayshawn had the, you know, had the most upside. His body had to catch up a little bit. But. But anyway, Desmond was a freak athlete. And rest in peace to my guy, man, one of the funniest dudes you'll ever Be around. What a clown.

[Ryan Lemon]

You're one of the first commits in that class. As we said, committed patino. But then they make the. The coaching change. What was it like talking to Tubby? Was there any worry that maybe he wouldn't honor it? Or was he pretty quick to say, no, no, stick around.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah, that was heartbreaking. I mean, you know, obviously for the fans. You remember what that was like. You know, we were on top of the world, and the king decides to leave. But you I had recruited, you know, committed to the man. Right? So, you know, there was a week of, oh, man, what's this mean? And then so Tubby and them, you know, they came and watched and certainly said, hey, look, we still want you, if you still want to come. So obviously, the dream trumped the coach, so that ended up going that way.

[Drew Franklin]

I don't think I've ever asked you this. Why'd you wear number four?

[JP Blevins]

You know what, When I was in Little League, so my idol growing up was Rex Chapman, and I had the number three when I was in Little League. And then I started playing varsity in seventh grade, and there was a senior that had number three, and I couldn't really go tell the senior he wasn't wearing three, so I started wearing four. And I was like, you know what? Let me just run it out. So I did end up with four.

[Ryan Lemon]

In my. My research, which I made admitted was very thorough. Ryan.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemon]

A little embarrassed to say I was up so early. Just reading up on your whole life. Am reading on JP But I found some old newspaper clippings from back home in Metcalf County. One of them said you even had a Rex picture and unforgettable pictures in your bedroom. Is that. Is that. Is that factual?

[JP Blevins]

I mean, you know, I grew up just like everybody else here. I was like, look, you got the hoop out back. You got all the Kentucky posters up and you. We live and die in NCAA tournament games. My dad would get so nervous during NCAA tournament games. This is like growing up. Like, he'd get in the car and just go drive around. He couldn't take it. And so, like, for NCAA Tournament games, like, my family would get on each other's nerves because, you know, you miss a shot, well, we're not gonna win if we. So everyone just swashed it in different rooms. But, like, that's kind of typical to what it's like growing up, because that's. That's the family I grew up in.

[Ryan Lemon]

One more thing I read in that newspaper article. There's no way you Remember this? But I have to share it because I loved it. It was when you committed and they were just kind of reminiscent on your time in Edmonton. Edmonton. And there's a coffee shop owner who was quoted as saying, this is about the only excitement we've had around here in a while since someone shot my jukebox with the 9 millimeter. That was in the story of you committing to Kentucky. That really stood out to me. Kind of shows what kind of small town vibe you all had there at Edmonton. Many of us. Me. Many of us listening. Know what it's like those small Kentucky towns.

[JP Blevins]

No, I wouldn't trade it for the world. But nothing's changed in 50 years. One stoplight, not a lot to do. So I think that's one of the reasons I came up here. I just played ball at wasn't a lot going on.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, it's a cliff in his jukebox. That was the biggest news and someone had shot it up.

[Drew Franklin]

This is from Sean from a vision glass on the Avision glass text machine. So I have to read it. When JP was a freshman in Metcalf, Metcalf county. They came to play us at Edmondson County. One of our guards undercut him on a rebound and he landed on his head. He was okay. And then went out and lit us up for almost 40 that night.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. I thought my career was over.

[Ryan Lemon]

Do you remember that?

[JP Blevins]

Do I remember it? I really thought I was probably never going to play again. I flipped up on my. Landed on my head. My back went a weird way. But my brother was a senior on that team. And my brother wasn't really the fighting type. But first time I saw him lit up when the guy undercut me. So it was kind of some brotherly love.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, there we go.

[JP Blevins]

Come across the floor there.

[Ryan Lemon]

One more from the prolific high school career. We'll do a little fact checking. You tell us. Kind of like that one.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[Ryan Lemon]

Apparently you went to Barron county and we love Barron County. We have lots of friends from Barron County. Probably a rival for you in that area.

[JP Blevins]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemon]

And according to these newspaper articles I was digging up, they were. They had signs calling you the next Steve Masielo, which, hey, that's mean to Steve Masielo. Great coach at St. John's right now. Did great things in Manhattan. Former cat. But I think they were implying you would be a walk on who doesn't play much at Kentucky. And then you scored 41 points including 17 straight while they were chanting that at you. Do you have any memories of that?

[JP Blevins]

The Trojans Were always at the top of the list. We want to get the Trojans. We have a mutual friend, and my man Gabe, he wasn't holding those signs right, you know, so Monroe county was also, you know, one county over. And in Monroe county, you know, kind of your eyes are pronounced a little bit like it is in eastern Kentucky. It's. It's kind of like. Like, and night. Nice. And, you know, a little bit of that in Monroe County. So they started calling me, like, diapers when I had the ball in seventh grade. So the whole gym, but they would say it was diapers. Diaper. So etched in my mind is forever. But I got them, too. That was fun.

[Drew Franklin]

Were you ever on the receiving end of a Tubby Smith stare down?

[JP Blevins]

Yeah, I don't think anyone really escaped those. You could feel them from a mile away. You could almost, like, feel them out of your periphery. You didn't even have to look like you heard stomp. You might glance. The best thing to do is just not look over there. It was pretty serious. Yeah.

[Ryan Lemon]

You mentioned the excitement of Rick and how we were all crushed when he left. You know, you're just coming off the two final Fours, one being a championship, when Tubby takes over and he extends that offer. Did you know a lot about Tubby? Was there still an excitement to get involved with a new coach? Obviously your crush that Rick had left, but what was that transition like? Were you. At least there's some excitement in the new guy.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah, I mean, look, the dream was always way bigger than the coach, even though the coach was pretty cool and Rick had it rocking. But, you know, I was a basketball guy, so I knew Tubby was an assistant here. I had, you know, I was an SEC guy. I watched him at Georgia, and, you know, they were winning games down there. So, you know, look, I. You know, you're gonna offer me a scholarship to play here, man, I'm in. I don't have to do a lot of things.

[Ryan Lemon]

Anybody.

[JP Blevins]

It could have been anybody.

[Ryan Lemon]

New head coach Ryan Lemon.

[Drew Franklin]

I'm in. I'm in.

[JP Blevins]

I'm in. Coach.

[Drew Franklin]

So when you were freshmen, the seniors were who? Scott Padgett, Wayne Turner.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. And his. Shimu Evanshimu. Yeah. Those guys obviously had come off a national title.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah.

[JP Blevins]

The year before. And so those guys were the seniors. And, man, they were. They were an awesome group.

[Drew Franklin]

Got beat by Michigan State in St. Louis, I think.

[Ryan Lemon]

Elite Eight.

[JP Blevins]

Elite Eight, yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

Yep. Yep.

[JP Blevins]

That was. That was a tough one. But, man, what a run those guys had. What a career. They got to go Experience and, you know, hanging some SEC titles and a national title. Man, what a run those guys had.

[Drew Franklin]

Disappointed you didn't get a taste of Final Four?

[JP Blevins]

Well, my friends always said I was kind of the downfall. It's like when you arrived, it all went.

[Drew Franklin]

Thanks, dj.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I was going to ask what you all were missing to get the Final Four, but you didn't want to call yourself out. We could have had better guard play.

[JP Blevins]

We had a better backup point guard maybe. No, but you know, just the thrill of a lifetime, man, you know, and I always say, like, man, you know, you grow up here and you learn a lot of lessons about chasing that dream. And honestly, like, chasing that dream to me will always be cool that I put the jersey on. But really the real gift, the one that stays with you is when you're chasing something that big of kind of who you have to become, the process of that. And I think like every major lesson that I ended up taking to the business world, I really learned from, from the court. You know, you, you truly learn. Like, what is it the difference of being interested in something and actually committed to something? It's the, you know, it's the daily discipline of work ethic. You know, it's the how do you bounce back when, you know, you get your butt handed to you and you got to build some mental toughness and resilience? And how do you become selfless? You know, winning with a team is far greater than personal achievement. And later in business, are you celebrating your colleagues and your clients as much as your own personal. Like all these things just seem to go back kind of to the cord and the actual arrival is fleeting. But that stuff stays with you. The friendships stay with you. So those have been the greatest prize.

[Ryan Lemon]

And that attitude is why you've had some success after basketball. We'll get more into that after this break. Quickly, I want to tell you about our friends at Don Franklin. Choose from over 6,000 new and certified pre owned vehicles. Go the distance with powertrain protection on certified pre owned makes and models for up to 10 years or unlimited miles, confidence standard. Oh, Brian, they gave me another one of these AI ones where all the words are together. That's always fun. But go to donfranklinauto.com check them out. Schedule, test drive. You can pick it up at your local store. It's Kentucky's biggest playbook. I mentioned the 6,000 new and certified pre owned vehicles and they treat you like family at Don Franklin. 10 year warranty, unlimited miles and lots of locations around the state. Feel like we we were just at one here recently we've been there's not a better NSR remote host than Don Franklin. We haven't checked everyone off in the state, but we're trying more coming up in 2026. Thank you to them for sponsoring this segment KSR for a long time and we'll be right back with more from JP Blevins on ksr Being a small.

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Reserved. Season 2 of unrivaled basketball is here, and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball season two, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy Tips off January 5th on TNT, TruTV and HBO.

[Ryan Lemon]

Max. Welcome back. KSR Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon joined by former Cat JP Blevins here as we close the book on 2025 with one last KSR show live from KS Bar and Grill, where it is Wings Day and we have a full house of listeners, or I think they're listeners. Maybe they're just here to eat, but they're listening to us right.

[Drew Franklin]

Now. Here to get those.

[Ryan Lemon]

Wings. Yeah. Rick, you said we had one call. I want to go ahead and get to that in case they have a question for JP and if it's unrelated, maybe he'll answer it. Anyway, so let's get to who's up next, then we'll get back to the interview with him.

[JP Blevins]

Okay. Corey is up.

[Ryan Lemon]

Next. Corey, what's up? Thanks for calling.

[Caller Corey]

In. Hey, what's going on, everybody? I do have something for JP but first, do you think. Oh, it's not a question. It's more of a statement. But first, do you think Mark Pope has for his New Year's resolution or New Year's resolution to retain some of his recruiting class and point guards because the Caden Lewins is tearing it up at Villanova? I think he would be. He would be a big help right now. I think he's averaging 13 points and five.

[JP Blevins]

Assists.

[Caller Corey]

That's. That's.

[Drew Franklin]

Nuts. What? We.

[Ryan Lemon]

Lost. That's true. Did you have a statement for JP to also? I. I.

[Caller Corey]

Did. I have a slight disagreement. JP we have had a little change in Edmonton in the last 50 years. We got a traffic.

[JP Blevins]

Light.

[Ryan Lemon]

Hey. Oh, good.

[JP Blevins]

News. It goes all three colors now. It used to only blink.

[Caller Corey]

Red. Yeah, we used to have. We used to have two red flashing lights. Now we have one that changes.

[JP Blevins]

Color. Hey, moving on up, baby. Love.

[Caller Corey]

It. Yeah, man. I was in elementary school. I was in elementary school. Edmondson elementary. Your mom was my teacher. I was a big fan of you back when you were in high school and all that. I followed you for a while.

[Drew Franklin]

Man.

[Caller Corey]

But. But hey, go Hornets. I'll get off here, let you guys.

[Ryan Lemon]

Good. Appreciate the call. Sorry I almost cut you off before you could shout out his mom being the school teacher there. And go Hornets. How about that stoplight? You seen this? You know about.

[JP Blevins]

It? I knew about it. Guys, this is big news. So we got the jukebox, we got the light. 20, 26, look.

[Ryan Lemon]

Out. We're eating in Metcalf.

[JP Blevins]

County. You.

[Ryan Lemon]

Got. Well, anywhere you want to shout out.

[Drew Franklin]

Okay? Somebody on the aviation glass text machine said, ask JP if you ever ate at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Metcalf.

[JP Blevins]

County. I Did the Lighthouse is. Is awesome. If you want biscuits and gravy and country ham, Lighthouse is your.

[Ryan Lemon]

Spot. That's sounds so good. To the point about Kate Lewis, where we get back to.

[Drew Franklin]

This. That.

[Ryan Lemon]

Was. That was a big loss, big recruitment. He's right. He's getting 13 points a game for Villanova. The problem there was Lewis was going to be the second year plan. And then when they. They went and got Jalen Lowe as a backup with two years eligibility, that kind of threw things off and Lewis decided to go elsewhere. But you're right, he is playing well for Villanova as we're looking for a backup point guard. Have been nice to have.

[Drew Franklin]

That. Nice to have him sitting.

[Ryan Lemon]

There. Yeah. Carry.

[Drew Franklin]

On. We mentioned that your senior year was team.

[JP Blevins]

Turmoil.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes. Skipping right to.

[Drew Franklin]

It. Can you clear up the air what happened on that airplane, on that air. That flight that the fight happened? A bunch of rumors out.

[JP Blevins]

There. Well, tell me what you think happened, and I'll tell you what.

[Ryan Lemon]

Happened. We'll play more fact or.

[Drew Franklin]

Fiction. This is the. I think the story that most people agree with that Gerald Fitch and Corey Sears were fighting each other, like, trying to get leg space, and it escalated into a fist fight and they had to do emergency landing in.

[JP Blevins]

Knoxville. Partially.

[Drew Franklin]

True.

[JP Blevins]

Okay. So, yes, my man Gerald Fitch and Corey Sears were sitting across the aisle from each other, and there was no love lost between those two. Let's just say that just in.

[Drew Franklin]

General.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. So, you know, Gerald had some Skittles in his hand, and he was kind of pitching them across and hitting Corey in the back of the head with the Skittles. And my man Corey said, after taking about three to the back of the head, you hit me with one more Skittle and I'm coming across the aisle. And my man threw a green skittle and hit him in the face. And my man came across the aisle and it was.

[Drew Franklin]

On. There we.

[JP Blevins]

Go. So we. Yes. Emergency landing. We're taking her down here and we're separate. Yeah. So anyway, that is partially.

[Drew Franklin]

True. Well, I'm glad you settled it because I'd always heard it was. They were fighting over leg.

[Ryan Lemon]

Space.

[Drew Franklin]

Skittles. Skittles. Fight number.

[Ryan Lemon]

Skittles. Drew. Yeah. You've alluded to that a few times. Saying legroom. It's good to know that it was the sugary candy that almost brought down that.

[Drew Franklin]

Team. But what else happened in team.

[JP Blevins]

Turmoil that you can tell us, man? I don't know. It's like, you know how much of this is fair for I will tell you this. You Know, that team had a chance to be really, really good. So if you remember Jason Parker, Tayshawn was a senior. Yeah. You know, you had. Keith Bogans was a junior. Chuck Hayes was a sophomore, and Jason Parker was absolutely annihilating people in the summer before that year started. And so if you had him down low, like, look out.

[Drew Franklin]

Like.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. And when he tore his ACL up and, you know, some things started going sideways and it just got off the.

[Drew Franklin]

Rails. But he tore it up during. Right before Madness, right in the locker room or something. Was he jumping up and down with you.

[JP Blevins]

Guys? He was kind of shadow boxing, you know, another.

[Drew Franklin]

Factor.

[JP Blevins]

Fiction. Yeah, that's little. Little shadow boxing with a few of the guys, you know, and it just went. Went down in the locker room. In the locker room for Madness. Correct. Wow. That's.

[Ryan Lemon]

Correct. What an unfortunate fluke injury. Probably one of the biggest in school history. On that one, there is a positive memory I wanted to bring up from that group. It's about one of your teammates. But I noticed the IQ it took when Tayshawn was hitting five threes. You were the starting point guard that game. You're out there running the offense, but on that fifth one from half court, you just said, I don't even need to bring the ball up. We'll let him bring it up. He pulls from the logo, which we all remember well. And I watched again last night. You're in the corner, you throw both arms in the air. You might have been more excited than every fan in the building when that fifth three went in. But everyone knows that iconic run by Tayshawn, and you're right there next to.

[JP Blevins]

Him. Yeah, I was always playing chess, Drew. I mean, you know, look, let's let him bring the ball at this time. He seems like he's doing all.

[Drew Franklin]

Right. A little bit of a heat.

[JP Blevins]

Check. So. No kidding, though. Like, it's not even close. When the fifth one went in. This is loud as I ever.

[Drew Franklin]

Heard.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. And it was truly. You just knew. It was one of those special moments that, you know, wasn't going to be recreated. And, you know, to this day, I think for people that have attended Rob, a lot of them talk about Shaq back in the day when they came in, when a lot of them talk about.

[Drew Franklin]

That.

[JP Blevins]

That. That fifth three going. I mean, you know, my buddy was in the. This is a great story. So my buddy was in the upper deck. He had taken two Carolina fans, and they were wearing Carolina stuff. And he told me, this isn't a good idea. Like, you're sitting in the upper deck. You're wearing Carolina gear. And he's like, oh, we'll be all right. When the fifth one went in, there was a, like, grandma behind them that almost headbutted them. And so you should hear him tell this story. He got headbutted by a grandma in the upper deck when the fifth one went.

[Ryan Lemon]

In. Does not surprise me at.

[Drew Franklin]

All. Well, I was there on press row. It's like the only time I just spontaneously stood up and started.

[JP Blevins]

Clapping.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes. Because it was, man, it was just an unbelievable moment. One of the loud. It definitely is one of the loudest moments ever at Rupp arena.

[JP Blevins]

Ever. Yeah, no doubt. Yeah, it was. It was. It was just one of those moments you'll never forget. The man had the look in his eyes and it was his.

[Drew Franklin]

Time. Did they all shrug his shoulders like, I can't.

[JP Blevins]

Miss?

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. Uniforms are a hot topic now because they just announced denim's coming back later this season. But I'm pretty partial. You all had one of my favorites. I don't really know how to describe it, but you kind of had that varsity curved, iconic lettering, little stripe down the side. Did you all. Did. Hey, do you appreciate them as much as. As I do in hindsight? One of my all time favorites. And did you all ever work in an alternate or change up your look a little bit back.

[JP Blevins]

Then? You know, we didn't. I'm probably not the right guy, if you want to talk sneakers and uniforms. Yeah, I'm pretty kind of not in my world, but I did. I did have the denim kicks back in the day growing up when those were coming. And I, you know, like, you know how they received a little bit of, you know, it was kind of some negativity with those. Oh, yeah, I was in. I was in from the beginning. I liked them. So now it's. It's really cool that they're going to bring that.

[Drew Franklin]

Back. You've kind of taken on a new role last couple years as not just a former player, but you were also kind of a. An advisor of sorts to Cal. How did that relationship develop and what exactly did you do for help for.

[JP Blevins]

Him? Yeah. No. Yeah. So let me just kind of just tell you the story. So, you know, I got to know Cal. I had a great run in North Carolina. I was down there with some guys playing the game at a really high level. Some people I'm really thankful for. And we had a great business run down there. And one of the things we did is we spun off a venture fund called Canopy And Cal was an investor. So I got, you know, I was in North Carolina, but I knew a little bit of Cal. And so when I moved back, basically Cal calls me up and says, hey, I want to come talk to you. Sure, Coach. So he comes down and basically he says, look, this Nil thing is hitting a different gear. It's like, what do you mean, Coach? He's like, well, look, I kind of hate it all, but what I've done in the past is we would go out and have these summer camps and then we would just pass that money out socialistically across all the players. And then the dudes that were packing the mail could go get their own deals. Oscar would go get his deal. Casen Wallace would go. And I don't have to worry about it. And that's great. But he said, times are changing. And here's what I mean by that. He says, you know, I've got these guys coming in. So this was, Reed was coming in, Dillingham was coming in, Wagner and Justin Edwards. And he's like, I got some mamas calling me, saying, coach, what you going to do for me? And he's like, well, you've got the Nike contract, you got the Panini. They're like, no, no, no, what are you going to do for me? So he's like, I got, I got to raise some money. So I told Coach, look, I don't want to see any money. I got a lot going on. I can't handle anything administratively, but I'm happy to put some guys in the room. And he wanted to kind of have a tight knit group that, you know, every 30 days hung out and did some things and they put up some money and really just kind of helped him as he was trying to just band Aid this thing and figure it out. Yeah, because it was new to everybody. It was new to everybody. And he was just trying to figure it out. So. Yeah, no, yeah. Honestly, you know, Count, I still have a great relationship. And he's on a roll right now, by the way too. He's throwing some, some zingers out.

[Ryan Lemon]

There. Oh yeah, the other night he was on fire. It was like eight minutes of ranting about the current situation. State of ncaa. We mentioned that yesterday during the show. He's also got a couple of stud freshman guards that he needs too. That's why they're looking so.

[Drew Franklin]

Good. And that Acuff did. Dude doesn't start. Does he still start? DJ brings Acuff off the.

[Ryan Lemon]

Bench. He does. But you know, Cal, I was going to bring this up today. We'll save it for Friday. But I re ranked the SEC today on ksr. It's a lot different than the preseason poll, but I wrote a little bit about Arkansas. Cal does. We're not here to talk about him and that team, but he does have some of his dudes that he needs to have a good.

[JP Blevins]

Year. You know, one of the things though, I will tell you that I talked to Cal a lot about during that time is he counting.

[Ryan Lemon]

Down. I'm sorry, I just heard that. Yeah. Well, I have to take a quick break. Great.

[Drew Franklin]

Job.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. You want to host? Well, we'll keep you around after this break. That's Drew and Ryan and JP Blevins. We'll be right back. This is ksr. This is not Matt Jones. This is Drew Franklin. Matt's off enjoying a little vacation during the holiday season, but I'm here with Ryan Lemon at KS Bar and Grill. And we have former Wildcat JP Blevins with us. Ryan, we were gonna do two segments with JP but we've been rolling, having fun. So you're sticking around. We were also gonna list our favorite moments of 2025. And I'm now realizing it is 1134. I might have over planned for today's.

[Drew Franklin]

Show. We can do it Friday. We need some stuff, some material for.

[Ryan Lemon]

Friday. Yeah. So January 2nd, we'll close the book on.

[Drew Franklin]

2025. Why.

[Ryan Lemon]

Not? Yeah, we don't interrupt this. This is right. And we had fun in the first hour. I blew your mind with the second ball drop, but I still don't think you've fully.

[Drew Franklin]

Processed. I've.

[Ryan Lemon]

Not. But we're glad to have JP for one more segment. Looking back on his time at Kentucky with Tubby, then what he's doing this day and age to still help program. We mentioned you've had some success after basketball and you've been big and giving back to uk. What's you know, you mentioned just the importance of what it was to your career and you know, even your career outside of basketball. But it just how much is important to you to give back and still be a part of this operation years after you were on the.

[JP Blevins]

Court. No, thank you. It is important. But let me just say this because I've had a few things go my way in the business world and certainly I give myself credit for taking some risk and trying to work really hard. But man, my story is full with a lot of grace. Right time, right place. I got around some amazing people doing things at a high level. If my grandkids asked Me what I got right, I'd tell them I followed a man named Chip Mahan. I bet on the right horse. And, you know, sometimes when you get around people like that that are taking three companies, guys from Frankfort, Kentucky, he's taken three companies public. I think he's one of the top three entrepreneurs to ever come out of Kentucky. Getting exposure to people like that who are playing the game at a high level, but also are good human beings that are actually honoring their marriage, are good to their family, are good to their people. You're watching them handle wealth well. You know what it means to give. And you know, when you're around people like that, hopefully some of that rubs off. But, man, I've always kind of thought and I've got a chance to be around some people that have handled it really well. It's like, man, it just seems like the happiest people that have also had some things break their way are some of the biggest givers. And it's almost like, man, when you're given to something that is bigger than you, it just does more for your heart and soul that, you know, any personal achievement can really do. And so hopefully I can do a lot more of that. But. But yeah, it is, it is important to me. But you know, I will always say, man, I got around some really great folks and was a big part.

[Ryan Lemon]

Of my launching pad with your, your contributions and still being around. I'm sure you're pretty locked in as a fan these days.

[JP Blevins]

Too. Oh, yeah. So I moved back and that's where, you know, Cal and I really started connecting is, you know, I spent 10 years in North Carolina. I had a great run down there. Little bank I was a part of went public. I became the chief revenue officer. That's probably the most unqualified person to ever sit in that room. That's okay. It was. But I had a great run. We spun a software company off called Encino that also went public. So just a great, great ride. I had a front row seat to really watching the game of business being played and so moved back, you know, five years ago. And that's when Cal and I kind of really connected. And, you know, I was saying, like, you know, he and I would talk a lot about this opportunity because Cal was always pro paying guys, like, he wanted dudes to make some money. And we talked a lot about just what an incredible opportunity this is if it was handled correctly. And so, you know, at 22, I didn't come from business people or entrepreneurs, but I looked at a Compounding chart when I was 22 and seared into my brain is this 15% compounded doubles every five years. So I didn't have any money. I had 5,000 bucks. That's because I barnstormed with Tayshawn. They were all there to see him, but he had to cut up the register at the end of the.

[Ryan Lemon]

Day. Most of those trips were.

[JP Blevins]

Fun. That was good. But, you know, I just ran it out. Wasn't a noble go, but I was like, I got 5,000 bucks. How long is it going to take to be a millionaire? And so like, I got a double. I got a double. But you know, like, look and think like these. These guys have truly a special opportunity. They have hit the lottery. And what I mean by that is the power of compounding is the earlier you start, it has power. And the real power is how much time do you have to do it. So let's just say this. Let's just say a guy for easy numbers. You're a math guy.

[Drew Franklin]

Right? Oh.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. Ron's a big math.

[Drew Franklin]

Guy. Majored in.

[Ryan Lemon]

It. He's our math guy for.

[JP Blevins]

Sure. Let's just say a guy has a million dollars in post tax money, which is not unheard of at 20 years old, and let's just say he doesn't touch it for 35 years. So go from 20 to 55 and let's just say not a 15% return. Let's just say it compounds annually at 10%, which is historically what the S and P has done. What do you think he's got at 55 years old if he's never touched that money? Any.

[Drew Franklin]

Guesses? 5.

[JP Blevins]

Million. Drew, you wanna.

[Ryan Lemon]

Guess? I was just watching Ryan's face. I'll say 10.

[JP Blevins]

Million. So $32.

[Drew Franklin]

Million.

[JP Blevins]

Whoa. So 10% doubles every seven years. So from 20 to 55. So I want you to think about this. So let's do this. Let's discount it for inflation. So really, in today's dollars, you'd be anywhere between 12 and 15 million dollars. Now, you guys both live pretty lavish rot lifestyles. I see you on the street. Everything he's wearing is money, boys. Yeah, but do you think you'd be okay with 15 million.

[Drew Franklin]

Bucks? I think I can live on.

[JP Blevins]

That. So what I guess I'm saying is, like, that's not doing anything fancy. That's not doing anything cute. That's not doing thing over, you know, over, over complicated. But as a financial advisor today, we tell clients all the time, like in the early years of your life, the saving behavior is more important. And later in life, you know, it's the actual returns that matter more. But basically you have erased what people, typical people do from 20 to 55 of grinding it out. And finally you've just fast forwarded that to their when they're 20. So if they actually have the right support system, whether they ever play in the NBA one day, you can change generations of families by this opportunity they have up right now. And if it's actually treated correctly, right. Which just kind of blows my mind. And I would tell Cal, it's like if you let these dudes put this in their bank account, in their checking account, you might as well just handle my.

[Drew Franklin]

Handgun. They're.

[JP Blevins]

Gonna. It's that dangerous, right? And it's hard to understand how unique of an opportunity is when you're 18, 19. But I listened to Willie yesterday. Willie was talking about, man, it's like this stuff doesn't last forever and you think it's going to. And then now I'm trying to work through financial stuff. So I care more about the 55 year old Ortega O Way rather than the 22 year old. I bet Willie Collier says, I wish when I was 22 there was somebody around me that cared about the 40 year old Willie. So it's an incredible opportunity if it's handled correctly. But they've truly hit the lottery, this kind of once in a lifetime.

[Ryan Lemon]

Opportunity. Yeah, Willie said as much yesterday. Like I wish someone, it was just, you go here, you're here, this isn't taken care of. And they had like one meeting where they tried to teach them. But at college, when you're looking at the NBA, your brain's not thinking about compound interest and how much you're gonna have at 55. Willie also to your other point about being around people that giving. I thought it was interesting yesterday Willie mentioned taking care of that kid. Maybe a little bit of sticker shock there, but he has that giving attitude of, you know, I'll be rewarded for that on down the road, you know, sometimes it's just about doing the right thing. So kind of tied in yesterday's interview with all your comments there. Ron, you got any more fun memories before we let him.

[Drew Franklin]

Go? Well, I wanted to ask you, you know what you did with coach Cal. What? What are you doing anything with coach Pope staff? Like have you transferred and transformed into that role.

[JP Blevins]

Also? Yeah, I've got to know those guys. I don't do any like active fun. I mean the whole game has.

[Drew Franklin]

Changed.

[JP Blevins]

Right. You know, I've got JMI now is in the middle. And, you know, some of this personal stuff is. It's all changed. But love those guys. I've gotten to know, you know, Pope and his staff really well. You know, they come through every once in a while with. With guys. But I'm not like. I was kind of like actively in the middle of it with.

[Drew Franklin]

Cal. Oh, yeah.

[JP Blevins]

Right. But I mean, I'm here to do whatever those.

[Drew Franklin]

Guys.

[JP Blevins]

Gotcha. Love those guys, man. I'm just so fun. Seeing us get healthy, man. It just looks like we're turning the corner. These last couple games have kind of energized the fan base and it seems like a different level of effort out there right now too. And, you know, they've been. Look, I think last year, if you don't get hit with the injury bug, that team last year had a real chance to actually do some damage. And, you know, unfortunately, we get hit with the bug again this year. But, you know, it's just amazing what one player, you know, you put a point guard out there and everybody. The energy and confidence seems to reverberate through the entire team and kind of what Jalen Lowe is bringing to the.

[Ryan Lemon]

Team. You've done the SEC gauntlet a few times, had some success there. I know conference is a little better than it was during. During your time, but you think they stay healthy, they capable of making a run and getting to some of their original goals even though the. The year didn't start exactly as anyone.

[JP Blevins]

Wanted? Yeah, I mean, I think so. Like, look, you know, Jalen Lowe is a game changer. He can do things out there that nobody else can. If you have him at the point and he. And he's healthy and away goes and does Ortega, OA normal stuff. If Cam Williams becomes a 6, 8 defensive threat that can also make shots. JQ and Malachi are beating stuff up that comes in the paint. You know, there's a different level of presence with jq Diabate returns to kind of what he does, being a physical dog and. And then you've got, you know, Garrison coming in for spots. You got Noah and those guys coming in, making shots. Aberdeen, that team can beat.

[Drew Franklin]

Teams.

[JP Blevins]

Yes. Now, you know, I'm a little worried about that shoulder, you know, and popping out, but, man, if. If that guy is healthy and we have that roster, yeah, we can lay some up and beat some teams, no.

[Ryan Lemon]

Doubt. Why do you think they seem to. We keep hearing about in practice? Can't miss. Can't miss. The offense looks great. Three point shooting. And then in most games Especially the big ones. When the lights come on, it's not moving from the craft center to the big stage. Do you, do you have any insight or do you think there's any reasoning to why it's. We keep hearing practice, it's lights out, and then those same guys haven't gotten it going quite to the level that everyone.

[JP Blevins]

Anticipates. I mean, I think there is a mental component to it, but I think, you know, if you look at Cam Williams the last few, he looks like he's playing with a little different confidence. And sometimes a guy just needs to see a few go.

[Drew Franklin]

Down. Shots go.

[JP Blevins]

Down. We saw more than a few go.

[Drew Franklin]

Down.

[JP Blevins]

Yeah. And if you were to ask any of those assistants, like, whose game in practice hasn't translated, they would all say, Cam Williams, you know, that guy didn't wake up and just forget how to shoot. But, you know, you throw a few air balls up and rough and you start thinking about it and then you're playing spot minutes and now you can't get in the flow. Well, you know, he's getting enough minutes now. It just seems like his rhythm is coming, his confidence is going up, and then it's almost like this mental switch, man. And when it happens, you know, the, you know, the, the seas part a little.

[Ryan Lemon]

Bit. Jp, thanks for talking basketball with us, catching up on old.

[Drew Franklin]

Times. Good job, dude. Good to catch up, especially on a.

[Ryan Lemon]

Holiday. Thanks for answering Ron's phone.

[JP Blevins]

Call. No place I'd rather.

[Drew Franklin]

Be. We've tried to get him on a couple times over the summer and stuff, but you know, it is vacations and families kind of get in the way. You said you got three.

[JP Blevins]

Kids. Yeah, we're rocking four, two and one. I got late start. Ryan, we're rolling now. And congrats, Drew on on your news. Baby girl.

[Ryan Lemon]

Coming. Got one coming up. I'll take any. You know, you're new to the girl dad experience. Maybe I'll take some tips as you're just a year ahead of me there. But again, thanks for joining us. Ryan, before we take a break, do you want to work in a cornbread so we can pay the.

[Drew Franklin]

Bills? When Gary from Orlando called, I want to tell him to know, Gary, you can get cornbread hemp now in Florida. Total wine and spirits down in Florida. Now they're available. Not just the cornbread hemp gummies, but the seltzers, the sleep gummies. It's all available now and you can get it [e-mail] at. They've been good friends of ours. They've done shows at their fields. We've done shows all over forum. We appreciate their partnership. So go to Cornbread for all your sleep Gummy gummy.

[Ryan Lemon]

Needs. Yeah so I have a little in my system from last night. Gotta take them for bed but we'll be back for one more segment. Ryan now we'll close the book on 2025. Probably won't get to our 25 best moments of the year. We'll save that for Friday. But we've had fun already. We'll be back for one more segment of the year. This is.

[Chase for Business Commercial Narrator]

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[Ryan Lemon]

Points. You are the fittest of the.

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Fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract worth.

[Ryan Lemon]

$250,000. This is where mindset comes.

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In. Someone will be.

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Eliminated. Pressure is coming.

[Ryan Lemon]

Down. Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainergames.com did.

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[Ryan Lemon]

Max. Welcome back to KSR. Drew Franklin, Ron Lemon. One last segment for 2025. You getting emotional over there? No.

[Drew Franklin]

Longer. You and I both need to put this year in the rearview mirror. We got big, bigger, bigger and better things coming next.

[Ryan Lemon]

Year. I'm very looking forward to tonight, hanging out with some.

[Drew Franklin]

Friends. You have a designated driver.

[Ryan Lemon]

Tonight? I do have a designated driver. I don't know if we'll make it to midnight with our crew. You know, we have a big group and there will be some beverages and the sober, sober driver, the wife who can't partake. It's a big ask of her to hang out for five hours at a dinner table, but, you know, she's good.

[Drew Franklin]

Sport. Well, we just talked about, you know, JP has a place maybe we can go visit at some.

[Ryan Lemon]

Point. I would love to visit his mysterious place. It's like an underground lair. I wanted to ask about it. It's almost like he's a. Well, I know I didn't want Bond villain in Lexington. Nobody knows where it is. Or do.

[Drew Franklin]

They? I know where it is. I've been.

[Ryan Lemon]

There. You've been in.

[Drew Franklin]

It? Oh.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes. You and your secret societies you're a part.

[Drew Franklin]

Of. Yeah, I've been in it a couple.

[Ryan Lemon]

Times. There's. There's just a layer of you that we don't know about. And that one seems like part of it. You have fun. Can you tell us anything about it? Paint a.

[Drew Franklin]

Picture. It's got like an indoor driving range. It's got like an indoor putting range. It's got some poker.

[Ryan Lemon]

Tables. I've heard enough. I'm already jealous. It's got a private bar. My kind of place. You mentioned tonight you're going to Rodney's. You and yoga.

[Drew Franklin]

Gal. Yoga.

[Ryan Lemon]

Girl. Yoga girl.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. Going to Rodney's.

[Ryan Lemon]

Where's?

[Drew Franklin]

Exciting. You're going to.

[Ryan Lemon]

Ruby's. I have a group. We. This would be year five. We go to dinner and we just don't get up from dinner. We. Dinner takes like four or five hours. We enjoy it. I have it. I have a unique situation. My childhood best friend who I've known since I Don't think either one of us could walk. Since infants we've been friends, went to college together. He can't get rid of.

[Drew Franklin]

Me. Is this.

[Ryan Lemon]

Brian? Brian, yeah. Shout out Brian. Love Brian. But his birthday is January 1st, so for as long as ever. Usually celebrating with him. And you have that second component to it, New Year and birthday. But then even crazier, he marries Jamie lovely.

[Drew Franklin]

Wife.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes. Replaced me and his life as his favorite. She took my place. But her birthday is January.

[Drew Franklin]

1St. Oh, is it really?

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. And then all of her friends or Abby's friends and all of Bron's from our friends. So we. We do a big couples dinner and just count down to the new.

[Drew Franklin]

Year. You know, I forgot this. A couple years ago, Google girl and I were at Ruby's for New Year's Eve and you guys were there. And then you guys told me that story. As soon as you start telling that story, I remember that. Now Brian and his wife both have birthdays on January.

[Ryan Lemon]

1St. Two New Year's babies. So we always celebrate them. I like. You know, this is free plug here, but Jeff Ruby's does 20% off gift cards at Christmas. We just buy a bunch of those. You know, it's like getting 20% off your bill. Yeah, but that's where I'll be. That's my.

[Drew Franklin]

Tradition. By two of them, you're saving $40 on a $200.

[Ryan Lemon]

Tab. Exactly. See, you know the math. Everyone should take advantage of that. Free plug to Jeff Ruby's will be there tonight. Maybe we'll see.

[Drew Franklin]

Vince. I'd say the chances are pretty.

[Ryan Lemon]

High. Yeah, but. Happy early birthday to Brian and Jamie. Ryan, we also have a little playoff football starting. Yes, well, we have one tonight and three.

[Drew Franklin]

Tomorrow. Miami and Ohio State tonight.

[JP Blevins]

Right?

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah. What a coincidence though that we have to do a DraftKings segment picking games. What better to pick than the College Football playoff? You, as evident by our parlay, are quite the expert on college.

[JP Blevins]

Football.

[Ryan Lemon]

So. So we'll make our picks for this one. I might even shall fade you and go against you. Are we going to trust you? How you feeling for your last college football picks of.

[Drew Franklin]

2025? Well, considering I picked Miami to lose to, who would they play? Who'd Miami beat? Alabama. A and M. That's.

[Ryan Lemon]

Right. Okay, I think. I think he answered my question here. We will be fading Ryan Lemons.

[Drew Franklin]

Picks. So I picked. I picked A and M to beat Miami. So now I'm definitely picking Ohio State to beat.

[Ryan Lemon]

Miami. All right, well, at least you. You know who plays what Are we calling that bowl? Is that the Cotton Bowl? Yeah, Cotton Bowl. What's our line? Last I saw was nine and a half. Let me just confirm. So we're up to date. ESPN.com has these way out of order. I don't care about yesterday's games. Yes. Nine and a half. Who you take it. We're going against the spread. Ohio State's a nine and a half point.

[JP Blevins]

Favorite.

[Ryan Lemon]

Wow. In the Cotton Bowl. 730 on ESPN. Are you taking the Hurricanes or the Buckeyes with that nine and a half point.

[Drew Franklin]

Spread? I'm taking the Buckeyes. They're still mad at Indiana. Beat him in the Big Ten championship. But Buckeyes and the.

[Ryan Lemon]

Points. So you're taking the COVID Yeah. You're taking the blowout. All right, I'm going to fade. Ron Lemon. That means Miami will cover the nine and a half. Ohio State will win. But I do think that's the. That's too many.

[Drew Franklin]

Points. A lot of.

[Ryan Lemon]

Points. They're probably my pick to win the whole thing. But nine and a half. I'll take those points. You're gonna give them to me now you're putting on your. Your headgear. Our listeners here from down the street brought us party favors. Thank you for not blowing whatever. This noisemaker is straight when we.

[Drew Franklin]

Get ready to sign off.

[Ryan Lemon]

Here. All right. Three more games, though. All right, these are tomorrow at noon. Oregon, Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. Oregon is a 2 1/2 point.

[Drew Franklin]

Favorite. Oregon has the best offensive coordinator in the history of college football. I think he'll make a great head coach somewhere someday. So I'm going with.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oregon. All right, I'll take Texas Tech. Alabama, Indiana, your former favorite team. Indiana is a touchdown favorite over the.

[Drew Franklin]

Todd. That's a lot of points. Indiana wins, but Alabama may cover. I mean, we've got to stop. We've got. We've got to give Indiana some respect. They won at Oregon. They beat Ohio State. They deserve the.

[Ryan Lemon]

Respect. All right, Alabama covers. Then. In the nightcap, Ole Miss. Georgia. Georgia is a six point.

[Drew Franklin]

Favorite. Georgia. Georgia rolls. Georgia doubles that point.

[Ryan Lemon]

Spread. All right, in that case, I'll take Ole Miss. I'm going with the Ryan Lemon fade. You can find those on DraftKings sportsbook. Use promo code KSR to take advantage of the sign up bonus. We have lots going on. There are other bowl games today. Tomorrow. Basketball picks up on Saturday with Kentucky going to Alabama. I was going to talk about that, but we're at the end of the show. We also have our favorite memories of 2025. How quickly can you list your.

[Drew Franklin]

Favorite? Now we'll say we'll do them on Friday the.

[Ryan Lemon]

2Nd. So we're off.

[Drew Franklin]

Tomorrow. Off tomorrow. No show tomorrow. We're back live on.

[Ryan Lemon]

Friday. You know, I had some people saying, enjoy the rest of the week. You're gonna be off. I said, oh, nay, oh, no, no, no. We had a New Year's Eve show that we're wrapping up. Now me and you are back on Friday. Do you want me to just continue hosting since I planned to. We'll just keep this, keep this rolling. Maybe I'll find a guest and.

[Drew Franklin]

That'Ll be back Saturday for the Alabama.

[Ryan Lemon]

Pregame show, which will be at 9:30am because that's a new game here at the bar. We'll open early, have all the breakfast, the brunch, all of that. Any final thoughts on don't give away your moments but closing the book on.

[Drew Franklin]

2025? Well, we've seen it. You know, it's kind of historic year. We had a new basketball coach at the beginning of the year. We got a new football coach at the end of the year. So I'm kind of excited where our programs are headed right.

[Ryan Lemon]

Now. Was a big year for change. I saw Nick Roush just wrote a post about that. Check that out on ksr. As you mentioned, we had Kenny Brooks in his first tournament run. Came up a little disappointed short with the Amor miss there. Pope gets us to the second.

[Drew Franklin]

Weekend volleyball going to the national champions. Baseball team went to the World.

[Ryan Lemon]

Series. Don't be spoiling our our our favorite moments. We'll be back Friday. Thanks for listening today. Enjoy tonight. Be safe. Get Ubers. Remember, kiss at midnight. Four minutes later, we're kissing.

[Drew Franklin]

Again. Kiss it.

[Ryan Lemon]

Again. And whether that's the same person, that's up to you. Maybe you can find another one of those four minutes. But thank you for listening. For Drew and Ryan and Rick, we're saying goodbye to 2025. This is.

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[Ryan Lemon]

First. Ah.

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There. The last.

[Commercial Announcer]

One. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that.