KSR - Hour 1 | March 26, 2026

Overview

Live from Cincinnati’s Holy Grail bar outside Great American Ball Park, Matt Jones and the KSR crew bring a vibrant, on-location episode packed with Opening Day excitement, Kentucky Wildcats news, and lively discussions of major shifts in college basketball coaching. Banter about Reds traditions, coaching carousel rumors, Will Wade’s controversial LSU return, candid therapy on the impact of criticism, and a special guest interview with Tom Brennaman make for a spirited, wide-ranging show.

Opening Day Atmosphere in Cincinnati

[02:28–04:57]

• Matt describes the bustling scene outside the Reds’ stadium, parades, and the sense of city-wide celebration.
• Host and crew note local traditions: “Cincinnati treats this day like it’s a national holiday… The city shuts down, schools close, parades, and there are people already out here partying.” — Shannon [03:32]
• For Kentuckians, allegiances differ: Braves, Cardinals, and Cubs fans scattered across the state, but Opening Day in Cincinnati is likened to the SEC tournament in Kentucky.
• The crew salutes special guests expected today (legendary broadcasters like Bill Cunningham, the Cowboy, and Marty Brennaman).

Iconic Voices and Opening Day Legends

[05:00–08:13]

• Playful rivalry discussed between Matt and local radio legend Bill Cunningham, whom Matt describes as “a legend of radio… I just think it’s hilarious that he screams like that.” [05:49]
• Hopes of meeting Marty Brennaman, with Shannon admitting he’s a longtime fan and feeling “kind of starstruck.” [07:03]
• Marty's Kentucky ties, including broadcasting UK games in the '80s, are acknowledged, and plans to have him on air are teased (later, Tom Brennaman appears in his stead).

College Basketball Coaching Carousel: The Billy Donovan “What-Ifs”

[08:46–17:03]

• The opening of the North Carolina job is described as a “chain of events that changes... a lot of college” basketball. – Matt [09:02]
• Current “chatter” puts Billy Donovan as the betting favorite for UNC, with discussion of his UK near-misses:
  • Affirmed: Kentucky twice tried to hire Donovan—once before Billy Gillespie (Donovan allegedly verbally agreed, then backed out for family reasons), and again in the Calipari hiring cycle [10:13–13:59].
  • On the hiring that brought Cal to UK: “It’s funny how history works…Cal was probably choice three, but timing and events led to him being the coach and obviously it worked out very well.” — Matt [14:13]
  • Third attempt during the Pope hire: Barnhart considered waiting for Donovan, but chose not to “because we had no players…the portal was open.” [15:05]
  • Speculates if Donovan winds up at UNC, “there’ll be people that will be…[mad] we couldn’t wait one week to maybe get him.” [16:54]

Will Wade’s Return to LSU & Changing College Sports

[21:49–23:14]

• Breaking news: Will Wade leaves NC State to return as LSU head coach—four years after being fired for NCAA violations.
  • “If there’s ever an example that college sports has completely changed, [it’s this]…they fired a man…for NCAA violations and now they’re bringing him back because everything they fired him for is now legal.” — Matt [22:13]
  • “I’ve never heard of such a thing where you fire a guy and then four or five years later bring him…” — Shannon [22:25]
  • Joking about “strong ass offers” now being legal—reference to Wade’s infamous recruiting tactics.

Coaching Search Anecdotes & UK-Offseason Moves

The Billy Gillespie–Jeff Teague Story

[30:30–33:44]

• Host recounts NBA vet Jeff Teague’s story: After his college coach died, he received transfer waivers, and a call from UK:
  • “Billy [Gillespie] got on the phone and goes, ‘Hey man, just wanted to say, I don’t think you’re good enough to play at Kentucky.’” — Matt [31:31]
  • Panel mocks the logic: “Why would you call him if you’re gonna tell him that?” — Co-host [31:35]
  • After Jodie Meeks’ 50-point game, Gillespie told him he shot too much.
  • “The Billy Gillespie stories…It’s a book.” — Matt [33:21]

Keegan Brown Hired as UK’s “Director of Roster Management”

[28:11–29:59]

• Kentucky basketball officially names Keegan Brown “Director of Roster Management”—essentially a general manager role.
  • “It sounds like a GM, doesn’t it?” — Matt [28:42]
  • “Much needed. In this day and age of college basketball, you need somebody like that to help manage your roster.” — Shannon [29:07]
  • Team reflects on his likely fit, approach to NIL, and recruiting philosophy.

Personal Reflections: Dealing with Criticism

[24:27–27:55]

• Matt opens up about receiving tough feedback related to show topics and player interactions.
  • “I do kind of wear my emotions on my sleeve—for better or worse. I think that’s partially why this show is good.” — Matt [25:13]
  • Listeners’ support after a “rough couple of days” was “really nice, thoughtful, positive” [25:04].
  • Panel discusses the challenge of being a public figure, especially with KSR’s broad reach through social media.

Listener Q&A: UK Roster, Football Outlook, and Local Legends

[33:45–38:40]

• Favorite Reds player? “Ellie De La Cruz. Summer of Ellie.”—Ryan [34:55]
• Why didn’t Mark Pope’s offense look like it was sold? “He recruited a team that couldn’t play that way.” — Matt [35:19]
• Kentucky football’s 2026 win total projected at 4.5: “I’m gonna say we’ll win five…but I think…even in our losses, it’s going to be a lot more fun.” — Matt [38:17]
• “I think you’re going to see improvement…It’s going to be a much more pleasant experience as it happens.” — Matt [38:24]

KSR Community Moments & On-Air Humor

[42:51–44:41]

• Listener writes in confessing he misunderstood sponsor “Clark’s Pump and Shop” as “Clark’s Puppet Shop.” The crew gets a big laugh envisioning a puppet shop as the show’s sponsor.

Special Guest: Interview with Tom Brennaman

[44:53–50:04]

• Tom Brennaman, former Reds broadcaster, joins live.
• Talks career aftermath: “I’m very, very grateful…those guys gave me a chance after going almost five years without working.”
• On staying positive through controversy: “You hope that you come out on the other end as a better person, I hope.” [48:30]
• Shares favorite games called—Boise State beating Oklahoma and the 2001 Yankees-Diamondbacks World Series after 9/11, including witnessing President Bush’s first-pitch and the eagle flying above the stadium. [48:43–49:17]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “[Cincinnati Opening Day] is like the SEC Tournament for Kentucky—the whole city just shuts down.” — Matt [04:09]
• “If there’s ever an example that college sports has completely changed…they fired a man…for NCAA violations and now they’re bringing him back because everything they fired him for is now legal.” — Matt, on Will Wade [22:13]
• “Billy [Gillespie] got on the phone and goes, ‘Hey man, just wanted to say, I don’t think you’re good enough to play at Kentucky.’” — Matt [31:31]
• “I do kind of wear my emotions on my sleeve—for better or worse. I think that’s partially why this show is good.” — Matt [25:13]
• “I’m going to trust [God’s] plan a heck a lot better than my plan. And you hope you come out…a better person, I hope.” — Tom Brennaman [48:30]

Timestamps to Key Segments

• Opening Day in Cincinnati: 02:28–08:13
• College Basketball Coaching Carousel: 09:02–17:03
• Will Wade Returns to LSU: 21:49–23:14
• Jeff Teague/Billy Gillespie Story: 30:30–33:44
• Keegan Brown Hired as UK “GM”: 28:11–29:59
• Matt’s Reflections on Criticism: 24:27–27:55
• Tom Brennaman Guest Interview: 44:53–50:04

Closing Thoughts

A lively mix of opening day energy, candid Kentucky sports insights, and discussion of coaching drama, paired with personal reflections and laughter, define this hour of KSR. Highlights include expert analysis of coaching rumors, the ever-entertaining UK coaching “what ifs,” and a thoughtful conversation on the nature of public scrutiny. Tom Brennaman’s candid interview caps a show that captures the full spirit of community and sports obsession that makes KSR a Kentucky staple.