KSR Postgame UK MBB at Georgia – January 8, 2025

Hosted by Matt Jones and Billy Rutledge on iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)

Introduction

In the latest episode of the KSR Postgame Show, host Matt Jones and co-host Billy Rutledge dissect Kentucky's disappointing 82-69 loss to Georgia on January 7, 2025. The game, which spanned over two and a half hours, left fans and analysts alike questioning the team's performance and future prospects in the demanding SEC basketball landscape.

Key Discussion Points

1. Lack of Physicality

Matt Jones emphasized that Kentucky’s inability to maintain physicality was a recurring issue, particularly evident against a formidable Georgia squad.

• Matt Jones (00:30): "The main part of this game was Kentucky just out physical again."

He highlighted that Kentucky has struggled with physical play in recent matchups, including games against Ohio State, Louisville, and Florida. Despite being a proficient shooting team, their reluctance to engage physically has led to significant defensive lapses, particularly in rebounding.

• Matt Jones (04:15): "We've had 15 offensive rebounds given up in the last two games back to back at least 15 offensive rebounds and it crushed them."

2. Officiating Concerns

The hosts agreed that the game was marred by questionable officiating, which they believe disproportionately favored Georgia.

• Matt Jones (06:05): "It was not well officiated. Matter of fact, it was officiated really poorly in two ways. One, they call way too many fouls. And they also went to review like nine times."

They pointed out that Kentucky didn’t initiate contact as aggressively as Georgia, resulting in fewer free throw opportunities despite Georgia’s aggressive play style.

• Matt Jones (08:45): "When you're playing against a group of officials where they're calling everything, you got to initiate contact, and we didn't."

3. Athleticism and Rebounding Issues

The discussion moved to Kentucky’s athleticism deficits, particularly in rebounding and defensive maneuvers. The team’s struggle to box out opponents effectively has been a significant drawback.

• Matt Jones (12:32): "Our guys do not box out by looking at a guy in his face and pushing him. You can't do that. You got to put your butt into it."

He criticized players like Andrew Carr and Amari Williams for not engaging physically enough during rebounds, leading to lost possession and missed scoring opportunities.

• Caller (16:01): "Our two starting bigs, Carr and Williams, they combined for eight points and eight fouls together."

Callers' Insights and Feedback

Throughout the episode, numerous callers shared their perspectives, reinforcing the main themes discussed by Matt and Billy.

• Caller (00:30): "Matt, I don't understand how we beat good teams but lose handily to three bad teams."

This sentiment echoed the frustration over inconsistent performances, where Kentucky struggles against physically robust teams despite victories over traditionally strong programs like Duke and Gonzaga.

• Caller (17:56): "I was there tonight, and Jackson was in my corner the entire second half. He looked like a zombie guarding his guy."

Observations from those attending the game highlighted specific player performances and physicality issues, with particular attention to Jackson Robinson’s lackluster play and defensive shortcomings.

• Caller (44:51): "Mark Pope coming in was worried about how he'd respond to a random loss. The Mississippi State game can really define the season."

This underscores the critical nature of upcoming games in shaping the team’s trajectory in the SEC.

Player Performance Highlights

Jackson Robinson: Central to the conversation was Robinson's pivotal role. His inconsistent shooting and defensive performance were seen as critical factors in the loss.

• Matt Jones (25:40): "This team is going to succeed or fail, in my opinion, based on how good Jackson Robinson ends up being."

Lamont Butler: Praised for his effort and consistency, Butler was noted as a reliable performer who, despite struggling in the latter part of the game, contributed significantly in earlier stages.

• Matt Jones (37:35): "Butler and Garrison both played pretty well."

Andrew Carr and Amari Williams: Both players faced criticism for their lack of physical engagement during rebounds, directly impacting the game's outcome.

• Caller (57:45): "Jackson Robinson looked like he would assume being anywhere and after on that floor."

Coaching and Team Strategy

Mark Pope’s coaching strategies were scrutinized, particularly his handling of the team’s physicality and player development.

• Matt Jones (14:23): "Cal would have gotten ejected from that game."

While recognizing Pope's coaching acumen, Matt stressed the need for the team to adapt to aggressive officiating and physical play styles inherent in the SEC.

• Matt Jones (44:10): "They're going to have to not be scared of contact. They have to embrace it."

Future Outlook and Upcoming Games

Looking ahead, the hosts expressed cautious optimism, recognizing that Kentucky faces a challenging road with tough matchups against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.

• Matt Jones (26:21): "Saturday night at 8:30 becomes pretty important."

They emphasized the necessity for the team to enhance physical play and shooting efficiency to navigate the grueling SEC schedule and secure a strong position for the NCAA tournament.

• Matt Jones (45:27): "Kentucky will be in the NCAA tournament as long as they go, you know, 8 and 10 in the conference."

Conclusion

The episode concluded with a consensus that Kentucky must address its physicality and rebounding deficiencies while enhancing player performances, particularly from key figures like Jackson Robinson. The hosts remain hopeful yet realistic about the team’s prospects, highlighting the importance of upcoming games in defining Kentucky’s season trajectory.

• Matt Jones (60:05): "You got to put your butt into it. Thank you all."

Listeners were encouraged to stay engaged and supportive as Kentucky navigates a tough SEC schedule, aiming to leverage their strengths in shooting and teamwork to overcome current challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Jones (00:30): "The main part of this game was Kentucky just out physical again."
• Matt Jones (06:05): "It was not well officiated...they call way too many fouls."
• Matt Jones (12:32): "Our guys do not box out by looking at a guy in his face and pushing him."
• Matt Jones (25:40): "This team is going to succeed or fail...based on how good Jackson Robinson ends up being."
• Matt Jones (44:10): "They're going to have to not be scared of contact. They have to embrace it."
• Matt Jones (45:27): "Kentucky will be in the NCAA tournament as long as they go, you know, 8 and 10 in the conference."
• Matt Jones (60:05): "You got to put your butt into it. Thank you all."

For more insights and detailed analyses, listen to the full episode of the Local Toy Dealers KSR Postgame Show available on iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM).