KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky MBB vs Nicholls (11/05/2025)

Hosts: Drew Franklin (filling in for Matt Jones) & Billy Rutledge
Podcast: KSR (iHeartPodcasts & Sports Talk 790)
Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Game Recap: Kentucky defeats Nicholls 77–51 in season opener (BBN United Tip Off Classic)

Episode Overview

The KSR Postgame crew, led by Drew Franklin and Billy Rutledge, breaks down Kentucky's season-opening win over Nicholls in the BBN United Tip Off Classic. The show provides in-depth analysis of the Wildcats' tale-of-two-halves performance, celebrates standout moments (including a highlight-reel dunk), discusses concerns (shooting, free throws, missing players), and airs a range of fan calls—plus features a surprise guest who made the $10,000 half-court shot at Rupp Arena.

Main Themes & Purposes

Analyze the Wildcats’ season-opener performance, including positives and concerns
Discuss challenges due to missing key players (esp. Jalen Lowe)
Celebrate Colin Chandler’s breakout second half and poster dunk
Take calls from fans: reactions, questions, and memorable moments
Set expectations for the rest of the season and preview upcoming games

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Thoughts & Context ([00:30])

Drew Franklin hosts, coming straight from courtside, describing a tale of two halves.
Kentucky launches its season and the BBN United Tip-Off Classic with a shakily dominant 77–51 win over Nicholls (not Nicholls State).
The hosts express excitement but acknowledge the game's tragic pre-tip context: a UPS plane crash in Louisville (show expresses condolences). ([02:27])

First Half Analysis: Ugly Start, Offense Struggles ([03:00])

Shooting woes: Kentucky starts 2/16 from 3, 32% from field; halftime score was 28–15.
Pace-and-space offense “looked brutal,” with players stagnant, chucking up threes (“a lot of dudes looking at each other and chucking up threes” — Drew, [03:53]).
Starters included Away, Trent Noah, Modia Bate, and Brandon Garrison; missing Jalen Lowe; Aberdeen didn't start.
Mark Pope’s preferred style (“space and pace”, “reading and reacting”) not translating early to this group.
Defensively, Kentucky excelled: held Nicholls to 1/14 from 3, 12% from the field (“can’t compliment the defense when the offense was as poor as it looked” — Drew, [05:10]).

Game-Changing Second Half: Chandler, Aberdeen, and Offensive Revival ([05:35])

“When Aberdeen was at the one in the second half and Chandler moved to the two... it’s a good night for the Colin Chandler fan club” — Billy, [05:35].
Chandler explodes offensively: 4/4 in the second half (3 three-pointers & a massive dunk).
Aberdeen stabilizes the team: 6 assists, 0 turnovers. “That’s his best assist-to-turnover ratio of his career” — Drew quoting Pope ([06:26]).
Dramatic improvement in movement and spacing with Colin off-ball.

Highlight Moment: “Dunk of the Year” Candidate ([06:52])

Colin Chandler's poster dunk: late-game, “cocked that back... That’s an NBA dunk.”
- “Otega Away is standing in the corner and he covers his eyes... Cam Williams... completely flat on the ground” — Drew ([07:01]).
Rupp Arena erupts; teammates and crowd reactions are instant highlights.
“Colin Chandler punches in his 14 and 15th point... led the team, high score.” ([07:21])

Shooting Worries & Injury Concerns ([08:29])

Spread not covered, team total miles off—offensive ceiling questioned.
Shooting still a concern; overall 7/27 from 3.
Trent Noah rolls ankle (first half), scare in Rupp Arena (ultimately OK, did not return as precaution – [09:09]).
“He [Trent Noah] and Cam Williams are supposed to be the shooters” — Drew, [09:52].
Mark Pope unconcerned with makes, wants more attempts: “He doesn't even worry about guys missing shots. He's worried about the amount of shots they're getting up... did not get over the 30 mark for 3-point tries” ([10:47]).

Quote: “When they were 2-for-16 at halftime, I wanted them to take zero threes.” — Drew, [11:10]

Free Throw Woes & Player Development ([11:10])

12/22 at the line: “not going to cut it” — Billy.
Malachi Moreno: 1/6 FT but otherwise solid (rebounding, dunks).
Brandon Garrison: under observation, potentially losing minutes if not improving (“...worried about Brandon Garrison and his playing time”—Billy, [12:37]).
Improvement in assists vs. turnovers: 21 assists to 13 turnovers, big step forward from Georgetown game ([12:58]).

Crowd & Atmosphere at Rupp ([13:45, 15:19])

Drew describes a subdued, underwhelming crowd (“...not the crowd's best effort but it was a good start to the season” — [01:28]).
Fan engagement improves after Chandler’s dunk.
Fun sidebar: a student named Jared makes the $10,000 half-court shot during a timeout (“...during a timeout a guy named Jared walked onto the court and hit the $10,000 half court shot... busted.” — [15:55]).

Fan Calls: Widespread Excitement, Concerns & Folk Heroics ([17:37+])

Fans from across the region (Knoxville, Fort Worth, etc.) call in to rave about Chandler, discuss key plays, and vent about the first half.
Several calls focus on:
- The difference one point guard makes (“missing a facilitator” — Angus, [17:45]; “Lowe will change everything” — Drew, [18:06])
- Chandler’s dunk as “best in Rupp in years” ([19:22], [20:03])
- Frustration with streaming issues (YouTube TV and ESPN+ headaches) ([20:45], [26:54])
- Concerns about shot selection (“just taking a lot of bad shots for, like, no other reason than just to kind of do it” — Brad, [51:22])
- Status and importance of key players (Lowe, Reese Potter; [21:49], [47:15])

Notable Fan Quotes:

“That Colin Chandler dunk better be on SportsCenter Top 10 tomorrow!” — Chase, [20:19]
“Was that the greatest dunk in Rupp Arena history? By the air Mormon himself, Colin Chandler.” — Mandy, [19:22]

Special Guest Caller: Jared, $10,000 Half-court Shot Winner ([29:09])

Jared confirms foot was not over the line (“I made sure the steps I walked off, I was a foot behind the line… I know for a fact I didn’t cross the line” — Jared, [29:34])
Won rock-paper-scissors for the chance to shoot
No prior basketball background—last shot was 3+ years ago
“50% at Rupp Arena… I’m keeping that percentage for the rest of my life.” ([31:39])

Player & Parent Anecdotes ([31:55+])

Jasper Johnson’s dad, Dennis Johnson, sat alone in the “absolute worst” seat: very top row, farthest corner, despite the option to be closer, reflecting a “man of the people” mindset ([32:02])
Team-first approach on minutes and roles; anticipation for lineup stability once healthy (“...as soon as Lowe’s back, this is all going to look completely different” — Drew, [42:49])

Recurring Themes:

Urgent need for Jalen Lowe’s return before the Louisville game ([18:54], [53:03])
Concern and relief over injuries; wish for better luck after last season
Repeated calls for more consistent shooting and smarter shot selection
Joy and pride in Chandler’s development.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On the first half struggles:

“It just looked brutal offensively to start. ...just a lot of dudes looking at each other and chucking up threes. And as I mentioned, the threes weren’t going in—two for sixteen.” — Drew ([03:53])
On Chandler’s dunk:

“He cocked that back… that’s an NBA dunk. And he caught a body from the Nichols player... the team reactions were even better.” — Drew ([06:52])
“Colin Chandler punches in his 14 and 15th point there, which led the team high score.” — Drew ([07:13])
On point guard play:

“It shows you how valuable a good point guard is. And when Aberdeen was at the one in the second half and Colin moved to the two... it’s a good night for the Colin Chandler fan club…” — Billy ([05:35])
On ongoing shooting issues:

“How much do we need to worry about the shooting on this team?” — Drew ([09:52])
“I’m still worried about the free throw shooting...12 of 22 is not going to cut it.” — Drew & Billy ([11:33])
On streaming frustrations:

“...this was some piracy going on the internet... and ESPN is at fault here. They’re stealing from us. It’s way overpriced.” — Drew ([27:54], [28:25])
On expectations for the Louisville game:

“I’ll feel much better if Lowe’s back next week. ...if that’s what Mark Pope takes to Louisville next Tuesday, I’m a little worried.” — Drew ([18:54])
On the half-court shot:

“Congratulations, Jared. ...Kid hit a half-court shot when nobody was making shots.” — Drew ([17:29])
On Chandler’s projected NBA potential:

“I actually could foresee this kid being a lottery pick. I mean, I really do.” — Trey ([41:02])

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:30] — Show intro, context, and condolences for Louisville tragedy
[03:00] — First half breakdown: offensive struggles, defensive highlights
[05:35] — Second half: impact of Aberdeen/Chandler, offensive turnaround
[06:52] — Chandler’s poster dunk, team reactions, crowd erupts
[08:29] — Shooting/injury discussion; status of Trent Noah
[13:45] — Game recap summary, calls begin
[15:55] — Half-court shot by Jared; rim woes theory debunked
[29:09] — Jared, $10K winner, calls in—tells his story
[31:55] — Drew details atmosphere, parent anecdotes, Rupp Arena quirks
[38:17] — “Johnny Rocker Moneymaker of the Game:” Chandler honored
[47:15] — Discussion about Reese Potter’s status
[50:51] — Final caller venting about shot selection, optimism for growth
[53:01] — Hosts preview Valpo & Louisville, stress need for Lowe’s return

Episode Tone & Style

Conversational, witty, and self-deprecating (“I had a flash sale going on after the Georgetown game... people were patting me on the back saying it’s going to get better” — Drew, [07:40])
Deeply invested in Kentucky basketball’s nuances: honest about both concerns and potential
Heavy crowd-sourcing of opinion: several lively, informed (and fun) fan calls
Keeps things light even while discussing real issues: laughter, banter, sidebars

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Win is a win: Despite painful shooting stretches and a depleted roster, Kentucky handled its business and showed defensive promise.
Colin Chandler emerges as the story of the game – from slow start to star turn with a second-half onslaught and a dunk that immediately entered Rupp lore.
Concerns remain:
- Three-point and free-throw shooting
- Need for more fluid offense, best solved with Jalen Lowe’s return
- Injury luck—team is thin, fans on edge after last year
Fans are engaged, hopeful, and already making heroes of Chandler and the lucky halftime shooter.
Looking ahead: Two more games in the BBN United Tip Off Classic before a crucial, early-season showdown with Louisville. The hope: having the full roster back for the first real test.

“Fan club ain’t dead yet. We’re just getting started.” — Drew Franklin, closing the Chandler hype ([44:42])

Next Game:

Kentucky vs Valparaiso (Second game, BBN United Tip Off Classic), then Louisville rematch Tuesday.

Hosts sign off, looking forward to more Chandler highlights, “soup season,” and much-needed player returns.

For more info and ongoing coverage, catch the KSR morning shows and future postgame episodes.

KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky MBB vs Nicholls (11/05/2025)

Episode Overview

Main Themes & Purposes

Analyze the Wildcats’ season-opener performance, including positives and concerns
Discuss challenges due to missing key players (esp. Jalen Lowe)
Celebrate Colin Chandler’s breakout second half and poster dunk
Take calls from fans: reactions, questions, and memorable moments
Set expectations for the rest of the season and preview upcoming games

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Thoughts & Context ([00:30])

Drew Franklin hosts, coming straight from courtside, describing a tale of two halves.
Kentucky launches its season and the BBN United Tip-Off Classic with a shakily dominant 77–51 win over Nicholls (not Nicholls State).
The hosts express excitement but acknowledge the game's tragic pre-tip context: a UPS plane crash in Louisville (show expresses condolences). ([02:27])

First Half Analysis: Ugly Start, Offense Struggles ([03:00])

Shooting woes: Kentucky starts 2/16 from 3, 32% from field; halftime score was 28–15.
Pace-and-space offense “looked brutal,” with players stagnant, chucking up threes (“a lot of dudes looking at each other and chucking up threes” — Drew, [03:53]).
Starters included Away, Trent Noah, Modia Bate, and Brandon Garrison; missing Jalen Lowe; Aberdeen didn't start.
Mark Pope’s preferred style (“space and pace”, “reading and reacting”) not translating early to this group.
Defensively, Kentucky excelled: held Nicholls to 1/14 from 3, 12% from the field (“can’t compliment the defense when the offense was as poor as it looked” — Drew, [05:10]).

Game-Changing Second Half: Chandler, Aberdeen, and Offensive Revival ([05:35])

“When Aberdeen was at the one in the second half and Chandler moved to the two... it’s a good night for the Colin Chandler fan club” — Billy, [05:35].
Chandler explodes offensively: 4/4 in the second half (3 three-pointers & a massive dunk).
Aberdeen stabilizes the team: 6 assists, 0 turnovers. “That’s his best assist-to-turnover ratio of his career” — Drew quoting Pope ([06:26]).
Dramatic improvement in movement and spacing with Colin off-ball.

Highlight Moment: “Dunk of the Year” Candidate ([06:52])

Colin Chandler's poster dunk: late-game, “cocked that back... That’s an NBA dunk.”
- “Otega Away is standing in the corner and he covers his eyes... Cam Williams... completely flat on the ground” — Drew ([07:01]).
Rupp Arena erupts; teammates and crowd reactions are instant highlights.
“Colin Chandler punches in his 14 and 15th point... led the team, high score.” ([07:21])

Shooting Worries & Injury Concerns ([08:29])

Spread not covered, team total miles off—offensive ceiling questioned.
Shooting still a concern; overall 7/27 from 3.
Trent Noah rolls ankle (first half), scare in Rupp Arena (ultimately OK, did not return as precaution – [09:09]).
“He [Trent Noah] and Cam Williams are supposed to be the shooters” — Drew, [09:52].
Mark Pope unconcerned with makes, wants more attempts: “He doesn't even worry about guys missing shots. He's worried about the amount of shots they're getting up... did not get over the 30 mark for 3-point tries” ([10:47]).

Quote: “When they were 2-for-16 at halftime, I wanted them to take zero threes.” — Drew, [11:10]

Free Throw Woes & Player Development ([11:10])

12/22 at the line: “not going to cut it” — Billy.
Malachi Moreno: 1/6 FT but otherwise solid (rebounding, dunks).
Brandon Garrison: under observation, potentially losing minutes if not improving (“...worried about Brandon Garrison and his playing time”—Billy, [12:37]).
Improvement in assists vs. turnovers: 21 assists to 13 turnovers, big step forward from Georgetown game ([12:58]).

Crowd & Atmosphere at Rupp ([13:45, 15:19])

Drew describes a subdued, underwhelming crowd (“...not the crowd's best effort but it was a good start to the season” — [01:28]).
Fan engagement improves after Chandler’s dunk.
Fun sidebar: a student named Jared makes the $10,000 half-court shot during a timeout (“...during a timeout a guy named Jared walked onto the court and hit the $10,000 half court shot... busted.” — [15:55]).

Fan Calls: Widespread Excitement, Concerns & Folk Heroics ([17:37+])

Fans from across the region (Knoxville, Fort Worth, etc.) call in to rave about Chandler, discuss key plays, and vent about the first half.
Several calls focus on:
- The difference one point guard makes (“missing a facilitator” — Angus, [17:45]; “Lowe will change everything” — Drew, [18:06])
- Chandler’s dunk as “best in Rupp in years” ([19:22], [20:03])
- Frustration with streaming issues (YouTube TV and ESPN+ headaches) ([20:45], [26:54])
- Concerns about shot selection (“just taking a lot of bad shots for, like, no other reason than just to kind of do it” — Brad, [51:22])
- Status and importance of key players (Lowe, Reese Potter; [21:49], [47:15])

Notable Fan Quotes:

“That Colin Chandler dunk better be on SportsCenter Top 10 tomorrow!” — Chase, [20:19]
“Was that the greatest dunk in Rupp Arena history? By the air Mormon himself, Colin Chandler.” — Mandy, [19:22]

Special Guest Caller: Jared, $10,000 Half-court Shot Winner ([29:09])

Jared confirms foot was not over the line (“I made sure the steps I walked off, I was a foot behind the line… I know for a fact I didn’t cross the line” — Jared, [29:34])
Won rock-paper-scissors for the chance to shoot
No prior basketball background—last shot was 3+ years ago
“50% at Rupp Arena… I’m keeping that percentage for the rest of my life.” ([31:39])

Player & Parent Anecdotes ([31:55+])

Jasper Johnson’s dad, Dennis Johnson, sat alone in the “absolute worst” seat: very top row, farthest corner, despite the option to be closer, reflecting a “man of the people” mindset ([32:02])
Team-first approach on minutes and roles; anticipation for lineup stability once healthy (“...as soon as Lowe’s back, this is all going to look completely different” — Drew, [42:49])

Recurring Themes:

Urgent need for Jalen Lowe’s return before the Louisville game ([18:54], [53:03])
Concern and relief over injuries; wish for better luck after last season
Repeated calls for more consistent shooting and smarter shot selection
Joy and pride in Chandler’s development.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On the first half struggles:

“It just looked brutal offensively to start. ...just a lot of dudes looking at each other and chucking up threes. And as I mentioned, the threes weren’t going in—two for sixteen.” — Drew ([03:53])
On Chandler’s dunk:

“He cocked that back… that’s an NBA dunk. And he caught a body from the Nichols player... the team reactions were even better.” — Drew ([06:52])
“Colin Chandler punches in his 14 and 15th point there, which led the team high score.” — Drew ([07:13])
On point guard play:

“It shows you how valuable a good point guard is. And when Aberdeen was at the one in the second half and Colin moved to the two... it’s a good night for the Colin Chandler fan club…” — Billy ([05:35])
On ongoing shooting issues:

“How much do we need to worry about the shooting on this team?” — Drew ([09:52])
“I’m still worried about the free throw shooting...12 of 22 is not going to cut it.” — Drew & Billy ([11:33])
On streaming frustrations:

“...this was some piracy going on the internet... and ESPN is at fault here. They’re stealing from us. It’s way overpriced.” — Drew ([27:54], [28:25])
On expectations for the Louisville game:

“I’ll feel much better if Lowe’s back next week. ...if that’s what Mark Pope takes to Louisville next Tuesday, I’m a little worried.” — Drew ([18:54])
On the half-court shot:

“Congratulations, Jared. ...Kid hit a half-court shot when nobody was making shots.” — Drew ([17:29])
On Chandler’s projected NBA potential:

“I actually could foresee this kid being a lottery pick. I mean, I really do.” — Trey ([41:02])

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

[00:30] — Show intro, context, and condolences for Louisville tragedy
[03:00] — First half breakdown: offensive struggles, defensive highlights
[05:35] — Second half: impact of Aberdeen/Chandler, offensive turnaround
[06:52] — Chandler’s poster dunk, team reactions, crowd erupts
[08:29] — Shooting/injury discussion; status of Trent Noah
[13:45] — Game recap summary, calls begin
[15:55] — Half-court shot by Jared; rim woes theory debunked
[29:09] — Jared, $10K winner, calls in—tells his story
[31:55] — Drew details atmosphere, parent anecdotes, Rupp Arena quirks
[38:17] — “Johnny Rocker Moneymaker of the Game:” Chandler honored
[47:15] — Discussion about Reese Potter’s status
[50:51] — Final caller venting about shot selection, optimism for growth
[53:01] — Hosts preview Valpo & Louisville, stress need for Lowe’s return

Episode Tone & Style

Conversational, witty, and self-deprecating (“I had a flash sale going on after the Georgetown game... people were patting me on the back saying it’s going to get better” — Drew, [07:40])
Deeply invested in Kentucky basketball’s nuances: honest about both concerns and potential
Heavy crowd-sourcing of opinion: several lively, informed (and fun) fan calls
Keeps things light even while discussing real issues: laughter, banter, sidebars

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Win is a win: Despite painful shooting stretches and a depleted roster, Kentucky handled its business and showed defensive promise.
Colin Chandler emerges as the story of the game – from slow start to star turn with a second-half onslaught and a dunk that immediately entered Rupp lore.
Concerns remain:
- Three-point and free-throw shooting
- Need for more fluid offense, best solved with Jalen Lowe’s return
- Injury luck—team is thin, fans on edge after last year
Fans are engaged, hopeful, and already making heroes of Chandler and the lucky halftime shooter.
Looking ahead: Two more games in the BBN United Tip Off Classic before a crucial, early-season showdown with Louisville. The hope: having the full roster back for the first real test.

“Fan club ain’t dead yet. We’re just getting started.” — Drew Franklin, closing the Chandler hype ([44:42])

Next Game:

Kentucky vs Valparaiso (Second game, BBN United Tip Off Classic), then Louisville rematch Tuesday.

Hosts sign off, looking forward to more Chandler highlights, “soup season,” and much-needed player returns.

For more info and ongoing coverage, catch the KSR morning shows and future postgame episodes.

KSR Postgame UK MBB vs Nicholls 11/04/25

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Summary

KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky MBB vs Nicholls (11/05/2025)

Episode Overview

Main Themes & Purposes

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Thoughts & Context ([00:30])

First Half Analysis: Ugly Start, Offense Struggles ([03:00])

Game-Changing Second Half: Chandler, Aberdeen, and Offensive Revival ([05:35])

Highlight Moment: “Dunk of the Year” Candidate ([06:52])

Shooting Worries & Injury Concerns ([08:29])

Free Throw Woes & Player Development ([11:10])

Crowd & Atmosphere at Rupp ([13:45, 15:19])

Fan Calls: Widespread Excitement, Concerns & Folk Heroics ([17:37+])

Notable Fan Quotes:

Special Guest Caller: Jared, $10,000 Half-court Shot Winner ([29:09])

Player & Parent Anecdotes ([31:55+])

Sponsored Segment: "Johnny Rocker Moneymaker of the Game" ([38:17])

Recurring Themes:

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Tone & Style

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Summary

KSR Postgame Show: Kentucky MBB vs Nicholls (11/05/2025)

Episode Overview

Main Themes & Purposes

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Thoughts & Context ([00:30])

First Half Analysis: Ugly Start, Offense Struggles ([03:00])

Game-Changing Second Half: Chandler, Aberdeen, and Offensive Revival ([05:35])

Highlight Moment: “Dunk of the Year” Candidate ([06:52])

Shooting Worries & Injury Concerns ([08:29])

Free Throw Woes & Player Development ([11:10])

Crowd & Atmosphere at Rupp ([13:45, 15:19])

Fan Calls: Widespread Excitement, Concerns & Folk Heroics ([17:37+])

Notable Fan Quotes:

Special Guest Caller: Jared, $10,000 Half-court Shot Winner ([29:09])

Player & Parent Anecdotes ([31:55+])

Sponsored Segment: "Johnny Rocker Moneymaker of the Game" ([38:17])

Recurring Themes:

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Tone & Style

Final Thoughts & Takeaways