KSR Postgame: UK MBB vs Texas (1/21/26)
Podcast: Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) Postgame Show
Hosts: Matt Jones & Billy Reed
Game: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Texas
Final Score: Kentucky 85, Texas 80
Date: January 22, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode dives into Kentucky’s crucial home win against Texas, dissecting the game’s turning points, standout performances, and the injury-driven roster challenges facing coach Mark Pope’s team. Matt Jones and Billy Reed field energetic calls about the victory, roster adjustments, the G League transfer debate, and quirky Kentucky sports trivia—delivering a mix of serious basketball analysis and KSR’s signature blend of humor and regional color.
Main Themes
- Kentucky gets a necessary win over Texas: The Wildcats prevail in a must-win at home, fighting through injuries and a thin roster.
- Stellar free throw shooting and perimeter defense anchor the victory.
- Roster adversity intensifies with Cam Williams’ foot injury.
- Debate emerges over whether to pull redshirts, expand bench usage, or add a G-League transfer.
- Community & tradition: Callers share personal stories, basketball superstitions, and Kentucky lore.
- Upcoming schedule urgency and tournament hopes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Importance of the Win and Game Analysis
- "A gutsy win for Kentucky. They needed it. Texas is kind of the epitome of a bubble team... When you play a team like that on your home court you have to beat them and Kentucky did." (Matt Jones, 00:40)
- Kentucky needed this game to keep NCAA tournament hopes alive, especially with a tough schedule looming after Ole Miss.
Game flow:
- Kentucky took control in the second half, finally generating separation through efficient offense and defensive stops.
- Texas, known for drawing fouls and attacking inside, was countered by Kentucky matching their physical style.
Key stat: Kentucky shot 30-35 from the free throw line.
“Kentucky makes 30 of their 35 free throws...that is really, really impressive. And it's why they were able to win.”
— Matt Jones (03:15)
Defensive highlight: Held Texas to just two made three-pointers.
2. Standout Performances
Colin Chandler
- Scored 14 of 15 Kentucky points in critical stretch in the 2nd half.
- “Colin Chandler was great in the second half…made shots, but also was aggressive. This was the Colin Chandler we expected going into the year.” (Matt Jones, 04:04)
Denzel Aberdeen
- Strong point guard play, made key free throws, though missed a few late.
- Awarded the Johnny Rocker Personal Injury Attorney Moneymaker of the Game: 19 points, 9-12 FT, 2 TO in 32 minutes.
“He has played really, really well…He shot the ball well. Denzel Aberdeen has really stepped up.”
— Matt Jones (44:08, 44:43)
Malachi Moreno
- Six assists, strong interior defense (+17 plus/minus), credited for inspired passing out of the post since a remark by Alabama coach Nate Oats.
- Six blocks and strong presence noted by in-person fans.
Callers’ shout-outs:
- Moreno compared to Drew Holiday for defensive presence and reliability (Luke, 44:47).
3. Roster Crisis: Cam Williams’ Injury & Personnel Debates
- Cam Williams breaks his foot (likely 4–6 weeks; possibly out for rest of season).
- Adds to two years of bad injury luck—parallels to last year’s depletion.
“On a roster where you had 13 guys, you're now down to nine...Both Jasper Johnson and Trent Noah, you’ve got to play. It's time for those guys to step up.”
— Matt Jones (07:48)
Options discussed:
- Freshmen forced into rotation: Jasper Johnson and Trent Noah must step up.
- Redshirting dilemma: Should they pull Brayden Hawthorne’s redshirt?
- NCAA might change to 5 years eligibility soon, making it less risky to play him now.
- Transfer market debate: Should Kentucky recruit G League guard Dink Pate (or equivalent) as an emergency reinforcement?
4. G League Transfer Debate: Should Kentucky Go "Mercenary"?
Caller Richard:
“That’s why we’ve gotten Denzel Aberdeen to be a demon...the best version of this team is not one where we go get some G League mercenary. It's one where we had at least two big Trent Noah games.” (23:02)
Matt's counter-argument:
- Pragmatism versus idealism—everyone’s doing it, you may not like the rule, but not to exploit it puts Kentucky at a disadvantage.
Classic quote:
“If I was president, I wouldn't allow that. But you still do it. Same thing here. If it’s allowed and he can help you, you would take it.”
— Matt Jones (17:58)
- Chemistry concern: Could a G League addition disrupt team unity? Pope’s judgment and inside knowledge trusted here.
Inside scoop: Dink Pate reportedly friends with both Jasper Johnson and Brandon Garrison.
“So he could help bring him in for the chemistry part. He’s got a friend.” (Matt Jones, 34:26)
5. Free Throws & Game Management
Huge key: Kentucky’s ability to draw fouls and make free throws outperformed Texas at their own game.
- “To get to the line more than the team that leads the country in drawing fouls, you gotta give them a lot of credit.” (Matt Jones, 33:27)
6. Other Roster/Lineup Chatter
- Jaden Quaintance: Callers ask if injury crisis will force Pope to rush his return. Matt says, “I think the Jaden Quaint’s decision will be Jaden Quaintances, I think. I don’t think there’s any holding him back from Mark Pope.” (60:35)
- Importance of two real point guards: After two years losing starters, next year’s roster must be deeper at the point.
7. Kentucky Basketball Superstitions & Fan Culture
Caller confessions:
- Turning the game off when things go south—superstition rewarded by comebacks:
“Every time I turn it off, they come back and win.” (19:37)
Anecdotes:
- Annabelle curse: Blaming injuries on the Annabelle doll in Lexington (33:55).
- Classic names in Kentucky lore: Dink, Dinky (Doink & Dink from wrestling, Dinky McKay former UK football QB, Dinky Phipps HS coach).
- Gimmicky NIL opportunity (“Dunkin’ Dink”) and cultural references to G League prospects and old-school wrestling.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Free Throws and Winning
- Matt Jones [03:15]: “Kentucky makes 30 of their 35 free throws. That is really, really impressive. And it's why they were able to win.”
Roster Crisis Reaction
- Matt Jones [07:48]: “On a roster where you had 13 guys, you're now down to nine...you’ve got 12 games to do it...Trent Noah and Jasper Johnson...It's time for those guys to step up.”
Transfer Debate
- Matt Jones [17:58]: “If it’s allowed and he can help you, you would take it...You can fight the fight...but if they do exist, you would be silly not to do it.”
On Chemistry
- Matt Jones [24:46]: “If Pope thought having a kid come from outside the team would cause chemistry issues, then he shouldn’t do that.”
On Coaching Lessons
- Matt Jones [63:46]: “If there’s any lesson that comes from this year more than any other...you gotta get shooters...and you got to have two point guards.”
On Modern College Hoops Reality
- Caller Tori and Matt Jones [54:22 – 54:57]:
“We have to do this. We have to get G league players. If you can get G league players. Because if we don’t, someone else will and then that player will come into Lexington and beat us.”
“It’s not that Kentucky doesn’t matter, but it’s now part of a puzzle. If you don’t do the other things, Kentucky’s not going to get you over the top anymore.”
Fan Connection & Personal Moments
- Cannon, new dad [28:20]:
"My daughter was born today and you called a post game show tonight. So it’s post game for the game and the birth. … To me, that's what Kentucky basketball is all about…God, family, Kentucky basketball. And I can’t wait to experience it with her."
Humor and Trivia
- Doink & Dink the Clown, wrestling trivia & Kentucky football QB Dinky McKay
- Matt Jones [47:10]: “James Dinky McKay. I bet he didn’t expect to get a shout out on the postgame show.”
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:40 | Opening: Importance of winning vs. a “bubble” Texas team | | 03:15 | Free throws and out-Texasing Texas at their own game | | 04:04 | Colin Chandler’s 2nd half scoring burst | | 07:48 | Cam Williams’ injury and domino effect for Kentucky’s roster | | 10:12 | Redshirting debate (Hawthorne) & NCAA eligibility rules | | 13:43 | Bench issues: “Five guys for three spots” | | 17:58 | G League player debate (“If it’s allowed & he helps, take him”) | | 23:02 | Caller Richard: “No G League mercenary!” | | 33:27 | Surprised at Kentucky’s FT rate vs. Texas | | 44:08 | Denzel Aberdeen, Moneymaker of the Game | | 46:39 | Fan shout-outs: Moreno, Chandler, and Aberdeen’s comp to Drew Holiday | | 54:22 | Modern recruiting and program-building realities | | 63:46 | Two coaching lessons: shooters and depth at PG |
Episode Takeaways
- Kentucky’s postseason hopes are alive, but depth is the biggest concern.
- Injury luck has been brutal, but the team’s heart and defensive effort tonight impressed.
- Roster decisions loom: Whether to redshirt, go for a transfer, or rely on lightly-used freshmen, every Jersey counts.
- Pragmatism over idealism is the current landscape: If rules allow a G League player and he fills a need, Kentucky should act.
- Traditional fan values—community, superstition, and lore—remain a vibrant undercurrent, even as college sports evolves.
- Matt and Billy keep it light—weather bets, D Ink trivia, and callers’ life updates—all part of the unique KSR atmosphere.