Welcome everyone to another edition of the KSR Pre Show. Today is Wednesday, March twelfth. I am Billy Rutlish with no Shannon the Dude. Today he is on the road with the guys headed to Bowling Green. You can give call eight five nine two eight h two two eight seven text us at five O two two six five six six five six. As always, the KSR Pre Show is brought to you byal X Fine Italian Dining in Lexington at the City Center on Main.

Welcome everyone to another edition of the KSR Pre Show. Today is Wednesday, March twelfth. I am Billy Rutlish with no Shannon the Dude. Today he is on the road with the guys headed to Bowling Green. You can give call eight five nine two eight h two two eight seven text us at five O two two six five six six five six. As always, the KSR Pre Show is brought to you byal X Fine Italian Dining in Lexington at the City Center on Main.

Street, open for lunch and dinner.

Street, open for lunch and dinner.

Like I said, no Shannon the Dude today he is with the boys headed down to the SEC Tournament. They will stop in Bowling Green today to do the show. I just saw a picture from Drew Franklin of the Big Dinosaur outside the Interstate going towards Bowling Green, So that means, uh, the hilltop or alum coming out of me here. They're about thirty minutes away from Bowling Green and hopefully they'll be setting up and ready to go. But on these days Shannon the Dude ditches me, but you'll hear from him later on KSR. John Alden is the producer. Today he is back in studio and John I feel a little bit like Macaulay Culkin home alone. Maybe I need the booby trap the studio. I feel a little left out sometime, a little fomo when these guys goes on trip.

Like I said, no Shannon the Dude today he is with the boys headed down to the SEC Tournament. They will stop in Bowling Green today to do the show. I just saw a picture from Drew Franklin of the Big Dinosaur outside the Interstate going towards Bowling Green, So that means, uh, the hilltop or alum coming out of me here. They're about thirty minutes away from Bowling Green and hopefully they'll be setting up and ready to go. But on these days Shannon the Dude ditches me, but you'll hear from him later on KSR. John Alden is the producer. Today he is back in studio and John I feel a little bit like Macaulay Culkin home alone. Maybe I need the booby trap the studio. I feel a little left out sometime, a little fomo when these guys goes on trip.

But somebody's got to hold the fort down, right, John.

But somebody's got to hold the fort down, right, John.

That's right.

That's right.

And I'm transitioning over from news Radio eight to forty whas over here to the KSR studios. And you know, I got to get into the I guess the KSR vibes whatever that may include today.

And I'm transitioning over from news Radio eight to forty whas over here to the KSR studios. And you know, I got to get into the I guess the KSR vibes whatever that may include today.

That's right.

That's right.

We welcome you over, John, even though you are an Indiana fan.

We welcome you over, John, even though you are an Indiana fan.

We'll keep that to a minimum today.

We'll keep that to a minimum today.

I had so many guests cancel on me today that we're gonna run solo for the first thirty minutes. That's right, folks, Colin Cowherd, here's my audition to replace him. We'll go thirty minutes today before we welcome Jack Pilgrim to the show. He's gonna call in on his way down to Nashville. He had a bold prediction that we need to talk to Jack about. He picked the Cats to win the SEC tournament. And I mean, I love the optimism, but I'm gonna have to hear it from the horse's mouth himself on what he thinks, because he's been very bullish on the Cats this year. Is somebody that watches them as close as anybody. So Jack Pilgrim will join us at nine to thirty. Until then, we'll hit some headlines and I want to play some of the best moments from the Kentucky basketball season through audio. Tom Leach Jack Gibbons do a great job on the call. I am the producer for the UK Sports Network back in the studio and I have compiled eleven highlights going over some of the best moments of the Kentucky season, and we'll get to that in just a second. But I do want to give a big thank you to everybody listening today. You know, I keep track of the number of shows that we do here on the Ksrpre Show, and today is Ksrpre Show eight hundred and fifty, eight hundred and fifty. Can you believe that a little over three years ago, Shannon and I started this show, And I want to thank Matt for the opportunity and iHeart eight hundred and fifty episodes later, and I cannot thank the listeners enough. We got some ratings in recently and they soared. They were over the moon and blew out our expectations. So a sincere thank you to everybody that has listened and is listening to me gasbag on the radio by myself this morning.

I had so many guests cancel on me today that we're gonna run solo for the first thirty minutes. That's right, folks, Colin Cowherd, here's my audition to replace him. We'll go thirty minutes today before we welcome Jack Pilgrim to the show. He's gonna call in on his way down to Nashville. He had a bold prediction that we need to talk to Jack about. He picked the Cats to win the SEC tournament. And I mean, I love the optimism, but I'm gonna have to hear it from the horse's mouth himself on what he thinks, because he's been very bullish on the Cats this year. Is somebody that watches them as close as anybody. So Jack Pilgrim will join us at nine to thirty. Until then, we'll hit some headlines and I want to play some of the best moments from the Kentucky basketball season through audio. Tom Leach Jack Gibbons do a great job on the call. I am the producer for the UK Sports Network back in the studio and I have compiled eleven highlights going over some of the best moments of the Kentucky season, and we'll get to that in just a second. But I do want to give a big thank you to everybody listening today. You know, I keep track of the number of shows that we do here on the Ksrpre Show, and today is Ksrpre Show eight hundred and fifty, eight hundred and fifty. Can you believe that a little over three years ago, Shannon and I started this show, And I want to thank Matt for the opportunity and iHeart eight hundred and fifty episodes later, and I cannot thank the listeners enough. We got some ratings in recently and they soared. They were over the moon and blew out our expectations. So a sincere thank you to everybody that has listened and is listening to me gasbag on the radio by myself this morning.

We could not do it without you.

We could not do it without you.

So thank you for Jack Pilgrim from coming out of the bullpen, and thank you for the listeners that have kept this show afloat for the last three years.

So thank you for Jack Pilgrim from coming out of the bullpen, and thank you for the listeners that have kept this show afloat for the last three years.

Also, big thank you to Mark Stoops.

Also, big thank you to Mark Stoops.

He joined KSR yesterday in studio and talked with the guys. You know, not every coach is willing to do that, come to the studio by themselves without an si D member next to them, to speak openly and honestly about really the horrible season that they had last year.

He joined KSR yesterday in studio and talked with the guys. You know, not every coach is willing to do that, come to the studio by themselves without an si D member next to them, to speak openly and honestly about really the horrible season that they had last year.

Now, I'm not gonna say anything.

Now, I'm not gonna say anything.

Mark Stoops said yesterday really inspired me to think that Kentucky could get back on the right track. I really do appreciate him saying he would like to keep the Louisville game on the schedule if they go to nine conference games, because I would love to see that rivalry continue. But you know, I didn't get the raw, raw motivation that maybe I was expecting a little bit. It was just, you know, it was something that I'm gonna have to see before I believe again a big thing than to stoops for being open and honest. But I think for me, it's gonna be a little bit of I have to see it before I believe it again. But nevertheless, Pro Day was yesterday. Spring ball is underway. Those guys are going to slowly start ramping up. But look, folks, it's basketball season. It's the best time of the year. The SEC Tournament starts today with Kentucky's former coach fighting for his NCAA tournament lives.

Mark Stoops said yesterday really inspired me to think that Kentucky could get back on the right track. I really do appreciate him saying he would like to keep the Louisville game on the schedule if they go to nine conference games, because I would love to see that rivalry continue. But you know, I didn't get the raw, raw motivation that maybe I was expecting a little bit. It was just, you know, it was something that I'm gonna have to see before I believe again a big thing than to stoops for being open and honest. But I think for me, it's gonna be a little bit of I have to see it before I believe it again. But nevertheless, Pro Day was yesterday. Spring ball is underway. Those guys are going to slowly start ramping up. But look, folks, it's basketball season. It's the best time of the year. The SEC Tournament starts today with Kentucky's former coach fighting for his NCAA tournament lives.

How could you not be excited for that?

How could you not be excited for that?

The first game of the SECS Tournament today starts at noon Central Time between fourteen seeds South Carolina and NIDE the seed Arkansas. Remember, folks, South Carolina is the worst team in the league, but they killed Arkansas earlier this year. And with the news that Aduthierro is out for this game, I don't know, I don't know. Maybe when your coach says he doesn't care about the tournament and the games that you're playing in and now you're out without your best player, will Arkansas show up today? That will be the very first game that we see down in Nashville. Thirteen seeded Texas will take on number twelve seed Vanderbilt. In the second game, teen seed LSU will take on ten seed Mississippi State, and fourteen seed Oklahoma takes on Georgia. That is the final game of the session tonight, and the winner of that game will take on the sixth seeded Kentucky Wildcats.

The first game of the SECS Tournament today starts at noon Central Time between fourteen seeds South Carolina and NIDE the seed Arkansas. Remember, folks, South Carolina is the worst team in the league, but they killed Arkansas earlier this year. And with the news that Aduthierro is out for this game, I don't know, I don't know. Maybe when your coach says he doesn't care about the tournament and the games that you're playing in and now you're out without your best player, will Arkansas show up today? That will be the very first game that we see down in Nashville. Thirteen seeded Texas will take on number twelve seed Vanderbilt. In the second game, teen seed LSU will take on ten seed Mississippi State, and fourteen seed Oklahoma takes on Georgia. That is the final game of the session tonight, and the winner of that game will take on the sixth seeded Kentucky Wildcats.

Who would you rather play? Oklahoma? Georgia?

Who would you rather play? Oklahoma? Georgia?

Georgia is a team that already beat Kentucky earlier this year, but that was a long time ago, folks. That feels like a year or two ago at this point. A very physical team. You've heard of the name Sampto Siro. He played very well in that first matchup. Or would you rather play Oklahoma? The Sooners who otega Oway had to score what was it eighteen of the final twenty points and hit the game winner to even get the win on the road. They haven't been playing their best ball, but they are the fourteen seed in the SEC tournament. So we will watch with baited breath where all of those games in the SEC Tournament today. We will also hear from the guys down in Bowlly Green a little bit later. I do want to get to some of these sound clips. Though, folks, it's been a fun year. It's been a revival of sorts, starting with that press conference at Ropparena with Mark Pope.

Georgia is a team that already beat Kentucky earlier this year, but that was a long time ago, folks. That feels like a year or two ago at this point. A very physical team. You've heard of the name Sampto Siro. He played very well in that first matchup. Or would you rather play Oklahoma? The Sooners who otega Oway had to score what was it eighteen of the final twenty points and hit the game winner to even get the win on the road. They haven't been playing their best ball, but they are the fourteen seed in the SEC tournament. So we will watch with baited breath where all of those games in the SEC Tournament today. We will also hear from the guys down in Bowlly Green a little bit later. I do want to get to some of these sound clips. Though, folks, it's been a fun year. It's been a revival of sorts, starting with that press conference at Ropparena with Mark Pope.

But over the years or over this year.

But over the years or over this year.

We've had some great moments in UK basketball, and courtesy of the UK Sports Network, we're going to be playing some of those moments for you. And while I have ten highlights, we start with an honorable mention because this came in an exhibition game. The Mountain Mamba, before he ever received his nickname, played against Kentucky Westley and had four three pointers.

We've had some great moments in UK basketball, and courtesy of the UK Sports Network, we're going to be playing some of those moments for you. And while I have ten highlights, we start with an honorable mention because this came in an exhibition game. The Mountain Mamba, before he ever received his nickname, played against Kentucky Westley and had four three pointers.

The Chandler over to Noah open three left side, hit it Kobe Brea left side, lets it fly, It's no good rebound Perry out to Noah right side another three may two yes, alla passa Perry Perry up the left side, two hand pass a head to Noah left corner.

The Chandler over to Noah open three left side, hit it Kobe Brea left side, lets it fly, It's no good rebound Perry out to Noah right side another three may two yes, alla passa Perry Perry up the left side, two hand pass a head to Noah left corner.

Three Yes, he's heated up.

Three Yes, he's heated up.

Chandler double teamed over to Perry overhead pass Noah left wing. Three four before for Trent Noah. Wow.

Chandler double teamed over to Perry overhead pass Noah left wing. Three four before for Trent Noah. Wow.

Now, Trent Noah has contributed in spurts this year.

Now, Trent Noah has contributed in spurts this year.

But what a magical story that has been of all the great lines that we've had this year, with one of Kentucky's own returning in the bus with Mark Pope with building a roster and matter of two to three weeks, Trent Noah, a Kentucky kid coming in and playing productive minutes has been one of the best stories.

But what a magical story that has been of all the great lines that we've had this year, with one of Kentucky's own returning in the bus with Mark Pope with building a roster and matter of two to three weeks, Trent Noah, a Kentucky kid coming in and playing productive minutes has been one of the best stories.

Now.

Now.

Kentucky started regular season play with a couple of wins, but really it was the game versus Cooper Flag and Duke that solidified that Mark Pope was.

Kentucky started regular season play with a couple of wins, but really it was the game versus Cooper Flag and Duke that solidified that Mark Pope was.

Here to make some noise.

Here to make some noise.

And if you watched those journey videos, probably the best part of the journey video of Kentucky Duke was Mark Pope on the sideline telling his guys exactly what Cooper Flag was going to do in the clutch.

And if you watched those journey videos, probably the best part of the journey video of Kentucky Duke was Mark Pope on the sideline telling his guys exactly what Cooper Flag was going to do in the clutch.

They get it up to Flag at mid court. Flag takes it down the left side, almost falls down in the corner.

They get it up to Flag at mid court. Flag takes it down the left side, almost falls down in the corner.

He Turny's all over. Five seconds to play.

He Turny's all over. Five seconds to play.

Now they're gonna look at it. Tom.

Now they're gonna look at it. Tom.

Kentucky holds on to win seventy seven to seventy two, but the consensus player the year, the number one overall draft pick in the next NBA draft, Cooper Flag bumbles the ball.

Kentucky holds on to win seventy seven to seventy two, but the consensus player the year, the number one overall draft pick in the next NBA draft, Cooper Flag bumbles the ball.

It's a turnover.

It's a turnover.

He just tries to spin and Mark Pope told the team exactly what was going to happen. What a special moment that was and probably one of my favorite moments of the year. Starting out early on now a little bit later in the season, Colin Chandler was somebody that you didn't know how much you were going to get out of him, right, I mean, as somebody that hadn't played basketball in two years.

He just tries to spin and Mark Pope told the team exactly what was going to happen. What a special moment that was and probably one of my favorite moments of the year. Starting out early on now a little bit later in the season, Colin Chandler was somebody that you didn't know how much you were going to get out of him, right, I mean, as somebody that hadn't played basketball in two years.

He had what was it, what would you call it?

He had what was it, what would you call it?

A football center hike that ed to a sports Center highlight against Lipscomb.

A football center hike that ed to a sports Center highlight against Lipscomb.

At the other end, it's Anderson thought about a long three, gives it up to Agnostic, stripped away from behind by Chandler, saves it.

At the other end, it's Anderson thought about a long three, gives it up to Agnostic, stripped away from behind by Chandler, saves it.

Between his legs. Williams Rins dunks.

Between his legs. Williams Rins dunks.

The freshman may make Sports Center with that play from Colin Chandler as he hiked it between his legs and hit Williams for the dunk.

The freshman may make Sports Center with that play from Colin Chandler as he hiked it between his legs and hit Williams for the dunk.

Right in stride he hit Williams.

Right in stride he hit Williams.

Colin Chandler is going to be a huge part of this, not only this SEC tournament run, but the NCAA tournament run. Not He's always had the confidence, Mark Pope said, but he's just getting more and more comfortable in the system. And that highlight early on, maybe with some foreshadowing that that guy was going to get his minutes. Kentucky won a couple of games, including my Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. They lost to the Clemson Tigers seventy to sixty six. But it was the next game, December seventh, where the Cats went on the road to beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs in overtime, and a big part of that was a guy that's currently out with injury, Jackson Jackson Robinson.

Colin Chandler is going to be a huge part of this, not only this SEC tournament run, but the NCAA tournament run. Not He's always had the confidence, Mark Pope said, but he's just getting more and more comfortable in the system. And that highlight early on, maybe with some foreshadowing that that guy was going to get his minutes. Kentucky won a couple of games, including my Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. They lost to the Clemson Tigers seventy to sixty six. But it was the next game, December seventh, where the Cats went on the road to beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs in overtime, and a big part of that was a guy that's currently out with injury, Jackson Jackson Robinson.

Robinson in the midport circle, takes it over to his left, that tries to come back to his right, comes into the paint, getting bumped by Stromer, goes down the lane, backs it out seven to shoot. Paul's knocked away. Robinson gets it back, goes down the lane with a runner man just the way you draw it up, Just the way you draw it up.

Robinson in the midport circle, takes it over to his left, that tries to come back to his right, comes into the paint, getting bumped by Stromer, goes down the lane, backs it out seven to shoot. Paul's knocked away. Robinson gets it back, goes down the lane with a runner man just the way you draw it up, Just the way you draw it up.

At the free throw line right here, oh ways.

At the free throw line right here, oh ways.

Along the left side of the lane. Nobody on the right side. One more shot for car and it rolls off. No gun, It's tapped out. Stromer's got it. Stromer knocked away by Car.

Along the left side of the lane. Nobody on the right side. One more shot for car and it rolls off. No gun, It's tapped out. Stromer's got it. Stromer knocked away by Car.

Blue ball game's over.

Blue ball game's over.

Kentucky wins.

Kentucky wins.

Win.

Win.

Jackson Robinson takes over late that clutch runner in overtime. He had eighteen points and five assists. That was I felt like a welcome Jackson Robinson to college basketball, at least for Kentucky. Unfortunately he is out after having season ending Risks surgery. But to get that first win over Gonzaga in this series was a big one and those two teams will play in Nashville later next year. It wasn't too many games later where Kentucky had to take on their in state rival, the Louisville Cardinals, a ninety three to eighty five winning effort, but a big part of it was LaMonte Butler.

Jackson Robinson takes over late that clutch runner in overtime. He had eighteen points and five assists. That was I felt like a welcome Jackson Robinson to college basketball, at least for Kentucky. Unfortunately he is out after having season ending Risks surgery. But to get that first win over Gonzaga in this series was a big one and those two teams will play in Nashville later next year. It wasn't too many games later where Kentucky had to take on their in state rival, the Louisville Cardinals, a ninety three to eighty five winning effort, but a big part of it was LaMonte Butler.

Robinson comes into the lane, shovels it out to Butler right side.

Robinson comes into the lane, shovels it out to Butler right side.

Three.

Three.

Good Butler deadly today, three threes and fifteen points. Here's Robinson left of the circle. He'll shoot a three. Missed it his first miss. The night car rebounds out the Butler top of the key.

Good Butler deadly today, three threes and fifteen points. Here's Robinson left of the circle. He'll shoot a three. Missed it his first miss. The night car rebounds out the Butler top of the key.

Three.

Three.

Goddamn, he is on fire.

Goddamn, he is on fire.

God s Garrison backing down double team out the Butler opened straight away hit.

God s Garrison backing down double team out the Butler opened straight away hit.

Another Wow?

Another Wow?

What about that?

What about that?

What about that? Butler gets into the lane, throws it at the oh Way could have had an open shot, but he juggled the pass back to Butler. Three left side. Oh Tom shot clock about to run out he's going off Christian Lightner on the Cardinals.

What about that? Butler gets into the lane, throws it at the oh Way could have had an open shot, but he juggled the pass back to Butler. Three left side. Oh Tom shot clock about to run out he's going off Christian Lightner on the Cardinals.

He hasn't miss I love the call from Tom There thirty three points for Butler, ten of ten from the field, six of six from the three point line. It will go down in history as one of the best efforts against the in state rival Louisville Cardinals. Kentucky one of their bigger wins of the year came at home on January fourth against the number four seed Florida Gators one oh six to one hundred. The Cats wanting a shootout, but a big part of that was Kobe Brea going seven of nine from deep.

He hasn't miss I love the call from Tom There thirty three points for Butler, ten of ten from the field, six of six from the three point line. It will go down in history as one of the best efforts against the in state rival Louisville Cardinals. Kentucky one of their bigger wins of the year came at home on January fourth against the number four seed Florida Gators one oh six to one hundred. The Cats wanting a shootout, but a big part of that was Kobe Brea going seven of nine from deep.

Here's Brea with the ball, slide's left, gets a window, a three money at the right. Perry Deep on the left side, goes down the lanes, pitches it out on the right side to Breya for a three.

Here's Brea with the ball, slide's left, gets a window, a three money at the right. Perry Deep on the left side, goes down the lanes, pitches it out on the right side to Breya for a three.

Got it.

Got it.

Brea goes down the lane, cut off out to Garrison, Fakes, moves in back to Brea, Fakes, puts it behind his back, slides right now, slides left. God oh man, oh no, hey, yeah, keep shaking your head.

Brea goes down the lane, cut off out to Garrison, Fakes, moves in back to Brea, Fakes, puts it behind his back, slides right now, slides left. God oh man, oh no, hey, yeah, keep shaking your head.

On that man.

On that man.

Jack's reactions to some of the best moments is probably my favorite part of doing these broadcasts. Nowadays, he just he has been so genuine with the guys. If you have not listened to his postgame conversations, there are great as well. But Kobe Brea showing why he is known by some and many as the greatest shooter in college basketball this year. But it's gonna take some play from the other guys, the role players, the bench players, and Ansley Almanor had quite the performance against Mississippi State earlier this year.

Jack's reactions to some of the best moments is probably my favorite part of doing these broadcasts. Nowadays, he just he has been so genuine with the guys. If you have not listened to his postgame conversations, there are great as well. But Kobe Brea showing why he is known by some and many as the greatest shooter in college basketball this year. But it's gonna take some play from the other guys, the role players, the bench players, and Ansley Almanor had quite the performance against Mississippi State earlier this year.

Williams wanted to hand it to o Way he couldn't. So Williams is standing there holding the ball, passes over to Butler, Butler to Almonor open three.

Williams wanted to hand it to o Way he couldn't. So Williams is standing there holding the ball, passes over to Butler, Butler to Almonor open three.

He'll take it here.

He'll take it here.

You are you good enough? Three?

You are you good enough? Three?

Right side?

Right side?

Good for.

Good for.

Williams hands it back to Almonor open three straight away.

Williams hands it back to Almonor open three straight away.

Made it again.

Made it again.

He's been my man all year.

He's been my man all year.

I'm so glad Tom to see him make some shots and get that confidence up.

I'm so glad Tom to see him make some shots and get that confidence up.

He's my man too, Jack. I absolutely love him.

He's my man too, Jack. I absolutely love him.

There are times where he can disappear on the court and give you that trillion stat line, but there are others where he comes in and can knock down that three. Somebody that's been really thankful to be in the blue and white and somebody that I will think will have a March moment.

There are times where he can disappear on the court and give you that trillion stat line, but there are others where he comes in and can knock down that three. Somebody that's been really thankful to be in the blue and white and somebody that I will think will have a March moment.

We were talking about Kobe Brea.

We were talking about Kobe Brea.

He was just having a couple threes, and you know, a few times in the season it feels like Kentucky.

He was just having a couple threes, and you know, a few times in the season it feels like Kentucky.

Has been doomed when a team banks in a three.

Has been doomed when a team banks in a three.

But Kentucky swept the Tennessee Volunteers this year and Kobe had to hit a three right after ut banked one in on the road.

But Kentucky swept the Tennessee Volunteers this year and Kobe had to hit a three right after ut banked one in on the road.

Is right south long three bank. Oh Tom, I'm sorry I brought that up.

Is right south long three bank. Oh Tom, I'm sorry I brought that up.

I'm sorry, I right.

I'm sorry, I right.

Sixty eight sixty three. Kentucky Williams drives it left, hands it to brea long three. That's the way to get it back. That's way to get it back.

Sixty eight sixty three. Kentucky Williams drives it left, hands it to brea long three. That's the way to get it back. That's way to get it back.

They get it right back. And boy, I was doing the same thing as Tom Leech. The are you kidding me? How many banked in threes are we gonna see this year? Well, at least the Cats that have overcome the banked in threes in a couple of games this year as well. It wasn't just one win versus Tennessee, it was two. And in the second win, Trent Noah continued his hot shooting.

They get it right back. And boy, I was doing the same thing as Tom Leech. The are you kidding me? How many banked in threes are we gonna see this year? Well, at least the Cats that have overcome the banked in threes in a couple of games this year as well. It wasn't just one win versus Tennessee, it was two. And in the second win, Trent Noah continued his hot shooting.

Williams on a run out pass to the left Porter Noah three two am the night for Trent Noah. I love it. If you missed one, so what I'm making the next one?

Williams on a run out pass to the left Porter Noah three two am the night for Trent Noah. I love it. If you missed one, so what I'm making the next one?

Take it?

Take it?

Oh?

Oh?

Wait comes to the top, two hand pass left side Noah another three bank what why couldn't you say three threes for the Mountain Mamba?

Wait comes to the top, two hand pass left side Noah another three bank what why couldn't you say three threes for the Mountain Mamba?

There it is the Mountain Mamba.

There it is the Mountain Mamba.

Originally I believe a KS board post that turned into the nickname for the Kentucky Kid. I have to believe that was the game after it was finally revealed. And so Trent Noah a big performance there, but Tom said his name in the last highlight and what may be the biggest highlight.

Originally I believe a KS board post that turned into the nickname for the Kentucky Kid. I have to believe that was the game after it was finally revealed. And so Trent Noah a big performance there, but Tom said his name in the last highlight and what may be the biggest highlight.

Of the year.

Of the year.

Going back to his former team as Old City Otega Oway Uh finally gets it done against Oklahoma eighty two.

Going back to his former team as Old City Otega Oway Uh finally gets it done against Oklahoma eighty two.

Eighty one comes into Oway, He gives it back to Perry fifteen seconds as Perry comes across the line, calls for Oway to come out. He takes the hand off, always got it, goes to his left down the lane, angles right, flips it up, goes in. With six seconds to play, here comes Oklahoma. Fierce drives into the lane, goes for the ramits block by Garrison, picked up by Prayer. Oh my zeros on the clock and the Cats get out.

Eighty one comes into Oway, He gives it back to Perry fifteen seconds as Perry comes across the line, calls for Oway to come out. He takes the hand off, always got it, goes to his left down the lane, angles right, flips it up, goes in. With six seconds to play, here comes Oklahoma. Fierce drives into the lane, goes for the ramits block by Garrison, picked up by Prayer. Oh my zeros on the clock and the Cats get out.

Of Oklahoma on the wind.

Of Oklahoma on the wind.

What win Otaga always saves the day against his former school.

What win Otaga always saves the day against his former school.

It's been a year of records, right, I mean, what is it? Eight or nine wins against the top fifteen to ten quad one wins, They're tying all time records when it comes to wins versus the top fifteen. That was a win against a non ranked Oklahoma team, but may have been one of the biggest wins of the year to not only give Otega away that confidence, but to give this team the confidence that they can win games on the road. This has all been in chronological order, so finally we'll end with a highlight from just the last game. Kentucky ends the regular season with a win versus Missouri ninety one to eighty three, their final ranked victory of the year, and it was Colin Chandler who made a difference once again.

It's been a year of records, right, I mean, what is it? Eight or nine wins against the top fifteen to ten quad one wins, They're tying all time records when it comes to wins versus the top fifteen. That was a win against a non ranked Oklahoma team, but may have been one of the biggest wins of the year to not only give Otega away that confidence, but to give this team the confidence that they can win games on the road. This has all been in chronological order, so finally we'll end with a highlight from just the last game. Kentucky ends the regular season with a win versus Missouri ninety one to eighty three, their final ranked victory of the year, and it was Colin Chandler who made a difference once again.

Robinson going to work in the middle of the floor, cut off by Butler's he tried to turn the corner. Now he goes down the right side of the lane, balls knocked loose by car by Brea, picked up by Butler, pass ahead to Chandler. He drives for the.

Robinson going to work in the middle of the floor, cut off by Butler's he tried to turn the corner. Now he goes down the right side of the lane, balls knocked loose by car by Brea, picked up by Butler, pass ahead to Chandler. He drives for the.

Basket and puts it in.

Basket and puts it in.

Boy, that was huge.

Boy, that was huge.

Fifty nine forty six Butler down the lane, pass to the corner. Chandler three, Yes, yeah, boy.

Fifty nine forty six Butler down the lane, pass to the corner. Chandler three, Yes, yeah, boy.

Those freshmen, those freshmen right, you're You're right, Jack, Those freshmen are going to have to be key contributors in postseason play if Kentucky is going to want to have success. Big thank you again to the UK Sports Network courtesy of those audio highlights.

Those freshmen, those freshmen right, you're You're right, Jack, Those freshmen are going to have to be key contributors in postseason play if Kentucky is going to want to have success. Big thank you again to the UK Sports Network courtesy of those audio highlights.

I love my job.

I love my job.

I love working with the UK Sports Network and that was a glimpse into some of the best moments from Jack and Tom on the call all year long. Make sure you listen to them on the SEC for during the SEC Tournament and the NCAA tournament. These guys aren't going anywhere, you know. Besides the fact that you can't stream their call during the NCAA, there are still ways that you can listen to their broadcast.

I love working with the UK Sports Network and that was a glimpse into some of the best moments from Jack and Tom on the call all year long. Make sure you listen to them on the SEC for during the SEC Tournament and the NCAA tournament. These guys aren't going anywhere, you know. Besides the fact that you can't stream their call during the NCAA, there are still ways that you can listen to their broadcast.

It's the best way to do it.

It's the best way to do it.

If you don't want to hear Jimmy's jet or car ravage talk, just listen to Tom and Jack and they will get you through the game. A five nine two two two eight seven. We need to take a break. When we come back, we'll hit some headlines and then Jack Pilgrim is going to be joining us at about nine thirty three to tell us why the Cats are.

If you don't want to hear Jimmy's jet or car ravage talk, just listen to Tom and Jack and they will get you through the game. A five nine two two two eight seven. We need to take a break. When we come back, we'll hit some headlines and then Jack Pilgrim is going to be joining us at about nine thirty three to tell us why the Cats are.

Going to win the SEC Tournament. According to him, it's.

Going to win the SEC Tournament. According to him, it's.

Billy Rutligs flying solo here on the eight hundred and fiftieth edition of the Ksrpre Show.

Billy Rutligs flying solo here on the eight hundred and fiftieth edition of the Ksrpre Show.

We will be right back.

We will be right back.

Welcome back. It is the KSR Pre Show. That's right, the guys heading down to Tennessee for the SEC Tournament. It's Billy Rutlie holding it down back in studio. He gives call eight five nine two ah two two eight seven just a few minutes in this segment, and then we'll welcome Jack Pilgrim to the show. Did get a note that I believe fans can stream UK network calls during the NCAA Tournament by downloading the Varsity app from Westwood One, So if you are someone that loves to listen to Tom and Jack, that is the best way to do it during postseason play. Congratulations to UNC Wilmington, Robert Morris, Saint Francis and Gonzaga. Those are your next four teams in the NCAA Tournament. In the Coastal Athletic Horizon Northeast and West Coast Conferences. We also had a bad, bad final score yesterday in college basketball, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers losing the first round of the Conference to USA Tournament to FIU sixty four to sixty one. The dream is dead this year for WKU. Not the best year, not the best first year under head coach Hank Clona. But we move on and hopefully the Hilltoppers can play better in the future. A five nine two eight h two two eight seven. Let's let's try to squeeze a call in before we need to go any further. Jacob is on the line. Good morning, Jacob, how are you man?

Welcome back. It is the KSR Pre Show. That's right, the guys heading down to Tennessee for the SEC Tournament. It's Billy Rutlie holding it down back in studio. He gives call eight five nine two ah two two eight seven just a few minutes in this segment, and then we'll welcome Jack Pilgrim to the show. Did get a note that I believe fans can stream UK network calls during the NCAA Tournament by downloading the Varsity app from Westwood One, So if you are someone that loves to listen to Tom and Jack, that is the best way to do it during postseason play. Congratulations to UNC Wilmington, Robert Morris, Saint Francis and Gonzaga. Those are your next four teams in the NCAA Tournament. In the Coastal Athletic Horizon Northeast and West Coast Conferences. We also had a bad, bad final score yesterday in college basketball, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers losing the first round of the Conference to USA Tournament to FIU sixty four to sixty one. The dream is dead this year for WKU. Not the best year, not the best first year under head coach Hank Clona. But we move on and hopefully the Hilltoppers can play better in the future. A five nine two eight h two two eight seven. Let's let's try to squeeze a call in before we need to go any further. Jacob is on the line. Good morning, Jacob, how are you man?

I just I just hadn't had a chance to crow over our victory that that I called on the on the on the pregame show. I thought they might want to do that today.

I just I just hadn't had a chance to crow over our victory that that I called on the on the on the pregame show. I thought they might want to do that today.

Oh this is Jake. Okay, Jake.

Oh this is Jake. Okay, Jake.

You called into the pregame show said the Cats were going to beat Missouri And they did.

You called into the pregame show said the Cats were going to beat Missouri And they did.

Jake, They sure it did. And I told, I told Dave Baker, I said, we're gonna We're gonna win this one. I just don't I'm just concerned about what the what the scenario is of becoming in a five seed. That's what they were talking about, what they were talking about on Saturday. Yeah, and I told him, I said, we're going to win, so that's a given.

Jake, They sure it did. And I told, I told Dave Baker, I said, we're gonna We're gonna win this one. I just don't I'm just concerned about what the what the scenario is of becoming in a five seed. That's what they were talking about, what they were talking about on Saturday. Yeah, and I told him, I said, we're going to win, so that's a given.

Well, that's that's not got Jacob.

Well, that's that's not got Jacob.

Not to take off the line from from John Short There, No.

Not to take off the line from from John Short There, No.

No, absolutely, Well, Jacob, we appreciate you calling in. You're gonna have to predict some more wins for the Cats in the postseason.

No, absolutely, Well, Jacob, we appreciate you calling in. You're gonna have to predict some more wins for the Cats in the postseason.

Okay, yes, sir, all right, there you go. Appreciate the call, Jacob.

Okay, yes, sir, all right, there you go. Appreciate the call, Jacob.

I think it was Jacob's laugh that got Ryan to start hysterically laughing earlier this week, and that was probably one of the best moments of the week. Let's shift a little bit and go to some headlines. Probably no bigger headline than Junior Bridgeman passing away yesterday at the age of seventy one years old. This is a Kentucky show, but we're on in Louisville, and Junior Bridgman meant a.

I think it was Jacob's laugh that got Ryan to start hysterically laughing earlier this week, and that was probably one of the best moments of the week. Let's shift a little bit and go to some headlines. Probably no bigger headline than Junior Bridgeman passing away yesterday at the age of seventy one years old. This is a Kentucky show, but we're on in Louisville, and Junior Bridgman meant a.

Whole lot to the city of Louisville.

Whole lot to the city of Louisville.

A U of L men's basketball star in the seventies, but also a successful businessman and civic leader. After his time in the NBA, he spent twelve seasons in the NBA, and believe it or not, drafted by the Lakers and then traded for Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

A U of L men's basketball star in the seventies, but also a successful businessman and civic leader. After his time in the NBA, he spent twelve seasons in the NBA, and believe it or not, drafted by the Lakers and then traded for Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

That's right.

That's right.

He doesn't get to the Lakers unless Junior Bridgeman is a part of that trade. But really it was about what he did after his playing days, just being a shining light for the city of Louisville, investing in the community. His impact is immeasurable. Somebody that's known as a humble billionaire, those are feels like a little oxymoron there. It's not something he's here in the same sentence, but he was a humble billionaire. Is very kind in the short interaction that I've had with him in the past. Unfortunately, passed away at a Boy Scouts of America event in Louisville at the Gault House yesterday before he had a medical episode. So rest in peace to Junior Bridgeman. Cannot say enough good things about that guy, and he will be sorely missed in the city of Louisville. Some other headlines, Tiger Woods announced yesterday that he ruptured his achilles while training at home. He did undergo successful surgery, but Tiger Woods will be out for the year, which sucks. I mean, if you're to Shannon the dude falling asleep to golf, maybe the only chance you had to stay awake was to watch Tiger Woods, and now he is out. I don't think there's any way that Tiger will reach that eighteen mark of majors that Jack Nicholson holds. Congratulations to John Clay and Chuck Culpepper. Both of those guys were elected to the US Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame.

He doesn't get to the Lakers unless Junior Bridgeman is a part of that trade. But really it was about what he did after his playing days, just being a shining light for the city of Louisville, investing in the community. His impact is immeasurable. Somebody that's known as a humble billionaire, those are feels like a little oxymoron there. It's not something he's here in the same sentence, but he was a humble billionaire. Is very kind in the short interaction that I've had with him in the past. Unfortunately, passed away at a Boy Scouts of America event in Louisville at the Gault House yesterday before he had a medical episode. So rest in peace to Junior Bridgeman. Cannot say enough good things about that guy, and he will be sorely missed in the city of Louisville. Some other headlines, Tiger Woods announced yesterday that he ruptured his achilles while training at home. He did undergo successful surgery, but Tiger Woods will be out for the year, which sucks. I mean, if you're to Shannon the dude falling asleep to golf, maybe the only chance you had to stay awake was to watch Tiger Woods, and now he is out. I don't think there's any way that Tiger will reach that eighteen mark of majors that Jack Nicholson holds. Congratulations to John Clay and Chuck Culpepper. Both of those guys were elected to the US Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame.

Those guys do great work.

Those guys do great work.

Chuck Culpepper now nationally, but John Clay has been at the Lexing Herald Leader for a while. He has shown me kind in the small interactions that I've had, and he is a great talent. So congratulations to those two guys. Love given awards and flowers like that to anybody. Really, We're gonna take a break. It's Billy r Sports flying solo today. Jack Pilgrim will join us on the other side to talk about the SEC tournament.

Chuck Culpepper now nationally, but John Clay has been at the Lexing Herald Leader for a while. He has shown me kind in the small interactions that I've had, and he is a great talent. So congratulations to those two guys. Love given awards and flowers like that to anybody. Really, We're gonna take a break. It's Billy r Sports flying solo today. Jack Pilgrim will join us on the other side to talk about the SEC tournament.

Keep it where you got it. It is the Ksrpre Show.

Keep it where you got it. It is the Ksrpre Show.

All right, welcome back. It is a Wednesday edition of the show. Before the Show, The KSR Pre Show. Just Billy Rutledge here back in the studio, Shannon, Matt Ryan, Drew Mario.

All right, welcome back. It is a Wednesday edition of the show. Before the Show, The KSR Pre Show. Just Billy Rutledge here back in the studio, Shannon, Matt Ryan, Drew Mario.

The boys are on the road.

The boys are on the road.

They will be in Bowling Green today at a private location before their show at Tin Roof on Thursday. That's when the Cats will play in the late night one. It will be a late night game, whether you're back in studio running the postgame show or you're going down to Nashville to cover the game. Just like Jack Pilgrim is doing, he is joining us on the celebrity hotline. Let's play a wild thing on the speakers. I'm tapping my right shoulder. Let's get Jack out of the bullpen. What's up, Jack.

They will be in Bowling Green today at a private location before their show at Tin Roof on Thursday. That's when the Cats will play in the late night one. It will be a late night game, whether you're back in studio running the postgame show or you're going down to Nashville to cover the game. Just like Jack Pilgrim is doing, he is joining us on the celebrity hotline. Let's play a wild thing on the speakers. I'm tapping my right shoulder. Let's get Jack out of the bullpen. What's up, Jack.

It's good to hear from me, man, Thanks for joining us.

It's good to hear from me, man, Thanks for joining us.

It's the best time of the year. I know people say Christmas and Halloween and July fourth, and I love all those holidays, but no, this is my time. This is my super Bowl and I'm very, very excited to get this thing rolling down in Nashville.

It's the best time of the year. I know people say Christmas and Halloween and July fourth, and I love all those holidays, but no, this is my time. This is my super Bowl and I'm very, very excited to get this thing rolling down in Nashville.

Well, Jack, I'm somebody that's known as somebody that has a lot of irrational confidence, but I need you to brush off some of your confidence onto me. As I saw you predicted the Cats to win the SEC Tournament on the website yesterday. I mean, what do you think, man, why are you so confident about that?

Well, Jack, I'm somebody that's known as somebody that has a lot of irrational confidence, but I need you to brush off some of your confidence onto me. As I saw you predicted the Cats to win the SEC Tournament on the website yesterday. I mean, what do you think, man, why are you so confident about that?

I'm more so wondering why my teammates are not as confident in the Cats like I feel. I thought we were all on the same team here and they're all just you know, massive haters, while I'm the only one fighting this war by myself. But no, you know, part of it is just, you know, dumb confidence that really doesn't have any evidence to back it up. But there is something to be said about what Kentucky has to gain and how little they have to lose with this run. Why, Well, you get the likes of Auburn, you get the likes of Alabama and Florida and Tennessee, and you know their fan bases are demanding and expecting final four runs. They their eyes are on in a tournament, the importance. And then you kind of get the you know, the John Caliperry conversation of you know, this tournament doesn't matter, It doesn't impact seating. You know, all it can do is impact fatigue, and you know how your team prepares for what actually matters in you know, the team's eyes, which is which is March. You wonder how much of that is going to come at play with those teams, while that next grouping of guys, you know, Rick Barnes trying to beat the allegations of not being able to make a Final four, and how much pressure is on him in that you know, from that fan base to make a run. So there's a lot of those little storylines. You know, Auburn a historic regular season that you know, sixteen quad one wins, I mean, one of the most dominant regular seasons in the history. I just I have hard time imagining that Bruce Pearl gives a hoot about what happens down to Nashville because their expectation is to hang a banner and win a national championship this year. So of that next group, by this feel like Kentucky, that this team knows how much this trip to Nashville means to the fan base and how long it's been since we've seen a run down there. It just kind of feels like a team of destiny, of the next tier of teams that actually have something to play for down well.

I'm more so wondering why my teammates are not as confident in the Cats like I feel. I thought we were all on the same team here and they're all just you know, massive haters, while I'm the only one fighting this war by myself. But no, you know, part of it is just, you know, dumb confidence that really doesn't have any evidence to back it up. But there is something to be said about what Kentucky has to gain and how little they have to lose with this run. Why, Well, you get the likes of Auburn, you get the likes of Alabama and Florida and Tennessee, and you know their fan bases are demanding and expecting final four runs. They their eyes are on in a tournament, the importance. And then you kind of get the you know, the John Caliperry conversation of you know, this tournament doesn't matter, It doesn't impact seating. You know, all it can do is impact fatigue, and you know how your team prepares for what actually matters in you know, the team's eyes, which is which is March. You wonder how much of that is going to come at play with those teams, while that next grouping of guys, you know, Rick Barnes trying to beat the allegations of not being able to make a Final four, and how much pressure is on him in that you know, from that fan base to make a run. So there's a lot of those little storylines. You know, Auburn a historic regular season that you know, sixteen quad one wins, I mean, one of the most dominant regular seasons in the history. I just I have hard time imagining that Bruce Pearl gives a hoot about what happens down to Nashville because their expectation is to hang a banner and win a national championship this year. So of that next group, by this feel like Kentucky, that this team knows how much this trip to Nashville means to the fan base and how long it's been since we've seen a run down there. It just kind of feels like a team of destiny, of the next tier of teams that actually have something to play for down well.

Mark Pope said it in his press conference. I mean, as soon as he came to Kentucky was that the SEC tournament matters. He reiterated again in one of his more recent press conferences. But I mean, tell me if I'm wrong, Jack, But I feel like this fan base is just hungry. Like I feel like there's gonna be some great crowds down in Nashville for BBN. There always is, But you throw in it being a night game. The fact Kentucky, I believe, has it won in Nashville a single game since twenty nineteen. The one they did win was in Tampa in the SEC Tournament as of the last four or five years. But I mean, Jack, I feel like there's going to be a culmination of celebrating Mark Pop in the season if they can win a couple of games here in the SEC Tournament, don't you think?

Mark Pope said it in his press conference. I mean, as soon as he came to Kentucky was that the SEC tournament matters. He reiterated again in one of his more recent press conferences. But I mean, tell me if I'm wrong, Jack, But I feel like this fan base is just hungry. Like I feel like there's gonna be some great crowds down in Nashville for BBN. There always is, But you throw in it being a night game. The fact Kentucky, I believe, has it won in Nashville a single game since twenty nineteen. The one they did win was in Tampa in the SEC Tournament as of the last four or five years. But I mean, Jack, I feel like there's going to be a culmination of celebrating Mark Pop in the season if they can win a couple of games here in the SEC Tournament, don't you think?

And that's kind of where my confidence comes from, is if they have a lot to play for, this is something that the team knows that it matters to this fan base. The team knows that, you know, they they haven't had that success and you know they have something to play for. So yeah, I do think that they just want to get to I think the fan base if you were to, you know, put them on true true theorem and say, what what does this fan base truly want out of this experience in Nashville. Honestly, I just think it's a weekend like we've seen, you know, Thursday Fridays, you know, where you're one and done and you're you know, packing up your bags and leaving early Saturday morning. I think if you could tell this fan base, hey, you get a full Funday in Nashville Saturday, you know, just get to experience the weekend with the best of the best in a historic, you know, all time edition of this conference. I think you know, they would all tell you that they're thrilled with the result and just to just to you know, experience It's that the blue myst at it at its fine, that's been you know, in its entirety over the course of several days, instead of just you know, a one and done eggit like we've seen.

And that's kind of where my confidence comes from, is if they have a lot to play for, this is something that the team knows that it matters to this fan base. The team knows that, you know, they they haven't had that success and you know they have something to play for. So yeah, I do think that they just want to get to I think the fan base if you were to, you know, put them on true true theorem and say, what what does this fan base truly want out of this experience in Nashville. Honestly, I just think it's a weekend like we've seen, you know, Thursday Fridays, you know, where you're one and done and you're you know, packing up your bags and leaving early Saturday morning. I think if you could tell this fan base, hey, you get a full Funday in Nashville Saturday, you know, just get to experience the weekend with the best of the best in a historic, you know, all time edition of this conference. I think you know, they would all tell you that they're thrilled with the result and just to just to you know, experience It's that the blue myst at it at its fine, that's been you know, in its entirety over the course of several days, instead of just you know, a one and done eggit like we've seen.

Earlier this week, otega Oway was voted to the second team All SEC Team, and Jack, if you would have told me that before the season started, I would have called you crazy. I mean, I didn't know if this guy was going to crack the starting lineup, but since day one, I feel like he has been or I mean probably, if not the Kentucky's best player and he definitely deserved those honors.

Earlier this week, otega Oway was voted to the second team All SEC Team, and Jack, if you would have told me that before the season started, I would have called you crazy. I mean, I didn't know if this guy was going to crack the starting lineup, but since day one, I feel like he has been or I mean probably, if not the Kentucky's best player and he definitely deserved those honors.

But man, what a season of growth it's been for otega.

But man, what a season of growth it's been for otega.

O Tag has been awesome. Man, just knowing what to expect every single game has just been a joy. Like he came in. You know, it's kind of the sleeper, a guy that you knew was going to be able to produce. Me to the guy did you know put up double figure averages playing in the Big Twelve, a really strong conference a year ago, so you knew he was capable of producing. But could he be a guy you could lean on to kind of anchor the scoring a load every single night the way he has, I mean two games of the higher year that he hasn't broken the double figure mark and he just that's an unbelievable achievement and you know, absolutely deserving. I do think that Amari Williams got snubbed. I will, you know, pound that drum as you know often and always, but you know, I'm glad that at least one Wildcat got in. And you know it's hard to you know, hard to argue if you if you can only give one Wildcat that honor, that the team's leading scorer and the you know, the scoring anchor didn't get that well deserved award.

O Tag has been awesome. Man, just knowing what to expect every single game has just been a joy. Like he came in. You know, it's kind of the sleeper, a guy that you knew was going to be able to produce. Me to the guy did you know put up double figure averages playing in the Big Twelve, a really strong conference a year ago, so you knew he was capable of producing. But could he be a guy you could lean on to kind of anchor the scoring a load every single night the way he has, I mean two games of the higher year that he hasn't broken the double figure mark and he just that's an unbelievable achievement and you know, absolutely deserving. I do think that Amari Williams got snubbed. I will, you know, pound that drum as you know often and always, but you know, I'm glad that at least one Wildcat got in. And you know it's hard to you know, hard to argue if you if you can only give one Wildcat that honor, that the team's leading scorer and the you know, the scoring anchor didn't get that well deserved award.

No, I agree with you.

No, I agree with you.

I mean, if the awards were based on analytics alone, I feel like he definitely have to be in it.

I mean, if the awards were based on analytics alone, I feel like he definitely have to be in it.

As Mark Pope is highlighted.

As Mark Pope is highlighted.

I mean, he's doing things that's never been seen in the SEC when it comes to some of the stats, and not to mention a triple double and a perfect game as well. Jack, I could go on, but that guy is going to be a huge part of this run for Kentucky. I do want to ask you about this historically good SEC. I mean, it's been a hell of a year, Jack, I mean you've traveled around to different arenas, You've been a part of it. We're going to have maybe twelve teams in the NCAA tournament coming up in the next week. What are you what were you most impressed with this year when it comes to this historically good.

I mean, he's doing things that's never been seen in the SEC when it comes to some of the stats, and not to mention a triple double and a perfect game as well. Jack, I could go on, but that guy is going to be a huge part of this run for Kentucky. I do want to ask you about this historically good SEC. I mean, it's been a hell of a year, Jack, I mean you've traveled around to different arenas, You've been a part of it. We're going to have maybe twelve teams in the NCAA tournament coming up in the next week. What are you what were you most impressed with this year when it comes to this historically good.

SEC man that it was it'd be a Tuesday night, nine o'clock tip off, and you know in the past with with you know, the last decade or so, those would be the.

SEC man that it was it'd be a Tuesday night, nine o'clock tip off, and you know in the past with with you know, the last decade or so, those would be the.

Games that you know you could take a night off. It'd be a sleepy you know, we're gonna go down to Oxford and we'll take care of business and you know, we'll you know, walk home and not think twice about it. Like just you you didn't have to put so much energy into every single game, whereas this year it was, oh, it's a you know, just the top fifteen head to head battle in Knoxville or you know, you know down in Tusk. Like every single game mattered to the greatest extent, Like even the the Gimmes if you will that game, you know, midweek matchup at Oklahoma game that you know meant so much for seeding and you know, being able to secure a buy for Kentucky and you know, overcoming injury issues, and like every game had a massive storyline, whereas in the past, you know, you you would be lucky to get half of the schedule to have some some type of importance with it. But it's exhausting for the players, I'm sure, and definitely got some wear and tear, but you hope that's kind of the lumps and early bruises that they took over the course of this conference will allow for you know, Jay Billis said that, you know, the SEC tournament may be harder than the INSUAA tournament, that we might be seeing the easiest part of this schedule since a non conference schedule once we get to March.

Games that you know you could take a night off. It'd be a sleepy you know, we're gonna go down to Oxford and we'll take care of business and you know, we'll you know, walk home and not think twice about it. Like just you you didn't have to put so much energy into every single game, whereas this year it was, oh, it's a you know, just the top fifteen head to head battle in Knoxville or you know, you know down in Tusk. Like every single game mattered to the greatest extent, Like even the the Gimmes if you will that game, you know, midweek matchup at Oklahoma game that you know meant so much for seeding and you know, being able to secure a buy for Kentucky and you know, overcoming injury issues, and like every game had a massive storyline, whereas in the past, you know, you you would be lucky to get half of the schedule to have some some type of importance with it. But it's exhausting for the players, I'm sure, and definitely got some wear and tear, but you hope that's kind of the lumps and early bruises that they took over the course of this conference will allow for you know, Jay Billis said that, you know, the SEC tournament may be harder than the INSUAA tournament, that we might be seeing the easiest part of this schedule since a non conference schedule once we get to March.

It's been fun for Mark Pope's first year. I mean with wins versus Duke and Gonzaga, you sweep Tennessee, you beat Louisville. I mean, this is this is what you wanted when the season started. But Jack, if they were to play poorly in the postseason and maybe win only one game in the SEC and losing the first round of the NCIA, would you call the season a failure? I mean, how do you look at this season in the in the big picture.

It's been fun for Mark Pope's first year. I mean with wins versus Duke and Gonzaga, you sweep Tennessee, you beat Louisville. I mean, this is this is what you wanted when the season started. But Jack, if they were to play poorly in the postseason and maybe win only one game in the SEC and losing the first round of the NCIA, would you call the season a failure? I mean, how do you look at this season in the in the big picture.

Oh that's a that's a really tricky question that I hope we don't have to have the answer to. But yeah, I do think that there would be, you know, because of what was on the line when you hired Mark Pope and the conversation of well, yes, the regular seasons are exciting, the system is fun. He wins big games, but he's never won an incivila tournament. I think those you know, that very quiet vocal minority, I think would probably come out of the woodworks and be very loud and proud, if you will, if that does happen. So this is a high pressure opportunity for Mark Pope where he does you know, he has to win a couple like you know, doesn't have a great track record in conference tournaments either, you know, he has never won a conference tournament, but whether he was at the Utah Valley or BYU. So there's a lot to play for, a lot at stake for him both this week and obviously winning his very first into the BLA tournament game out of two tries. You know, went over in twenty twenty one and in twenty twenty four, So hopefully he can kind of get that monkey off his back and avoid some of those naysayers that definitely would have something to say if he does go one and done.

Oh that's a that's a really tricky question that I hope we don't have to have the answer to. But yeah, I do think that there would be, you know, because of what was on the line when you hired Mark Pope and the conversation of well, yes, the regular seasons are exciting, the system is fun. He wins big games, but he's never won an incivila tournament. I think those you know, that very quiet vocal minority, I think would probably come out of the woodworks and be very loud and proud, if you will, if that does happen. So this is a high pressure opportunity for Mark Pope where he does you know, he has to win a couple like you know, doesn't have a great track record in conference tournaments either, you know, he has never won a conference tournament, but whether he was at the Utah Valley or BYU. So there's a lot to play for, a lot at stake for him both this week and obviously winning his very first into the BLA tournament game out of two tries. You know, went over in twenty twenty one and in twenty twenty four, So hopefully he can kind of get that monkey off his back and avoid some of those naysayers that definitely would have something to say if he does go one and done.

No, I agree with that.

No, I agree with that.

Now, we've been talking about who's going to have a March moment this month, and I said Annsley Almanor on the show the other day. We've talked a lot about the growth of Colin Chandler, Travis Perry, Trent Noah. But if there's one player that's primed for a moment, maybe needs to play well for Kentucky to have success this postseason, give me a guy.

Now, we've been talking about who's going to have a March moment this month, and I said Annsley Almanor on the show the other day. We've talked a lot about the growth of Colin Chandler, Travis Perry, Trent Noah. But if there's one player that's primed for a moment, maybe needs to play well for Kentucky to have success this postseason, give me a guy.

Ooh, that's that's a great question, you know, Lamont. But when you when you sign a guy that has a game winning shot in the final four, and you know you kind of say, hey, you you are the guy with NTAA tournament success, you have done this. You kind of need him to be the guy. You need him to step up in that moment. And you know somebody that you can lean on to, you know, score in bunches to get some some crucial defensive stops, maybe hit some big shots. But Lamont, when you when you make that type of signing and push for him out of the portal, I mean, I remember they dropped what they were doing one day, flew out the lot. Vegas said we're not leaving here until you signed here. The reason why they did that was for this moment. So yeah, I definitely think we're about to see a special Lamont Butler on the biggest stage shine once again.

Ooh, that's that's a great question, you know, Lamont. But when you when you sign a guy that has a game winning shot in the final four, and you know you kind of say, hey, you you are the guy with NTAA tournament success, you have done this. You kind of need him to be the guy. You need him to step up in that moment. And you know somebody that you can lean on to, you know, score in bunches to get some some crucial defensive stops, maybe hit some big shots. But Lamont, when you when you make that type of signing and push for him out of the portal, I mean, I remember they dropped what they were doing one day, flew out the lot. Vegas said we're not leaving here until you signed here. The reason why they did that was for this moment. So yeah, I definitely think we're about to see a special Lamont Butler on the biggest stage shine once again.

I like that answer. I'll throw out one name on one other name. You tell me what you think. Andrew Carr has just been playing better and better, and it looks like he looks a lot healthier from that back injury that was plaguing him earlier in the year.

I like that answer. I'll throw out one name on one other name. You tell me what you think. Andrew Carr has just been playing better and better, and it looks like he looks a lot healthier from that back injury that was plaguing him earlier in the year.

Don't you think you know?

Don't you think you know?

I think Andrew is a really good example of a guy that you know when when you look of, okay, how are you going to replace the star power of Jackson Robinson. You know, Jackson going down for the year. That's you know, it's not necessarily the thirteen points per game that he's scoring. It's the you know, the threat of him being able to fire off five straight threes and win you a game. You know, it's he's a gravity basketball player that you know, kind of has that star aura to him. If you will that, you know, you just don't know where you're going to find that from. Andrew Carr going out to Columbia and winning that game in Missouri, he was a star like he he emerged as that kind of aura piece that had been missing without Jackson Robinson. If he can play to that level game in and game out, you know, you you can feel good about the star power going into March and letting all the kind of complimentary pieces help kind of will the Cats over the finish line.