2025-08-11 - BBI

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's Stick Gabriel taking a little bit of time off,
so we thought we would replay some of the best
interviews from over the last several months. Please enjoy the
best of the Big Blue Insider. I'm going to talk
a lot of football and basketball tonight, as always, some
NFL coming up. The camps are open and word is
coming out of NFL camps all over the country. Who's

(00:22):
doing well, who is not? The headlines, the rumors, all that,
and they are former Wildcats involved. The Bengals are at it.
A lot of you Bengal fans may have watched Joe
Burrow in the Quarterback series by Netflix. I watched it
very entertaining, and we'll hear from Joe Burrow coming up.
A loss here from Maxwell Hairston, who was chosen by
the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the twenty

(00:45):
twenty five NFL Draft with a thirtieth overall pick, and
apparently he's making some waves in camp already. But coming
up a little bit later on Maggie Davis and BBN Tonight,
ly XA team will join us. We'll talk about UK
football coming up. She also talked to Craig Skinner some
of the volleyball Cats, as we did the other day,
and we'll get her thoughts as well on some of

(01:06):
the things Mark Pope has been talking about. We're also
going to talk to Kevin Cook. We've had him on
the show before. He's an author and he has written
a book about Memorial Coliseum, which for the time being
now they're calling Memorial Historic Memorial Coliseum. I believe that
label may disappear by the time the volleyball season opens,
but whatever, it is historic. But that was kind of

(01:27):
the rebranding, you know how they redid it, and many
of you saw it for the first time thanks to
La Familla, the TBT entry into the tournament. A lot
of folks showed up to watch those games in the
air conditioned Memorial Coliseum. And you may have heard her
say this on one of our volleyball broadcasts, but Leah Edmund,

(01:48):
who might be the best player ever in the history
of Kentucky volleyball, she told me on the air she
liked the fact while she was playing that there was
no air conditioning in Memorial. And I will tell you,
having broadcast games in August in that building, it would
get brutally hot. Yeah, they had those big fans in there,

(02:08):
those big ass fans in there, but they didn't do
the job, and they couldn't run them at full speed
because truly, all the wind that those fans kick up,
it would have altered the trajectory of the ball. So
they kind of stirred the air with them, but it
was still really hot. But she liked it because she

(02:28):
thought because they trained and played there, it provided a
better home court advantage for the Wildcats, which it probably did.
But what it also did was delay games very often
because there'd be so much perspiration hitting the floor that
the folks with the towels would have to come in

(02:49):
between points and mop it up. I mean that happened constantly.
So yeah, that might have been a mental edge for
Kentucky and a disadvantage for the opponent, but there was
a built in advantage really for both teams additional rest
while they mopped the floor. So anyhow, Yeah, we'll find
out more about Memorial Coliseum from Kevin. That comes up

(03:13):
in our next hour. We talked with a couple of
the Wildcats today, Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, that's coming up
in our next segment, but we will share with you
some comments made by their head coach the other day,
Mark Pope talking to the media earlier this week, and
he reiterated how much he thinks of the two of

(03:34):
the freshmen, specifically Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno, the two locals,
and he is not backed down from how much he
likes them and what he expects.

Speaker 2 (03:45):
Jasper Johnson major plus Aura. Today he finished his conditioning
test on the first try, So I'm really proud of him.
I'm very, very proud of him. And this Malachi Moreno
is going to be fun, Like, we're gonna have a
lot of fun with him. He's so young and he's

(04:05):
so capable, and so from him, we're gonna we're gonna
see moments where, you know, where it's like he should
be in the NBA right now, and we're gonna see
moments where we feel like, I'm not sure Malachi knows
exactly what he's doing, and we're gonna see both of those,
and that's what growth is. But I'm really encouraged by

(04:25):
both the young guys.

Speaker 1 (04:27):
By the way, he didn't ignore Braiden Hawthorn and the
other freshman, and in fact, he talked about him in
such glowing terms. He compared him to Tayshaun Prince. Well
here from Braiden a little bit later on. I hope
this summer, and you know, those comments about Malachi, they
track because big guys take a little longer to develop.
There's no question about that. And I was talking to

(04:49):
somebody the other day about the fact that Malachi did
not dominate as you might expect a guy who's a
McDonald's All American, a guy with his side, the guy
who probably would have made the under nineteen USA team
if he hadn't suffered a minor injury during tryouts. But
he did not dominate in high school the way you

(05:09):
might expect. Well, part of that there was twofold number one.
He's not a me first, selfish kind of players, almost
to a fault. There were times he would pass the
ball in high school when he had a much easier shot.
But that brings me to the other point about his
great crossing team. And I saw them playing the sweet
sixteen each of the last two years. They got to

(05:30):
the final four his junior year, wanted all his senior year.
Now his junior year, watching him, I'm thinking, this guy
has got so much to learn, you know, fudwork his hands,
all that stuff. But again, he was sixteen seventeen years
old and he in a big It was going to
take a while to grow into his body and learn.

(05:51):
But the following season he was better, and by the
end of the season much better. And I will tell
you this, in the championship game, when it mattered the most,
he was the man. He was surrounded by talented players.
His point guard was a D one guy going to
Morehead State. He had other guys around him who could
play a well coached team. And no, they didn't destroy

(06:14):
everybody in the tournament, because there were good teams in
a tournament, obviously, But Malchai Marino, I thought took a
big step forward last year, and I thought he took
a step forward into sweet sixteen. He flexed when he
had it to and he showed he could get it done.
So yeah, I agree with Mark Pope, and he sees
him of course every day. But just remind yourself that

(06:37):
Biggs take longer to develop. Don't compare him, really, don't.
You shouldn't hear him to anybody, any player to anybody,
but you might have a tendency to compare him to
like a DeMarcus Cousins, totally different kind of player. Anthony
Davis totally different kind of player. And remember Davis was
a six' four guard about a year and a half

(06:58):
before he sprouted and became the best big man in the.
Country so just keep that in mind when you're Watching Malachi.
Marino But i'm Like, POPE i think that there are
times when he will dazzle, us and then there's, times
especially in THE, sec guys are gonna push him, Around
guys are gonna beat him, up and that's. Good every
time that, happens he learns. Things he banks information and.

(07:22):
EXPERIENCE i mentioned in the under nineteen, team And pope
got a chance to go out To Colorado springs work
with that, team work with those coaches out, there said
he had a.

Speaker 2 (07:32):
BLAST i was so happy to have the opportunity to
go coach those guys one because we've been waiting for
so long to actually be on the court and be
able to talk to him on the court with a, ball,
right and so that WAS i was so. EXCITED i,
MEAN i was looking forward to that from the day
that we kind of made the, arrangement like this is
going to be. GREAT i get to go out there
and be in some type of pseudo scrimmage game situation

(07:55):
with both my. Guys so that was. FANTASTIC i loved
every of. It and then the opportunity to be there
with incredibly talented, kids and you know what's interesting for
kids to make to the level that these kids are
making it, too where the data is. Crazy so they
invite thirty two kids to THE USA u nineteens to

(08:18):
trial for the. Team over the last ten, years sixty
percent of the guys who've made the team have been
drafted to THE, nba and forty percent of the guys
who have not been who have not made the team
have been drafted in THE. Nba that's a crazy. Number
and when you get to deal with great players like,
that they're usually almost without, exception incredible human. Beings also

(08:43):
because to make the sacrifice and do the work and
have the commitment to get to that, level you usually
have to be built pretty. Special and so what a
joy as a coach to be able to go do.
That and then the coaches that we got to work
with there was really. Fun we're usually standing on the
opposite size of the, sideline you, know yelling at each,
other and so to be there in a unified effort

(09:05):
was really really. SPECIAL i loved everything about. IT usa
basketball is. Transcendent anybody that gets one moment to be
a part of it is blessed not just by the
history but by the current, product and so it was
very special to.

Speaker 1 (09:20):
Me AS i, mentioned we talked With jasper And malachai earlier,
today so coming up after the break we will hear from,
them and a little bit later on we'll talk about THE.
Nfl we'll hear From Joe burrow and From Maxwell harriston as.
Well it's all Ahead Maggie. Davis at the bottom of the.
Hour you're listening to the best of The Big Blue.
Insider more to come here on six THIRTY. Wlap It's Dick.

(09:42):
Gabriel welcome back to The best of The Big Blue.
Insider today we had a chance to talk to some
of the newest, wildcasts the true Freshman Braiden, Hawthorne Malachi
moreno And Jasper. JOHNSON i thought we were just getting the,
two But Braiden hawthorne was here as. Well we're in
the media room right now AT uk and one of
the QUESTIONS i put To Jasper johnson you might have

(10:02):
HEARD Dj, mobley his middle school coach here on A
Big Bloe sider the other, night talking about the fact
that in middle school he Identified Jasper johnson to his,
dad To Alvin, johnson or to A Dennis johnson Riter
alvamson's grandfather as a FUTURE nba. Player he was at
quarterback in high, school but then decided to concentrate on
basketball and actually left home for a prep. School so

(10:24):
he asked him about that earlier, today about giving up,
football giving up the glamour position of, quarterback and of
course he comes from a great football, family but he
said it was a tough, chore a tough, decision but
one that worked out for the.

Speaker 3 (10:37):
BEST i, mean it was it was really great to
hear that FROM i, Mean i've heard that a, lot
But i've never really thought of anything of. It but
he's a great, player So i'm happy with.

Speaker 1 (10:46):
That do you think your game is?

Speaker 3 (10:48):
SIMILAR i could see some similarities just, out just like
the length, defensively shooing the ball and just you do really.

Speaker 1 (10:55):
Everything you, know people talk about The brohm family In
louisville as being the first family OF u OF l,
football first family of football in that. City here In Central.
Kentucky it is The johnson, Clan elvis And Dennis, johnson
and he mentioned his uncles and Cousins Craig East Julius
y's coming out of that family And jasper could have

(11:18):
been a good football. PLAYER i don't know if he's
big enough to have been a great football, player but
according To Mark, pope he has within him the skills
the abilities to, be As pope, mentioned a superstar for this,
program And johnson heard the comments and took him to,
heart but he said he knows his role here In,

(11:39):
kentucky and even though he is going to be expected
to be a, scorer his role would be much more than.

Speaker 4 (11:44):
THAT i feel, like really your whole, life you play a,
role whether you know that or whether you. Don't SO
i know a lot of my role now is to
know people like to say score the. Ball but first thing,
FIRST i KNOW i have to. Defend no matter where you,
play that's that's going to be your main role is
to defend guard the, Ball gordia yard and things like.

(12:05):
That SO i know that's really What i'm trying to
work on and focus right, now watching, film getting extra
reps with guarding the ball BECAUSE i know IF i
get acclimated to, that if like everything, else to take
care of.

Speaker 1 (12:16):
It so if there's a question mark on This kentucky
team in, general it's who's going to be the backup point,
guard And Mark pope talked about that the other day
mentioned they'll take A o, way but he also Mentioned
Jasper johnson as a guy who could run point and
looking back on last, year of course that was a
real problem When Lamar butler went down And Colin chandler

(12:36):
was still rounding in the form and he'll be expected
to provide minutes at the point guard. Spot but he
did Say Jasper johnson is a guy who was capable
of running the. Point so that's just one more thing
that the jasper is going to have to. Learn and
he's done up, before but not on a regular. Basis
but of course he'll be surrounded by more talent, here
SO i don't know if it'll be a problem or,

(12:57):
not but my money's on. Him we talked To Malachia,
MORENO i got to cover him each of the last
couple of years in the sweet, sixteen and a guy
who is expected to do a, lot as bigs often.
Are but Again Mark pope SAID i, said as ups and,
downs he's looked like a FUTURE nba star on some
days and other days he gets a little bit. Lost

(13:19):
but he's a guy who knows the expectations of a
big knows the expectations of A kentucky basketball. Player and he,
said it's time to put that state championship behind him
and concentrate on what's at.

Speaker 5 (13:33):
Hand the high school. Title it's good to, have BUT
i mean that's also in the, past and right Now
i'm really just focused on. Winning banner number. Nine it's
hanging on our wall right now because we understand what
the assignment is here At, kentucky and that's to, win
that's to hang.

Speaker 1 (13:47):
Banners they all know the assignment and they're reminded of
it every day they're in The Craft center because there's
a huge banner hanging next to the ones that signify national,
championships and this banner said is you know number, nine
the assignment things like, that so it's a constant. Reminder
but he doesn't need, It malachai because he grew up
obviously right up the road In Scott county playing For Great,

(14:10):
crossing and he's a. Local you, know he's he talked about,
that about the fact that he And jasper are both.
Locals but what that means is constant reminders from friends and,
families family, members fans about the fact that they so
want to see number nine go. Up and being a
local has its good spots and some, pressure but he embraces.

Speaker 5 (14:33):
IT i, mean there's a standard here At kentucky and
that's to be the, best and that's to want to
be the. Best so being a local, GUY i feel
like growing, up you, know you kind of understand what
the assignment. Is but it's also it's a new territory
at the end of the. Day so now we're kind
of we're. Learning and as long as we have all
we as long as we all have the same mindset
of winning number, NINE i think we're in really good.

Speaker 1 (14:55):
SHAPE i don't think that's going to be a problem
sharing the mindset because every p they brought in here
to chat with, us the new, guys the, veterans they've
all talked about winning number nine and keep in mind
their coach you of, course one one here talked about
the fact that as much fun as last year was my,
word he, said it was a failure and to that,

(15:16):
standard every team In, america but one failed in their
quest to win a national title last. Year of, course
the failure is a little bit bigger when you're At.
Kentucky But Malachi moreno is a guy who will try
to bring number nine to The. Wildcats and we asked
him about the fact that his coach himself was a
big At kentucky and a big in THE, nba and

(15:37):
that comes in handy at, practice.

Speaker 5 (15:39):
It helps out a. Lot you, know we do skill.
Groups he kind of comes down to where the big
kind of work on their, skills and he's a real
big teacher in. It AND i feel Like i've gotten
a lot better just with my back to the basket
play and also kind of being able to use my
physicality to my. ADVANTAGE i think he's been very beneficial with.

Speaker 1 (15:57):
That as we mentioned, Earlier Mark pope and you may
have heard the, comments talked about the fact that While
malachi is making. Progress he, said there are some days
where it looks like HE'S nba ready and some days
where it looks like he has got a long way to.
Go And malachi said he's familiar with the comments and
familiar with the, concept but he thinks things are going

(16:19):
pretty well right.

Speaker 5 (16:19):
NOW a little. Bit, yeah there's definitely been some ups and,
downs like going through this, summer BUT i think As
i've progressed and gotten a little more aware of the,
TERMINOLOGY i feel like it's gotten a little bit better
than a little, bit like more just second.

Speaker 1 (16:35):
Nature that Is Malachi, marino one of the three freshmen
they brought to us here in the media room to
talk with us earlier today on THE uk. Campus the
other One Braden hawthorne From, Beckley West. Virginia and if
you've ever done whitewater rafting on The New river or
The upper Or Lower gullys AS i, have you Know,
Beckley West. Virginia they also do the base jumping there

(16:56):
off the bridge over. There but he told me he
never has gone whitewater. Rafting done a LITTLE atv in
activity over, there but never has gone whitewater. Rafting but
he has played a lot of. Basketball he's a small
forward who originally committed To West virginia but then reopened
his recruiting and immediately heard from The kentucky coaching staff

(17:16):
the other, Day Mark pope talked about him and glowing
terms and compared him to A kentucky great from the, Past.

Speaker 2 (17:24):
Braidon hawthorne is Is. IS i called him in fact
in you, know you guys Know i'm losing my. MIND
i called Him Braiden hayward and in film the other
day the guys were killing. Me But Braandon hawthorne is.
Is he has a really he is a unique. PLAYER
i can't wait till you guys get to watch him
and see him on the. COURT i was With Tayshawn

(17:47):
prince for quite a, while maybe a week, ago and
he just build, body skill. Set there is some there's
a whole bunch Of tayshawn prints in this, kid AND
i know those are big. Works Tay Shawn prince is
one of the best players to ever play here and
had an INCREDIBLE nba, career also a championship THE nba.

(18:07):
Career but there's something, about you, know you rarely talk
about a guy's ankle, mobility but that was the first
thing that my performance team said was, that, like his
ankle mobility is. Insane and when you see him cut and,
move that's the way it feels like he's kind of
all arms and, legs but he can change, direction he get,

(18:29):
downhill and he's he's got impressive, Length he's gonna be really.

Speaker 1 (18:34):
Fun so, yeah his coach believes he can be maybe
not the next Tay Shawn, prince but he has a
game not Unlike Tayshawn, prince And hawthorne says he's heard
that comparison and doesn't shy away from.

Speaker 3 (18:49):
IT i, mean it was it was really great to
hear that FROM i, Mean i've heard that a, lot
But i've never really thought of anything of. It but
he's a great, player So i'm happy with.

Speaker 1 (18:58):
That do you think your game is?

Speaker 3 (19:00):
SIMILAR i could see some similarities just out just like the, length,
defensively suon the, ball and just you don't do really.

Speaker 1 (19:07):
Everything so That's Braden, hawthorne who has been compared To
Tayshawn prince by his head Coach Malachai. Moreno at one
point he, said when he's on and doing good, things
looks like someone who just might BE nba. Ready and
from day, One Jasper johnson invoked the term superstar From
Mark pope when he first started talking about these. Freshmen

(19:29):
that's the word he used and he hasn't backed away from.
It his expectations From Jasper, johnson it's. Unusual Coach Mark
pope's an unusual kind of, coach but, generally as you
might well, know coaches downplay their. Players incoming freshmen he
has a chance to be good or things like, This
pope is putting those guys way up. There it's something his,

(19:51):
Coach Eric kentucky never. Did Rick betino never talked like
that about his, Players But Mark pope just does business
differently and isn't a afraid to talk about his players that.
Way so earlier TODAY i talked To Jasper johnson about
the fact that his coach spoke in such glowing terms about,
him and sounds like he's handling it pretty well for

(20:13):
a guy who's an incoming. Freshman definitely got to stay.

Speaker 4 (20:17):
GROUNDED i know that's a big label coming in trying
to be a, superstar but first thing is for that
have to be a superstar on my. Role like LIKE
i said, earlier you, know with Defending gordon the, BALL
i feel like IF i get acclimitted to, that the
physical side of, IT i feel like everything else take
take care of. HIMSELF i Know Coach pope sees me
as a great, scorer offensive threat for, sure BUT i

(20:40):
know mentally he knows THAT i have to go at
the ball as, Well so just just trying to do,
that getting extra, reps trying to guard at the best
matchup in, practice because LIKE i, said failure is key to.

Speaker 1 (20:51):
Grow So, johnson the first thing he does is he
talks about. Defense he was talking about defense WHEN i
walked up to set up my, recorder but they all
talked about. Defense BUT i do believe that's a, reflection of,
course on what they're working on. Now as you may
have heard earlier in the, week More pope kind of
flip flopping the way he's doing, business whereas he started
last year really working hard on the intricate offense that he.

(21:13):
Runs right, now he's got his guys working on. Defense
coming up, Next Maggie davis OF Bbn, tonight you're listening
to the best of The Big Blue. Insider more to
come here on six THIRTY. Wlap It's Dick. Gabriel welcome
back to The best of The Big Blue. Insider joining us,
now someone who's been busy this summer and is about
to get a lot. Busier Maggie davis OF Bbn, TONIGHT lax,

(21:36):
eighteen you are gathering and. Collecting of, course you have
a show every. Night and we talked before about the
fact that they make players and coaches available to us
now the, Summer, maggie when they didn't used. To so
that's really been a boon to get you all through
with that nightly. Show you've got some pretty good stuff
each night, now. Right.

Speaker 2 (21:55):
Oh.

Speaker 6 (21:55):
ABSOLUTELY i was just having this conversation actually with a
head coach At kentucky kind of asked, me like what
we do during the, summer AND i told, them, like you,
KNOW i have stressed myself. Out this is my fifth
year AT Bbn, tonight And i've had a million different
jobs along the, way been, producer, editor, reporter fill in
all the, things and NOW i produced it AND i
just do everything THAT i just said. Basically PLUS i

(22:17):
anchor the show Alongside Keith. Farmer but one of my
biggest jobs and responsibilities is still coming up with the
content every, day writing the actual. Show and you, KNOW
i was kind of telling the story that the last five,
YEARS i feel like three or four of the SUMMERS
i have just been like weirdly stressed out about what
are we going to do and how are we going

(22:37):
to felt the time like a real sense of like
anxiety and dread about like once baseball and softball season
and what are we going to? Do and then every
summer By, August i'm, like, oh we did. It we
had plenty and now football's. Here that is. Great SO
i just really tried to go into this summer like
it's going to be. Fine things are going to. Happen

(22:57):
people will talk to, us news will break thank there
will be, stories and what do you. Know we have
been able to do all of that so far this.
Summer of, COURSE tvt was a big part of, that
SO i hate to see that comes to an. End
but other than, THAT i mean there's still a lot going.
On we talked about volleyball a lot this. Week of,
course basketball season is twelve months out of the. Year
football is right around the. Corner got done with media

(23:19):
days down In atlanta last, week so there is plenty
still happening around The university Of.

Speaker 1 (23:24):
Kentucky, yeah but you know, basketball there's there's a, change
obviously a change in, management but a little bit of
a change in. Attitude AND i think it's BECAUSE i would,
HOPE i would think it makes sense with all these
new faces coming to the program and, now as you,
know you, know the portal especially makes it you, know
three sixty. Five, Yeah so they're making, players the new

(23:48):
guys available to us a couple couple players per week
as they did earlier, today you, know and helps the
Big blue nation learn who these guys. Are so it's
not entirely self, serving is.

Speaker 6 (23:59):
It, no it's. NOT i think it's good for. Everyone
AND i think that was some of the, issues you,
know towards the latter part of The John caliperri arrow is, that,
like you, know this is really just like nerdy media
stuff that fans probably don't care. About but it is
harder to cover a team when you have such limited,
access or it's harder to be, like why AM i

(24:19):
rooting for this guy off the court other than just
a jersey where how AM i as a fan connecting
with these guys who are only here for eight. Months
SO i think just that in, general that like openness
and willingness to put these guys in front of us
a couple of times this time of the. YEAR i,
MEAN i think it's good too because they're not so.
Busy this is a great time for them to spend
some extra time doing, media doing, podcast coming on, shows.

(24:42):
Whatever because they're not doing full, practices they're not in a,
full pledged semester worth of, class they're not traveling for,
games you, know so this is a good. Time AND
i think you also see that in the amount of
community service the team has done this. Summer they've done
as much service this year AS i can remember any other,
year and it's just you, know it's Still, july so
they have certainly kept busy even though it is the,

(25:03):
summer just like.

Speaker 1 (25:03):
Us, yeah that's. True and the other thing is the
players themselves because of social. Media you, know they're popping
up On twitter And instagram and TikTok, anyway so you,
know why not share the? Love?

Speaker 6 (25:15):
Right, YEAH i totally agree with, that AND i think
like that's. CHANGED i, mean this is more of a
big picture, question BUT i think access to your favorite
athletes is easier than ever as a, fan and so
you can feel that sense of, WELL i, know otega
away BECAUSE i see them go live on TikTok AND
i follow him On instagram and all this. Stuff and,
one it does build that, connection but TWO i also

(25:37):
think sometimes it builds this kind of weird relationship where
you do feel, like, well let me go comment on
their posts BECAUSE i follow them and you, know they
lost and let me post on Their instagram. PAGES i
can't believe they. Lost what a terrible, game or you,
KNOW i messed up my, parlay, like you, know you
see way more of that, too because of the access
that people have now that we didn't used to. Have
so obviously there's a balance that comes with and you,

(26:00):
know media, members it's a little, Different like we will
occasionally use a post on our, show like if it's
a statement or something, meaningful news worthy to talk. About,
like for, example we put a lot of THE tvp
guys on our show last night in terms of like
the tweets were almost like many statements they had put
out after the, Game so we did use you, Know
Khalil whitney saying he was wiping the tears away And

(26:23):
Aaron harrison, saying you, know losses hurt more the next.
Morning like that's a great way for athletes to put
out statements on things without having to do big press
conferences or meetings with the media in. General so all
of that contributes to our coverage at this point in
how technology runs our.

Speaker 1 (26:40):
Life what did you think Of Khalil, whitney that entire,
experience the way he, played the way the fans welcomed.
HIM i really wondered about, that because that was that
was kind of a bizarre mini chapter in the history
of The caliperry era when he came and went so.

Speaker 6 (26:57):
Quickly AND i think it was very meaningful to see
him come. Back AND i can't say it better Than
Sean woods said. It after that last, game after the,
loss he got asked about what it meant to, him you,
know just to see a guy who didn't have that
great experience that by all Accounts Sean woods did have At.
Kentucky what did it mean to him to see a

(27:18):
guy who didn't have that come back and try and
sort of make right With lexington and the fan base
and the program and all of this. Stuff AND i,
mean just listening To sean talk about, IT i thought
he hit the nail on the head of like we
all think about This kentucky basketball, machine and you're supposed
to come, here it's all supposed to go, right and
then you're supposed to leave as this beloved, player and you,

(27:39):
know a lot of times we don't know what's going
on in the other half of their. Life sometimes it's
way more than half of their, Life like we don't
know about their family situation or their home, life where
they're coming, from who's in their. Ears AND i think
at the, time you get so wrapped, up and of
course this is very, natural and, Yeah i'm SURE i did.
It it's very natural to think of how it's affecting
the team and your favorite and you know the energy around,

(28:02):
that and how is this going to hurt us trying
to win a banner and trying to win more. Games
BUT i think now That whitney's been gone for so many,
years that does to settled enough where you're more open
to hearing, like, man maybe we really didn't know the full,
story and maybe it really wasn't all you Know Koali
o'll being a bad kid wanting to get out of

(28:24):
town and not face responsibilities or not live up to
his commitment or, whatever like we don't know the full,
story and so kind of you, know along those. Lines
What sean was saying in that Last best conference was
really like we know the, machine but we don't always
know the men that are inside of it and what
they're dealing. With and SO i Think whitney was a
really good reminder of. That AND i, mean really along those,

(28:44):
lines are You? Goodwin you could probably say the same
thing For so it was a different kind of A
tvt experience this. YEAR i feel like last year was
SO i mean truly like fan, favorites not that these guys,
weren't BUT i do think there were a little more
like redemption stories embedded within this year's, ross which made
it a little bit of a different. Experience BUT i liked.
IT i enjoyed getting to see some guys come back

(29:05):
and rebuild some.

Speaker 7 (29:06):
RELATIONSHIP i was.

Speaker 1 (29:07):
So happy For seawn that he got a chance to
coach that. Team he of course is a regular guest
on this, program and we have talked on and off
the air about so much stuff when it comes to coaching,
basketball high school, kids college, kids and as he, said
he's coaching pros and he didn't know if he could do,
it he, said but last year he found out as
an assistant To Tyler elis that he. Could But, maggie

(29:31):
what got me was how Eloquent sean, was Because i've
never heard him talk about being with a capital be
A kentucky basketball player and what it, means and the
FACT i love the fact that he talked about these
guys could come, back whether it be a guy who
was here for months or, years and be A kentucky
basketball player. Again and who of us wouldn't want to

(29:53):
relive the best moments of our lives one more or
some of the best one more. TIME i just thought
that was moving at. Times.

Speaker 6 (30:00):
Times you, KNOW i one hundred percent agree with. You
we had this conversation on our show With Tom leech
earlier this week, too and he brought up the fact
that he feels very lucky that over the course of
his career in recent years he's had a great working
relationship with My prett and now obviously the same With Goose.
Gibbons and, he's like he told us on our, show
Like i've really gotten to see how those guys interact

(30:23):
with each, other and it's, special it's. Different it's unique
because they are their own fraternity and you're not in
it unless you're in. It but if you're in, it
you are in. It and it sounds so, simple BUT
i think for those of us who are as involved
in this, whole LIKE i was, Saying kentucky basketball, machine
even people who didn't play in, it like you AND

(30:43):
i like we're around it enough WHERE i can recognize
that it has to be such a unique. Experience it
has to be so, formative especially in those college years
when you really are growing into yourself and then you're
built with all this, expectation you have all these, fans
you have this great, ironment this great culture of college
basketball around you all the, time and then like you

(31:03):
have to play the. Game, like so there's a lot going,
on and SO i think Hearing tom's, Perspective, yeah reminded
me a lot of you, know my own, experience just
getting to be around some of these guys and appreciating
that they let us see some of that special. Fraternity
AND i think that's what MADE cbc special, too to
See sean would bring that into the next. Generation, Right

(31:25):
you had A patino guy leading the, team you Had
Billy gillespie, player you Had cal, guys you had your
First hope player on the, team and then you have
the current team out there watching them, play competing against
them in whatever we're calling it a scrimmage or competition
or whatever they did at. Practice so to, me like
getting to see that quote unquote fraternity kind of grow

(31:46):
and expand and really.

Speaker 7 (31:47):
Be so all.

Speaker 6 (31:48):
Encompassing is again what Makes kentucky unique and, special and
that's why we all love.

Speaker 1 (31:53):
It you, KNOW i had forgotten as well That sean
actually went back to The Eddie sutton. Era he signed
With Eddie. Sutton you, know he had a citiz first.
Year but, yeah that links all those generations and it's
why it's so. Fascinating Maggie davis is a, producer, reporter,
editor anchor co host OF Bbn. Tonight she And Keith
farmer up here every night on YOUR tv at L Exa.

(32:16):
Team we'll come back and talk To kentucky. Football in a,
minute you're listening to the best of The Big Blue.
Insider more to come here on six THIRTY. Wlap It's
Dick gabriel and you're listening to the best of The
Big Blue. Insider we're talking With Maggie davis A Bbn.
Tonight you referred to media days the talking season fully
underway and again you'll be able to fill your shows

(32:36):
even better with More kentucky football coming. Up Fan day
And Media day and all that. Stuff what did you
think of the Way Mark stoops came across In? Atlanta
BECAUSE i wondered if you would get a lot of
the hot seat, questions but he took it on full,
force didn't.

Speaker 6 (32:52):
He, WELL i think that's really representative of the kind
of person Where stoops. Is AND i don't know him
at all, personally but just from covering him over the
past several years, now like he is a guy who's
going to stand up there and take it and just
for the most, part be pretty. Transparent AND i think
that was very similar to what we've come to see

(33:13):
in recent. Years there were a few instances where he
kind of leaned back on the you, know he started
to say something and THEN i don't want to make a,
headline and you guys want a. Headline i'm not going
to give you a. Headline everyone wants something to hang on,
to and you, know that gets a little, OLD i,
think BUT i just think that's kind of where he
is right. Now we got a lot of that last.
Year i'm trying to think. BACK i don't really know
when that, started BUT i know we got a lot

(33:35):
of it last, year and SO i was a little you,
KNOW i wish we hadn't gotten it in media. DAYS
i really wanted to just be, like let's all just
go in with this fresh, start not carry that over
into a new. Year but at the same, time as
someone who's talks for a living and you, know talks
quite a, BIT i understand that sometimes you're just talking so,
much you're saying some many. Things you will ask you,
questions and then sometimes the headline can get totally taken

(33:58):
out of context and made it to a headline and,
whatever and nobody appreciates. THAT i don't appreciate, that you,
know like a lot of us have been put in
a situation like that in our own, lives that to
some extent over the course of our. Careers SO i
understand his apprehensiveness to create a. Headline but at the same,
TIME i do think there are some serious questions that

(34:18):
he did a pretty good job of. Answering but to,
me it got a little dampened by the fact that
he was, LIKE i don't want to give a headline,
out you, know a little guarded. Exactly the great.

Speaker 1 (34:28):
Word, yeah one of the things he mentioned in the electronics,
MEDIA i THINK i had asked him a question and
he was essentially talking about the, defense and especially. UPFRONT
i THINK i asked him about the fact that you
know how it's been the last two or three years
where we didn't have many questions about the front four
or even the front seven and the d backs with

(34:48):
a question. Mark, well now the d bacs have the
quality experience and it's the front seven that we don't
really know. About But stoops was enthusiastic mag about the
guys who have come, in the new, Guys, gusta everybody
keeps mentioning. Him but just the fact that they have
more depth, now more, bodies which they didn't have last.

(35:10):
Year that's WHY i think they collapsed down the. Stretch
they kind of wore. Out But stoops IS i, know
excited about, that isn't?

Speaker 6 (35:16):
He, YEAH i think that's a good. Point AND i
appreciated that question because it does bring up a good
sort of dichotomy between what we've seen the last couple
of years and what we expect to see this. Year
AND i mean the, defense especially from a staff, perspective
has been much, much much more consistent than the. Offense
and yet this is one of the main, YEARS i

(35:36):
think in the past couple of years where we do
see a lot more turnover from a player's. Perspective, obviously
you still have the same guys back on the, staff
but there is going to be a good amount of,
turnover like you, said especially in that front, seven which
is different than how it's been handled and what's been
the reality the past several years with just the way
the recruiting pipeline worked, out so they did have to
go into the, portal they've had to develop some, guys

(35:58):
and you, know coming back from, jury whatever the case may,
be there is going to have to be some, welcoming
some new faces onto that d line, specifically AND i
mean the exact same thing can be said about the offensive.
LINE i think we've just become a little more accustomed
to change over there in the past couple of, years
especially as the position coach has changed so, much and
we've seen really some program greats go off into THE,

(36:21):
nfl and then we've seen a little bit of a
struggle to replace. Them and you, know it's easy to,
say it's much harder in reality to Replace garry And
kinnard And, Luke fortner And land And young AND i
mean guys who truly played four or five years straight
because they were that good as freshmen and they were
still here and they were still that good as sip your.
Seniors you, KNOW i understand that that's a tough, task

(36:44):
BUT i think getting to know the offensive line and
seeing not only how the individual pieces are, looking but
how that group is working cohesively this fall will be
a big storyline for me to watch this camp.

Speaker 1 (36:55):
EVERYBODY i, mean it's all about the old line that
will dictate the fortunes of this. TEAM i got about
ninety seconds left to. Know you've been asked one hundred
times about what do you? Think what do you think
they can do this? Year and again a brutal, schedule
the calendar works against, them you, know and you got
to wonder can they get to the? POSTSEASON i, know
AND i HATE.

Speaker 6 (37:15):
I understand you have to put me on the, spot
BUT i haven't decided. Yet and it's not because it's
a cop out.

Speaker 7 (37:21):
Answer it's just.

Speaker 6 (37:22):
What we were just talking about with the offensive, line
AND i think, that like you, said dictates all of.
It and, OBVIOUSLY i mean it's gone this, long there's
a big question market quarterback for. ME i, Mean Zack,
calzada we all know what he's done on. Paper we
know he's moved, around he has a lot of, experience
HE'S i think twenty six years. OLD i don't want to,
misspeak BUT i know this is his seventh year of college,

(37:42):
football so obviously a lot of wisdom and experience comes with.
That but, sometimes you, know you do kind of have
to be realistic and be, like all, right what is
this guy, doing what's he, done and what can he
do here that he hasn't shown us in the first
six years at this? Point how does that work? Out
with the offensive? Line obviously part of. THAT e quick
do we See Cutter? Bowllie how much or how little

(38:03):
do we see? HIM i, mean that was an interesting
response from Coach, STOOPS i thought at media day when
he was asked specifically about why he Brought calzada to the,
program and he mentioned that we have a local talent
on the roster who might be asked to play this,
week next, week two, weeks this, year or next, year
which to, me that's a pretty like front loaded this,

(38:26):
week next, week this year or next. Year so to,
me all sides point toward there being at least an
element of a quarterback, Competition and of course they'll always
say that because you want competition to bring up the
best in everybody who's in that. Room but you, KNOW
i Think Zach calzada is the, guy BUT i don't
think that cutter bowlies are.

Speaker 1 (38:45):
Mine she Is Maggie davis OF. VbN, Tonight liaha teen
watch for her on YOUR. Tv said thank, you, ma'am.

Speaker 6 (38:51):
Thank you so. Much see you.

Speaker 1 (38:52):
Soon you're listening to the best of The big Bu.
Insider our number two is next year on six thirty w.

Speaker 8 (38:57):
Laptect such.

Speaker 9 (39:18):
Tact anything, One.

Speaker 1 (40:49):
Hey it's Stick. Gabriel welcome back to The Big Blue,
insider our number two taking a little time, off so
please enjoy the best of The Big Blue. INSIDER nfl
camps are underway all over the, country of, course including
naturally The Cincinnati. Bengals Joe burrow talked about the first
day of. Camp the quarterback who some believe should have

(41:10):
been THE mvp last, year he rightfully pointed out in
That netflix show Called, quarterback which Followed Kirk, cousins it
Followed Matthew stafford of The, Lions cousins and his first
year with The, falcons And Joe burrow of course with The.
Bengals and Now burrow had a remarkable, season just an incredible.

(41:31):
Year but somebody asked him ABOUT mvp status because there
were people CHANTING, mvp and he said, no because he,
said very likely it'll go to a team that made the,
playoffs and The bengals were in it until the very,
end but needed. Help they dug a hole for, themselves
needed some, help didn't get, it and so it's back

(41:54):
to work For Joe. Burrow he's got to start all over.
Again but last Year burrow threw for nearly five thousand
yards four nine hundred and eighteen and didn't miss by.
Much completed seventy point six percent of his, passes forty three,
touchdowns nine, interceptions only nine. Interceptions pretty incredible as quarterback

(42:21):
rating one oh eight point. Five he was sacked forty eight,
times including seven that was the season high in an
overtime win over The Denver. Broncos The bengals had, problems of,
course on the offensive. Line they weren't the. WORST i
looked it. Up they were twelve out of twenty five.

(42:42):
Teams when it came to giving up. Sacks The bears
were the. Worst, Sorry Tom. Leach bears gave up sixty,
Eight browns gave up sixty, Six seahawks And texans fifty,
four and so on and so, on but you get
to The bengals actually were tied with The giants giving
up forty eight. Sacks eagles were next Your Super bowl

(43:05):
champs at forty. Five so, yeah The bengals need to
improve that that offensive front and protect their money Man Joe,
Burrow and of course after the very first, Workout burrow
said flatly that he was not pleased with what he
saw on the. Offense here's how he described the way
things went for the offense on day one.

Speaker 5 (43:27):
Poorly why do.

Speaker 7 (43:30):
You think that was THE i was up to, guests
this is usually how it goes for the first.

Speaker 10 (43:34):
Day we we just we gotta.

Speaker 1 (43:36):
Have to clean.

Speaker 10 (43:37):
Up but we got a lot of.

Speaker 8 (43:38):
Time so why is?

Speaker 11 (43:39):
THAT i think it's probably it seems like it takes
little while the for everyone to climb a.

Speaker 6 (43:43):
Rhythm for why is it that it kind of maybe
takes a little.

Speaker 12 (43:45):
Bit Once cam gets, rolling well.

Speaker 10 (43:47):
Huge everybody's on their own. Working you, know we don't have.
Sernotiers we're not really going against each other like. That
so just you, know offense is all about, timing, rhythm
working together.

Speaker 13 (44:02):
To become a cohesive. Unit and so that's not going
to be a case on the first, day.

Speaker 1 (44:08):
And, naturally if you google The bengal workout, stories you'll
see headlines that make it sound Like burrow was upset
or disappointed or. Whatever AND i wasn't, Happy but as he,
said that's just the way things. Go and camp defense
is usually ahead of the. Offense at this, point the
offense is so much about. Timing SO i expect The
bengals will be. Fine you've Got chase coming, Back higgins coming. Back,

(44:31):
burrow looking to build on what he did last, year
said he's never. Satisfied he's always looking for ways to.
Improve so you just can't sit back and think about
how well things.

Speaker 13 (44:42):
Went it's never an area That I'm i'm satisfied and
Where i'm. At second that that happens is the second
you start gain complacent in the second that everybody else
starts to pass you. Up so there's no matter how

(45:03):
good you are in one area of the, game is
always room to improve.

Speaker 1 (45:07):
It Joe burrow of The, bengals and we mentioned the
year he had last. Year his best game in terms
of quarterback rating came In week number three Against. Cleveland
his quarterback rating for that game one thirty four point
three he was twenty three for thirty only threw for

(45:28):
two point fifty, two but he had three, touchdowns no,
picks and they wanted easily twenty four to. Six they
beat The browns again later in the year is a tougher,
game twenty one to fourteen At. Cleveland, Now, cleveland as you,
know has got an interesting situation going on with its
quarterbacks Because Shdor sanders is up there making lots of,

(45:51):
headlines but right now he's running third. Team first team
Is Kenny pickett out of pitt who may just be
getting the first team reps because he does have. Experience
he was The steelers quarterback for a while there and
then they gave up on. Him but they Have Shador.

(46:12):
Sanders they Have Dylan gabriel out Of. Oregon they Have Joe.
Flacco Dylan gabriel drafted ahead Of Shador, sanders he ran second,
Team sanders ran third. Team Joe, flacco who has been
everybody's favorite EMERGENCY qb guy who knows what he's, doing
had a nice career with The. Ravens he did not

(46:33):
get any reps in eleven on eleven's but of course
the head, Coach Kevin stefanski said THE qb rotation would
be fluid the first, week et. Cetera but if you're
keeping an eye on The bengals On Shador. Sanders right,
now he's running third team. Offense but that could. Change
maybe that did change, earlier, today could change. Tomorrow you
just never. Know and by the, way some of you

(46:55):
out there Are browns FANS Espn betts says the over
and under for wins for The browns is four point.
Five defensive End Miles, garrett who's good enough to back
up what he, says but he can't do it. Alone he,
SAID i expect to get to The Super. BOWL i
expect to run back the defensive player of the, Year

(47:18):
so he is quite quite. Confident Maxwell harston showed well
In bill's training camp right, away made a nice play
turned heads by knocking down a potential touchdown pass in
eleven on. Elevens he is battling for a starting job
with a Veteran Tradavious white in The buffalo defensive. Backfield

(47:41):
but of, Course Maxwell harston came under scrutiny when he was,
drafted and then once again and then once. Again earlier this,
month he was named in a civil lawsuit over an
alleged sexual assault case that happened when he was a
student athlete AT. Uk believe he was a, freshman And
hairston was asked about it my reporters after practice and

(48:03):
he did not duck questions and didn't hesitate to.

Speaker 11 (48:07):
Answer and it's been four years, now and you, KNOW
i went through this whole process with the police that
went through a thorough investigation AND i was exonerated from.
That The university Of kentucky did a thorough. INVESTIGATION i
was exonerated from that as. Well and you, KNOW i
volunteered to do multiple polygraphs BECAUSE i was determined, to you,

(48:27):
know get my truth out, there BECAUSE i had nothing to.

Speaker 8 (48:29):
HIDE i was an open.

Speaker 11 (48:30):
BOOK i have two sisters THAT i love, dearly and
you KNOW i respect all females and you, know JUST
i was just determined to get my truth out. There
LIKE i, SAID i was an open. Book AND i
was exonerated from both of those and, uh you, know
just gotta stay. Strong But i'm confident that my truth

(48:51):
would be out. There and LIKE i, Said i'm.

Speaker 8 (48:53):
Open but did the bills ask you about it leading
up to the?

Speaker 11 (48:56):
Draft of, course you, know they did their LIKE i,
said they did their thorough. Investigation they found everything they
needed to. FIND i was open and, willing no nothing
to hide because AGAIN i was being truthful since a.
Start and, yeah that's Why i'm here, now because The
bills know the truth and they know the real that
Is Maxwell.

Speaker 1 (49:15):
Harriston courtesy Of channel seven out Of. Buffalo one other
note about THE. Nfl pat, McAfee of, course the former
punter for The colts and part of ESPN's college Game
day coverage popular podcast now part OF espn, Programming but
he finally broke his silence on the phony quote unquote

(49:38):
sex scandal rumor about an Ole miss, student and he
added to. It he stirred the, Pot he fanned the
flames because he talked about it on his show and
he made it. Worse, basically he talked about it and
spread rumors that had been going around about a young
woman Named Mary Kate. Cornett she had been the subject

(50:01):
of rumors about inappropriate behavior on the Ole miss campus
and it was, false there was nothing to, it but
it went viral And pat McAfee became a part of.
It and it's been four months, now but he finally
apologized on his show and said he recently met With

(50:24):
cornett and her family to apologize black Of he said
he has since learned that rumors About cornet were not
true and he realizes that his show quote played a
role in the anguished cause to a great family and
especially to a young. Woman and he, SAID i think
you all know from this SHOW i never want to
be a source of negativity or contribute to another human. Suffering,

(50:47):
okay where was that when you spread these? Rumors because
rumor's going viral on a, campus that's one, thing and
yeah it gets national. Quickly the guy Like pat McAfee
has got to understand the impact that he and his
show can. Have and you know they run this crawl

(51:09):
on the bottom kind of jokingly, saying you, know this
show is an unparaphrasing a bunch of knuckleheads having. Fun
at the end they're, like, plea you, know the opinions
don't reflect this and, that and at the, end please
don't sue. Us, well this WAS i thought reprehensible AND
i didn't jump into it early BECAUSE i didn't want

(51:30):
to even bring up these rumors that were going. Around
it was so unfair to this. Woman but McAfee finally
finally has. Apologized you're listening to the best of The
Big Blue. Insider more to come here on six point THIRTY.
Wlap It's Dick. Gabriel welcome back to the best of
The Big Blue. Insider some of the news, that of

(51:52):
course right now is dominating the sports news cycle is
THE nfl training. Camp she can pull Up google's swarts
every day and as a reporter on almost every, team
but it includes you, know maybe your favorite, team but
other guys you've heard about Former, wildcats including in The giants.
Camp one of the headlines that came out yesterday was

(52:14):
a block thrown By Wandale. Robinson he took out an
outside linebacker with a blind side block that left the
linebacker on the ground for a minute or two and
the guy wasn't, hurt but he Described he said it
was a tough, hit, clean but he said after a
hit like, that you just sort of take an inventory
of yourself to make sure you're. Okay But Wandale robinson

(52:35):
really turning heads with a block like that At giants.
Camp you know who else turnheads was a Guy kentucky Fans.
Sell last, year really the last couple of, Years Jackson,
dart the rookie had of Ole miss and of course
he quarterback The rebels in that upset loss To Kentucky.
Wildcats didn't contain him, completely but did a great job

(52:56):
when they needed to in that game and sent The
rebels And Jackson dart out of their own stadium as
an upset loser that. Day but he was taken in
the first, round as most people thought he, would and
it was a little slow out of the. Blocks in
the first training camp. Practice they said he was hold
on to the ball too, long believe it or, not

(53:18):
but they said he looked much much better in this
week's practice so. FAR i think they've got another one.
Today So Jackson dart is making the adjustment to the
offense and to the pace OF nfl. Football Baker mayfield
of The bucks says he is getting guaranteed money for next.
Year that's a big deal in THE. Nfl he's got

(53:40):
an extension or he's got one on the, table and
he says he's under contract through next. Year so he's
talking about guaranteed money for twenty twenty. Six and, again
this is a guy that looked like was on his
way out while he was with The. Rams Liam cohen
helped him sort of resurrect his, career and Then cohen

(54:03):
Left kentucky abruptly For tampa and they brought In Baker
mayfield and he has thrived there. Well Now cohen's in
another part of the state Of. Florida he's the head
coach In. Jacksonville But Baker mayfield is talking bigger and
bigger money With tampa and he Has Liam cohen to
thank for, that at least a great deal to thank for.

(54:25):
That we talked About Jackson. Dart another FORMER sec, Quarterback Anthony,
richardson who struggled last year with. Injuries he plays for The.
Colts he And Daniel jones are battling for the starting. Job,
daniel of course left The giants Where Jackson dart is
now did not get it done there as a first
round draft, pick so he is trying to make it

(54:46):
as a free agent with the Colt trying to win
the starting job hasn't looked, good but neither Is Anthony,
richardson who should have stayed in college another. Year they
took him because of his, potential but or all the
great things he did At. Florida honestly and with all due,
respect if they had watched The kentucky game from that

(55:08):
year a couple of years, ago when The wildcats went
down there and spanked The gators in twenty twenty, three
you could have seen The Anthony, richardson who is struggling
now in colts, camp but in that sport in, particular
if you've got a shot at getting the big money up,

(55:28):
front you, go and that's exactly what he. Did So
richardson And jones neither one of them looking too good
right now in colts. Camp, meanwhile really the biggest story
when it comes TO nfl quarterbacks and camps Is cleveland
because Of Shador. Sanders and that story then unfolded On

(55:49):
draft night where The browns actually drafted my, Man Dylan, Gabriel,
yes same INITIALS, dj no. Relation they took him out
Of oregon and then Took shadur's and establishing a pecking
order two rookie quarterbacks in the same. Draft but they
also Had Kenny pickett on their, roster the guy Who

(56:10):
pittsburgh gave up way too soon on. Him he came
out of pit and got less than half a season
to prove himself and then he. Gone so now he's With,
cleveland but so Is Joe. Flacco the veteran who knows
how to win A Super bowl did it with The,
ravens but he got the majority of reps at the

(56:30):
most recent practice with the first team, offense and Then
Dylan gabriel and Then Shadorah. Sanders Kenny pickett's. Hurt he's
got a, hamstring can't make the club and the, tub
so that might seal his fate when it comes to
the quarterbacks in The Cleveland browns. Camp now they're getting
the most. Headlines quite. Frankly speaking of, headlines here's one

(56:54):
From Madden, football The madden ninety Nine. Club if you
don't know anything about video, games the higher rating you
can get is a ninety, nine meaning players who plug
in athletes from VARIOUS nfl. Teams if you want a
quarterback with a ninety nine, rating there are only two
now in this particular version Of Madden, football and That's

(57:16):
Josh allen And Lamar, jackson the guys who battles it
out for THE Mvp. Award then he Get Saquon barkley
of The. Eagles you got a couple wide, Receivers Justin,
Jefferson Jamar, chase the only defensive player Is Miles garrett
of The. Browns and you've also got an old, Lineman
Lane johnson From philly to open holes For Saquon. Barkley

(57:37):
but No Patrick, mahomes which is weird given the fact
THAT Cbs sports ran a survey they've got him as
the top. PLAYER espn survey of league, insiders, coaches, scouts
executives they've got him as number one as, well but
not In Madden. Football how about? That, well The chiefs

(57:59):
offense is struggle of, late and now it looks, like
at least In Madden, Football Patrick mahomes is a mere,
mortal but his old line isn't the best and they
Lose Tyreek hilso doesn't have the greatest at a skill.
Position Travis kelsey's getting. Older Patrick mahomes not a ninety

(58:21):
nine player In Madden. Football this note from THE, nba
remember the, trade of course you'll never forget. It one
of the, worst apparently IN nba. History luka Donst that's
going to The lakers For Anthony davis And, moore one
of the reasons being apparently The mavericks drew tired Of
Luka donzet's showing up out of shape, well according to

(58:43):
a feature In Men's health, Magazine luca has slimmed, Down
he's toned. Up donchett, said, VISUALLY i would say my
body looks a lot. Better two ninety minute workouts a.
Day i'm sure you AND i do the same workout.
Right it's almost as though he's definitely telling The mavericks
you screwed. Up, well you know, what The mavericks are probably,

(59:04):
saying why didn't you do this when you were In.
Dallas you're listening to The best of The Big Blue.
Insider more to come here on six THIRTY. Wlap It's Dick.
Gabriel welcome back to The best of The Big Blue.
Insider joining us down our celebrity hotline as a guy
who's not new to THIS tv, market but new to
The Big Blue. Insider we Welcome Jordan adams to the

(59:25):
show for the first time From fox fifty six an anchor.
Reporter how you, Doing, Jordan, Good.

Speaker 7 (59:31):
DICK i appreciate you having me on this. Morning appreciate
you a couple of, times AND i thank you giving
me the.

Speaker 1 (59:37):
Time thank, you appreciate you, listening AND i appreciate the
fact that you covered THE tbt event over the last several.
Days you were there last night when that game got.
Away i'm going to come back to you personally and
get your, background BUT i got to ask you what
were your? Thoughts AND i know it's different when you're
shooting a game and you're watching through a viewfinders, different

(01:00:00):
but still you could see that thing. Unfolding what were
you thinking as that game came and? Went?

Speaker 7 (01:00:07):
Well, FIRST i got to say it was a very entertaining,
game as THESE tbt games tend to be based mostly
off the structure of, it how it. Ends but, yeah
that first quarter was was, rough really that first half everline.
Drive hats off to. Them they probably most likely were

(01:00:28):
the best team on the. DAY i think if you
were to play the game a couple more, times probably
Left familiar would probably win the majority of. It but
they were a better team on the day and it.
Showed that fourth quarter was was really. Magical that Run Khalil,
Whitney willie Colly stein running down the court and. Dunking

(01:00:50):
it was some great stuff from the. Team despite you,
know some tough, shooting they were able to you, know
claw their way back to sixty to ozer run when
was the last time you've seen something like. That but,
yeah coming down to free, throws they tried to get
the you, know the right shooter to shoot, them able
to make the first. One but that's why you end

(01:01:14):
practices doing free. Throws that's why you run during practice
and shoot them because it's so, important and especially with
the type of elam endings and things like, that every
point certainly.

Speaker 1 (01:01:25):
Counts, yeah and let's go back to that sixteen old,
rally which it took me a second to realize that
that's how long that rally. WAS i, mean they rang
up an eight point lead and with that elam, ending you,
know they had the eight. Points as you, know for
the folks who don't follow at four minutes to go
in the, game it's a twist on regular, basketball but

(01:01:49):
you stop the game whenever team is, ahead no matter
how much they're ahead, by you add eight. Points that's
the target, number and then it's a race to see
who can get there. First And kentucky had an. Advantage
and uh but that sixteen oh, run, Man, YEAH i
felt like there was a run like that. Coming but
it was interesting that that The aberline team was able

(01:02:12):
to hold it off for so, long you know WHAT i.

Speaker 7 (01:02:14):
Mean, yeah because because it was it was. Late, yeah we're.
TALKING i think it. WAS i think it. Was the
fourth was a nine minute. Quarter, yeah we're talking six,
minutes five, minutes four minutes less than the fourth. Quarter
they were able to hold off the team full of you,
KNOW nba veterans and former pros and current pros from

(01:02:37):
all over the. World it was credit to, them you,
know they were able to do some great. Things it
did help, that, uh they were tend to Make we're
making threes while a lot familiar was making. Twos but,
yeah you're, right being able to hold on for that,
long but then even more, impressively honestly holding on for that,

(01:02:58):
long losing it and then getting it back with SOMETHING
i haven't seen in a.

Speaker 1 (01:03:02):
While, yeah you're, Right but that's just the NATURE i
think of pro. Ball you, know people watched THE. Nba
if they did just watch it, casually they might even
see that no lead is, safe it seems in AN nba,
Game and it seemed like that was the case last,
night wasn't.

Speaker 7 (01:03:19):
It, yes certainly the energy Coach woods talked about it
after the. Game, obviously offensive, wise wasn't the best night
for lots. Familiar the ball was sticking to a couple
of people's, hands wasn't really moving a lot weren't able
to make too many, shots only made three threes the entire.
Game but, yeah when you got that crowd behind, you

(01:03:42):
give those guys some extra. Juice as you, mentioned no
lead is safe in. Basketball it takes us a few.
Possessions and you saw it on display last.

Speaker 9 (01:03:52):
Night.

Speaker 1 (01:03:53):
Yeah sean mentioned it after the game last night and
earlier tonight on my show that the offensive run, late
the offense looked a lot. Better to your, point there
was less clear out one on one and that was
working at. Times but The amberline team had the advantage in,
SIZE i, think and in, muscle and so The kentucky

(01:04:14):
guards couldn't post up quite as well as they had
been in his. Tournament when when they started running their
scripted offense, late it began to work a lot. Better
it was a lot of. Fun the two man game
and things like that worked a lot.

Speaker 7 (01:04:28):
Better, YEAH i gotta, SAY i don't know if it
Was Coach. Woods With willie out on the, floor it
does make sense to switch one through. Five he's able
to guard a lot of guards and do some crazy
things out, there just how special and unique to battaliony.
Is but when they were, switching at least in the first,

(01:04:50):
half for my, Idea watson is a big boy six
eight six, nine two hundred. Something he's bigger and stronger Than.

Speaker 1 (01:04:59):
Willie, yeah but when you switch.

Speaker 7 (01:05:01):
Everything To Ron Lamb Andrew harrison were having to guard.
Him it was just too easy for him in the first,
half AND i thought that was something that they probably
should have got out. Of but then on the offensive
side of the, ball Good Win Andrew harrison great individual,
players great getting, downhill but the ball tends to stick

(01:05:21):
in their hands a. Lot, yeah don't really pass it too.
Often and the one on one stuff is, cool that
works every now and. Then but if you ever follow,
basketball if you've ever played for any amount of, time
the ball always moves quicker when you pass. It then
when you, dribble you've got to get other people. Involved

(01:05:41):
you've got to get other people shots because there's just
an energy in, it and that's just the right way
to play. It you. Know there's a reason why that
The Golden State warriors a few years back for, it
right when win so many, games because you've got to pass.
It you got to be able to, shoot.

Speaker 1 (01:05:56):
And other teams began to do the same. Thing it
took A q From Golden state and that extra pass
began to. Come the thing in THE, nba we're talking
To Jordan adams Of fox fifty. Six he's been, covering
among other, things The Basketball TOURNAMENT tbt in lat for,
me which lost last. Night but you cover a lot
more than. That you've been, Here you're coming up on

(01:06:17):
two years now this fall In, lexington and you got
to see kind of an unusual situation with The Big
Blue nation in the. Summertime and As shawn earlier tonight called,
it THE uk season of the, summer this THIS tbt,
event but Go Big, blue you know In Memorial. Coliseum

(01:06:38):
what was your take on? That what was that like
for you as a guy who's been around here for
a couple of.

Speaker 7 (01:06:41):
YEARS i think it was. Great, obviously the atmosphere is
a little different than it was last year At rough you,
know much smaller, gym closer, quarters better view for the
people who are able to chip in and take some
time out of the day to come see the. Guys
BUT i think it's. GREAT i think the thing That
Lots familia and even the, bill even THOUGH uk fans

(01:07:04):
probably won't like me saying THAT i have been able
to do WITH tvc are. Fantastic it's only year two
For Lot, familia but you, know them selling tickets and
being one of the highest grossing, teams highest viewership teams
in the. TOURNAMENT i think there'll be a main. Stay
SO i know the last two years that hasn't ended

(01:07:26):
the WAY uk fans And Big Blue nation have wanted it.
To BUT i Think Lot familia will be here for
a very long time and they'll have plenty of. Shots
just Like Everlin, drive a team who has been around
since the very beginning OF tvvc over a decade, NOW
i Think Lot familia is on that track and they'll
have years and years of opportunities to potentially win the.

Speaker 1 (01:07:50):
CHAMPIONSHIP i don't know how much you've paid attention to this,
event BUT i firmly believe these teams are getting better and.
BETTER i think more players you know who are are
are on the outside looking in, thinking you, KNOW i
might like to be a part of. That and most
of these, guys well really all of them either are
still playing pro ball overseas or HAVE nba experience or.

(01:08:12):
Both SO i think the level of play is really becoming.
Impressive is that what you've?

Speaker 7 (01:08:17):
Seen, YEAH i think you've hit the nail on the head, There. Dick,
obviously the tournament started off a couple of years, back
not a lot of. Pros as you, mentioned it was
mostly just overseas, guys SOME d THREE d two. Guys
guys have never really made. It but with the likes Of,
kentucky with the likes Of louisville coming in and the

(01:08:40):
prestigious players that those schools have been able to churn,
out seems Like kansas as. Well, yeah throughout the, years
the more, eyeballs the more, followers the more engagement that
the tournament has had been able to reach out ever
so slowly to those guys Like Eric, bloodso guys Like
willie Colly. Stidde he probably would have never played in

(01:09:01):
this thing, five, six seven years, Ago but the way
the things are, GOING i wouldn't be shocked to see
A john Wall A boogie cousin's playing something like.

Speaker 1 (01:09:11):
This that would be.

Speaker 7 (01:09:12):
Awesome, yeah it sounds like a far stretch and something
that would certainly never have happened years. Back BUT i
think as things continue to grow in the ball that
that crowd and the fan bases continue to cry out
for these type of. GUYS i think we could see
players of that out make.

Speaker 1 (01:09:32):
It it's funny you said that because last night at the,
GAME i was kind of, daydreaming And i'm, thinking would
we ever see A John wall in an event like?
This and here's a guy who you, know hit the
lottery when it came to AN nba. Contract but you
also think about and you've Covered kentucky basketball now for
a couple of, years but hearing What Sean woods was,

(01:09:52):
saying a Former wildcat, himself about the chance for these
guys to become A wildcat, again you, KNOW i just
thought that was really kind of, poignant and you, know Maybe,
boogie Maybe John wall might like to experience that again
because they did enjoy their time.

Speaker 7 (01:10:07):
Here, yeah and a big thing with, it obviously a
big shout out To coach cow the more recent players
who are kind of in that age frame that are still.
Playing you, know THE nba talent he's put out of
historic and those guys are starting to come to that.
Age those first couple of, teams these guys are Jan,

(01:10:28):
Land these Guys wiggans and other people you, know they're
they're kind of getting up there no, offense so it
makes sense for them to come, back and especially the
way things kind of works under coach. Cow these guys
a lot of won and. Done they're honestly, Here dick
in school for maybe eight. Months maybe even the last

(01:10:48):
guys Like Kylo whitney was even less than. That he
barely made it through half a. Season so for very
various different. Reasons SO i think that will will be
a huge reason why players we'll come back to feel that,
love to get that. Experience you've heard guys Like, Cousins
wall The harrison speak on different podcasts with different people

(01:11:10):
in THE nba and they talk about the, love the
love and support that they get From Big Blue. Nation
it's something you don't get once you get into THE.
Nba they got great, fans but the experience is just
a little bit, different a little bit more. Saturated but
that college, experience, football, basketball all different sports is. Unique

(01:11:32):
SO i think that will play a, part no, doubt
and hopefully seeing some even bigger stars in THE nba
and in the pro level come back and just run
it back for one summer Here lexington.

Speaker 1 (01:11:46):
Talking To Jordan, adams anchor reporter From fox fifty Six.
Sports we'll come back and talk more With. Jordan you're
listening to The best of The Big Blue. Insider more
to come here on six point THIRTY. Wlap It's Dick.
Gabriel welcome back to The best of The Big Blue
insider for talking With Jordan. Adams he is a sports
reporter anchor At fox fifty six W. Dky here In

(01:12:07):
lexington And, jordan you Are are you From virginia or
did you come here From.

Speaker 7 (01:12:11):
VIRGINIA i am originally From, Virginia. DICK i went To
Virginia Commonwealth. University they had A tv team back in
the day before it blew. UP i didn't even care about,
it and thank.

Speaker 1 (01:12:24):
WHAT i was in.

Speaker 7 (01:12:25):
School, yes but my first two years out of college
after graduating in college Station, texas so similar to What
i'm doing, now work at A tv station just Covering.
TEXAS a AND. M and, said, So i've been in
THE sec for four years now And i've been enjoying
every bit of.

Speaker 1 (01:12:41):
It, well having lived In dallas for a couple of,
YEARS i can relate that is a different part of the.
World it is a different kind of State texas Versus.
Kentucky And i'm not just talking weather as you, know
but you talk about a fan base down. There, now
it's more gearant to, football as you well. Know but The, aggies,

(01:13:02):
man they take it, seriously don't.

Speaker 7 (01:13:03):
They, yeah no. Doubt my coworkers get on me for
still kind of rooting for them whenever they're not Playing.
Kentucky it's just it. Was it was a great. EXPERIENCE i.
WAS i was fairly, young you, know just fresh out of. College,
yeah it was almost like a grad year for. ME
i go to the. Games just seeing you, know one

(01:13:25):
hundred thousand people in a coliseum almost watching you, know
these guys go to go to war Every saturday really
left an impression on. Me and everyone's down there treating
me really, nice very kind. People so, yeah it was
a great experience and HOPEFULLY i can be able to
go back and maybe catch a game or.

Speaker 1 (01:13:46):
Two WHEN i worked In, DALLAS i was a studio.
GUY i was the exec producer of the radio networked down.
There SO i only saw two games in person all
the WHILE i was down. There one was In, japan
one was In. Tokyo uh, yeah and the other one
was In Las, vegas SO i never got to see
a game in the state Of, texas BUT i covered
That KENTUCKY a AND m game a few years ago down.

(01:14:08):
There you're, right that atmosphere was, unbelievable one hundred thousand
plus for a college football. Game it's hard to describe
or put your finger on. It but that's, all of,
course BECAUSE a AND m leaves one conference for, another
and Then texas comes aboard THE. Sec what were your
thoughts when The longhorns joined up because you got to

(01:14:30):
witness at rivalry. Firsthand, yeah huge.

Speaker 7 (01:14:34):
NEWS i, remember you, know every time something would break that,
week it was top of the, show whether.

Speaker 1 (01:14:40):
It's news or.

Speaker 7 (01:14:41):
Sports, really, yeah it was huge. News, Obviously oklahoma big
in that region of the country as. Well, yeah that
rivalry one of the best in all of, sports, honestly
but mostly. Football but, yeah being on pause for so
long twelve or so, years everyone before then had you,

(01:15:03):
Know texas fans always LET a AND m fans know.
That oh, Yeah Justin tucker made that kick in that last,
game and now he's had a WHOLE nfl, career so
that tells you how long ago that. Was but the.
HATRED i would, SAY i guess Between texas and m
And texas is very similar TO uk And, louisville and

(01:15:23):
had not being able to play the game really had
just a, TOLL i would say on the fan, base,
imagine you, Know louisville And kentucky fans trying to jab
at each other online or in, person but not being
able to back it up with a. Game kentucky, fans you,
Know Lamont, butler these guys Gave louislle the business last.

(01:15:44):
Year Rob dillingham reached eperd did the same thing the year,
before but those games weren't. Played you, know did the
debate is? Endless it just goes on. Forever there's nothing
to really talk. About so the jabs and the jokes
were just flying all the. Time but when they had
that news, broke it was on and people were. Excited

(01:16:04):
and they've been waiting because the news broke two years
Before texas EVEN i know you even. Moved so once
it happened then and everyone's eyes shifted, To, okay where's the?
Game what's going to? Happen is it going to be
On thanksgiving like it used to? Be is it going
to be on A, Friday so the talk was Endlesson
it was front page, news no doubt about.

Speaker 1 (01:16:23):
It got a few minutes left With Jordan adams Of
fox fifty six W. Dk why one of the stories
you've covered within the last couple of weeks Was Matt
panatowski committing To. Kentucky he's the kid up In. Cincinnati
he is a dual sport, player and that was some
welcome news for A kentucky football. PROGRAM i could use
a shot in the arm right about. Now you're preparing

(01:16:44):
for the upcoming. Season what do you see From Mark?
Stoops you, KNOW i didn't think In atlanta he got
as many hot seat questions AS i thought he. Might
but this could be a pivotal. YEAR i think everybody, agrees.

Speaker 7 (01:16:57):
Right, YEAH i think everyone. Rees. Uh the feeling around
the program and around the media probably some great people
almost certainly think that this could be the end of
the road for Coach, stoops obviously the longest ten yured
coach here in THE. Sec going into year, THIRTEEN i

(01:17:21):
would say six wins making getting back to A bowl
game probably maybe keeps, them keeps them, SAFE i, Think
but obviously as you each year goes on that that
buyout gets a little bit. LOWER i know THE uk
fans would love to bring In John summer, all you,
know for more wildcat himself doing some decent things over

(01:17:42):
At troy And. Tulane but, yeah it's gonna be. Tough
The cat schedule isn't, easy as we saw last, year
got some gome games against some good, teams but that
those FIRST i think we talked about it in our
show the other, day those first five games are can
be key able to be the old miss last. Year

(01:18:03):
maybe you can do it again this. Year i'd taken
on teams Like South, carolina but The, Toledos Eastern, michigan
got to get those out the, way get some. Wins
my probably record, PREDICTION i would, say is honestly about five.
WINS i just think it's going to be. Tough the
rest of THE sec looks very, good AND i just don't,

(01:18:25):
know honestly what they expect on the. Field last, year
they had MORE nfl, talent more guys that will you,
know could win you a, game but they also had
a lot of dysfunction on the, team whether it be
penalties and things like. That so it'd be interesting to
see how those new guys settle in and how much
of THE i don't, know bad, energy maybe bad mojo

(01:18:48):
from some of those guys leave with some of those
players who have found new.

Speaker 1 (01:18:53):
Homes, yeah more than half the roster has turned, over
so you, know it could be a new, culture a new,
day whatever. Happen and As Jordan adams will cover it
For fox fifty six w DK. Y Follow jordan On
twitter At Jordan Underscore adams. Four thank, you, Sir we'll
see you down the.

Speaker 7 (01:19:09):
Road good, Problem, DICK i appreciate.

Speaker 1 (01:19:12):
It that'll do it for. Now thanks for joining us
for this special edition the best of The Big Blue.
Insider that's. It good night from the garage In.

Speaker 12 (01:19:19):
Lexington everything that happens now is happening.

Speaker 1 (01:19:22):
Now what happened to?

Speaker 6 (01:19:23):
Then we just?

Speaker 8 (01:19:25):
Now were it?

Speaker 12 (01:19:26):
Now now go back to?

Speaker 6 (01:19:27):
Then what now? Now?

Speaker 12 (01:19:29):
NO i can't why we missed it just.

Speaker 9 (01:19:31):
Now, taping don't shown?

Speaker 1 (01:20:22):
Thing can?

Speaker 12 (01:20:26):
Anything THEN tactatomtn t.

Speaker 4 (01:21:05):
It don

Speaker 9 (01:21:09):
Dott don notting to theos