Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Because the news has died down a bit in the last day, I thought I would use our nightly post to tell an anecdote from the road.
I just returned home from a long two days in the Simpson/Allen County part of the state with the Barnstorming Tour. During that time, I of course missed the biggest recruiting day in years, with the commitments of Josh Harrellson, Dominique Ferguson and the positive news from Jon Hood as well. However there will not be a regret on my end in the least as I experienced one of the more touching moments that I have seen in a long time in my life. Doing this tour has been enlightening on a lot of levels, from getting to see various parts of the state, to managing a large-scale operation to hearing interesting stories about UK players past and present. But maybe more than anything, it has allowed me to see the depth of passion around the UK program in ways that I havent been able to fully comprehend in the past. And along with that, it has allowed me to watch two young men who have helped build on the UK legacy, realize and embrace that passion as never before.
On Tuesday, while in Franklin, Kentucky, the guys went to the local Boys and Girls Club to play some games with the kids and sign autographs. Both Joe and Ramel are great with kids and little UK fans just flock to them naturally. As we were handling the autograph line, a young woman with three young boys brought a pair of shoes to the front of the line and asked if they could be signed. As she approached Joe and Ramel, she had tears in her eyes and held out the shoes, telling Joe that “we buried my husband last week. He was a huge UK fan and we buried him with your jersey.” At that point, all the young boys began to tear up and a very emotional scene developed. Joe was blown away and stood up and gave the woman and all the young kids a hug. She told the guys how much joy her husband got from the games and I watched as these two young men were moved in ways that you dont often see collegiate athletes experience. The woman and the boys thanked the two profusely and left the event with smiles on their face.
Immediately after the signing, we drove with one of the leaders of the Club to a woman’s house in Franklin for a quick visit. We were told that the woman was a huge UK fan with terminal cancer. I accompanied Joe and Ramel into her house, where her husband escorted us to the room in which she stayed on her bed, frail and looking tired. The moment that she looked up and saw Joe and Ramel, her expression could have lit up the room. She began to smile profusely and cry small tears of joy. She said that she was a huge fan of Kentucky and had watched every game, occasionally yelling at the tv “when Gillispie took you boys out.” Both young men gave her multiple hugs and she told them how seeing them had lifted her spirits. Ramel and Joe talked to her about her favorite games and players, and told her that we would all keep her in our prayers in the future. She thanked them multiple times, and we left to head down the road to Bowling Green.
The scene at the woman’s house and the 15 minute trip that followed is one that I will remember forever. Joe and Ramel sat in silence for a minute, before talking about the two extremely powerful experiences they had just been through. Joe was visibly moved and said, “you know, I knew this basketball was big, but I dont think I really knew it. To see the impact on these people, it just blows me away. I just wish I could have done more to make them happy or something. It is really unbelievable.” Ramel responded at one point, “when you realize this man and you come out here and see these people…it just makes you think how lucky we are.” Joe then said something that really was interesting as he said, “you know some people are already in the NBA or whatever….but I realize now that I am totally blessed to be here and to get to experience this. To meet these people, it is God’s blessing. I just wish I could tell the younger guys and they could see this too and realize how much it means before they are done playing. It just makes you realize what a blessing playing here really is.”
This entire trip has been something really special. Everywhere we have gone, the people have been wonderful and the events entertaining. But it has been equally memorable to see the passion of the UK fanbase and the depth of the love people have for these players. I know these two guys have been absolutely blown away by it and are still trying to process it, even as we go. I do know that for me, the sight of the lady in Franklin and the family who had lost their husband/father will stick with me for a long time. If you could have seen these two guys interact with them and lessen their suffering a bit, even for a short time, you would have realized what makes this Kentucky program and these two young men great. As Joe said, there really is nothing like it.
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May 1st, 2008 at 12:56 am
My hat is off to you for writing this wonderful story. Glad the boys know how much they mean to the state.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:57 am
great story, thanks matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:57 am
Very touching…thanks for doing what you do!!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:04 am
Good story! I think it says a lot about the guys to travel around to different areas of the state and visit. Thanks Matt for bringing reality to our living room.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:05 am
This story IS Kentucky basketball. The players and coaches are criticized and scrutinized often, but I’m glad that Joe and Ramel got to experience what real Kentucky fans are all about. We love Kentucky basketball and every player that becomes a part of it, hopefully the seniors will share this with their teammates.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:06 am
Probably the greatest story I have ever read concerning UK basketball. I am truly blessed to cheer for guys with this heart and passion.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:09 am
I love UK basketball because it is a great program and my heart has been there since I was old enough to know what a basketball was. But even more I love it because of how the fans and the players are great people who all share a great passion for the same thing.
Reading these stories takes me back to the second UT game. It was tough to take such a loss, but I have never been a part of such a proud fanbase. Those boys played their hearts out to give us something to cheer about this year and they deserve all the praise they get. I LOVE KENTUCKY BASKETBALL!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:14 am
As great as the news was about the new recruits coming to UK was I think this story tops it.It makes me proud to be part of the circus we call Kentucky basketball.Thank you Joe and Ramel for being part of our lives for the last four years and years to come.See ya tonight at Boyd County.God bless the familys they took time to visit.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:14 am
We already knew they were great players, but this story shows that Joe and Ramel are great men as well. Thanks for the story Matt. Joe and Ramel will always be Wildcats!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:26 am
Wow, what touching stories. I’ve always loved Joe and Ramel, but now I have a heart-felt respect for them that I didn’t have before reading these stories. The UK basketball experience IS unique. There is not another program in the country that has such a devoted fanbase who love their players. This Barnstorming Tour allowed our Seniors to meet their fans on a more personal level. Undoubtedly, Ramel and Joe will always cherish their experience at UK.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:43 am
Great story. Its crazy the love folks in this state have for basketball. Im sure Ramel and Joe are seeing this. I bet there arnt many, no, any other states where people grow up with allegiances to a certain school. UL is one of the great programs of all time as well ( way behind Kentucky though ), and there are plenty of folks who go to UL who love UK because they grew up watching them. I will always love UK because I grew up watching games with my Grandfather. Its deep and personal the feelings that most of us seem to have for UK. Its a moving story. These guys are humans too. Thats why it blows me away when people are so critical of UK players like Carter. I dont mean jokes about potato soup or turf toe but really bashing kids. Oh well, cant wait till the tour comes to North Bullitt.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:52 am
hey that was such a touching story tonite from you matt. Those two guys means alot to this whole state u grown into family when you bleed blue and white.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:53 am
This story really hits home for me. I have a cousin who is suffering through cancer and it is at the point where he has very little time left. He is 1 day older than me and only 33 years old with two small children. I recently learned of his funeral arrangements which consisted of a white casket with blue UK paw prints, and him being buried in his UK gear. Our family (the UK fanbase) is unbelievable. When a kid signs with UK he doesn’t just join a team, he joins countless families across the state and country.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:17 am
It’s great to hear a wonderful story like this. This story really goes to show how life can be cut short and how thankful we should be for having a healthy life. UK basketball is more than just a game, it’s more or less a way of life literally.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:48 am
I think the fans who have listened to and cheered for the CATS for years, in my case around 50, sometime assume the players who did not grow up UK fans realize how important the team is to us no matter where we now live but they just can’t, now these two may understand why we are so excited about the team. Boy, that was a long sentence, sorry it’s late. I remember listening to the games with my grandfather and with friends I will never see again. Now watching games on TV makes me feel like I’m home again even living 1200 miles away, good stories.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:35 am
Joe and Ramel have secured a special place in my heart. And I’m sure most uk fans can say the same.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:21 am
This is a great story and really needs to be published in a place where more people can get their hands on it. These are the experiences and impacts that these student athletes and athletes in general can have on their communities and fans. Hopefully all athletes, people, and future Wildcats will learn a lesson from these 2 seniors and give back to the community. I dont think players realize how big of a deal they are and that they represent an entire state, not just a school or team.
Thank you Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley for what you have done for the program as well as for the people who support and follow the program like we do.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:21 am
Thanks for sharing this tonight, Matt. This was a truly great story and I am glad that Joe & Smooth got to see first hand how much we BIG BLU FANS love all UK players and hopefully they will share their experience with other teammates. GO BIG BLUE
May 1st, 2008 at 6:01 am
[...] part of what Kentucky basketball really means: Check out this story. If you aren’t a UK basketball fan, or even if you are, this helps to explain it just a [...]
May 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am
This week was a great week to be a UK fan reading KSR. *tear*
May 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am
Thanks Matt, Joe and Ramel.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:31 am
Great read, thanks Matt. Joe and Ramel are all class and good men, I wish them the best!
May 1st, 2008 at 6:34 am
Thanks for posting that, Matt. Incredible story.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:45 am
In the words of Billy G, I’m a baby! You got me with this story. I wish nothing but the best from Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley. They deserve all the love and praise this fan base can muster. This one trip will last them a life time and validates every lap, every suicide, every single torturous thing they endured to become the best UK basketball player they could be. There are few places like it. Great job Matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:53 am
Making me cry at 7:00 AM. Fantastic story and what UK basketball is all about. I am a 3rd generation UK fan and when my Grandpa died, My dad and I wondered if watching the games would ever be the same. Now an 8 x 10 of him goes up right beside us during every game a long with our other superstitious stuff.
We need these players to be in charge of recruiting from now on in the state of Kentucky.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:56 am
Thanks for sharing Matt. Sometimes we forget these guys we often turn into heroes are just 21 year old young men still struggling with all that is being a Wildcat.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:58 am
What can you say? This story cuts to the heart of what being a Kentucky player and a Kentucky fan is all about. We are bound together, regardless of gender, generation, race, or whatever. What a wonderful testimonial to this special relationship and I am glad that Joe and Ramel got to experience it on such a personal basis.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:22 am
Truly is a wonderful story. Been a wildcat fan for over 50 years and must say this year has been one of the best (tough times but times like this makes it worth while). Great to see Joe and Ramel traveling throughout the state and seeing the Big Blue faithful. Most never make it to Rupp to see games but follow the cats with great passion. Matt, you are to be commended for your work in doing this for fans throughout the state.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:30 am
Great Story! This is why I stopped reading the paper and pay attention to this site instead. Well done.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:34 am
awesome story. thanks for sharing it. made me well up a bit and be thankful for the good example Joe and Ramel are. way to go, guys.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:40 am
wow! two holy moments before 8 a.m. thanks be to God!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:04 am
Great write up Matt. It is a shame that some people (especially the outside media) never “get it” when it comes to Kentucky Basketball and the way the fans feel about it.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:20 am
I love this site…..Every chance I get I’m checking in! GO CATS!!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:22 am
More stories like this should be reported about all college athletes. Every school has players that do this sort of thing, and it would be uplifting for all college basketball fans to read stories of their favorite players doing good for others. Joe and Ramel learned a very valuable lesson in Franklin. Hopefully, others will too.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:24 am
That was great! I will miss Joe and Ramel. I always really pulled for Joe after the fire his family had last summer. Two of my favorite players…
May 1st, 2008 at 8:26 am
Only hope I can get away to watch them tonight & thank them myself.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:32 am
I just don’t have words for this……Wow!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:36 am
Love the story Matt. Most of us fans are kept at a distance from the program(which is probably a good thing), but it is nice to hear the stories of those who get this opportunity! Go Big Blue!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:38 am
Anyone know anything about Evan Anderson 2010? There’s rumors circulating that he could commit to UK soon. He’s a 5 star player in the 2010 class and was the Top Performer at either the REal Deal or King James tournament. I can’t remember which one.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
Great story.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:54 am
Great story, Matt.
Joe and Ramel are as good as they come and are
excellent ambassadors for our program.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:57 am
BEST STORY EVER WRITTEN ON THIS WEBSITE . . .MAYBE ANY UK WEBSITE. Well done Matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:58 am
Matt, If you read this and remember to, please tell Joe that the game where he was literally limping down the floor and still giving it his all, made him one of my favorite players of all time. What heart.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
It sometimes takes stories like this to make you realize just how far beyond the doors of Rupp Arena that U.K. Basketball extends. You almost wish that these kids could do something like this “During” their career at U.K. instead of having to wait until it’s over. Wouldn’t that be inspirational.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am
You’d really be doing the state a great service to somehow put memoirs of this into print. I really believe that.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am
My mom died at 52 years old from colon cancer. We live in Spartanburg, SC but were born and raised in Lexington. She picked out a Kentucky Blue dress as she called it. She insisted on being buried back in Lexington with that Blue dress. She was one of the biggest UK fans (but then again, aren’t we all).
May 1st, 2008 at 9:16 am
Matt Jones…..if you do this barnstorming year in and year out, you need to make sure and record the conversatinos you and the various players have inside of the vehicle and around the community. After a compilation of several years worth of UK players, you could have a “memoir” book deal. UK fans will buy anything blue after all.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:24 am
I’m so proud of our boys! Matt, they and we, have you to thank for a lot of that. Thanks
for help bringing the barnstorm tour back!
May 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
you should forward this story to Buzzzzzz Bizinger. bet they arent reporting it.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:44 am
thanks matt
May 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
With a world filled with attention-grabbers, chest-thumpers and 1 shot wonders and “reality” TV filth, it is stories like these that make me realize how far we have gotten away from the real goodness that is in so many people.
I have a new found respect for both of these young men. We should all be proud that they not only decided to wear a Kentucky uniform, but they also continue to show what being part of the Wildcat family is all about.
Great story, Matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am
As I sit here holding back tears, I am so glad that these guys fought through the hard times and stuck it out at UK! They will be loved forever in the Bluegrass! Thanks Joe and Ramel!
May 1st, 2008 at 10:07 am
Wonderful!
Thanks for bringing back barnstorming. I’m sure that it will continue to create moments like these for years to come.I’m really proud of Joe & Ramel & we will miss them. This story should be a must read for all the younger players, especially DJ ;), & all recruits.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:33 am
Awesome post. Great read.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Matt
Great human interest story!
I was there and experienced the connection Franklin, KY folks had with Joe and Ramel.
As basketball manager of the UK 1958 NCAA Championship team I continue to be blessed with the associations I have with great UK fans.
Thank you for coming to the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin-Simpson and making such a positive impact
May 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I personally know this woman that has lost her husband, i called her and informed her of this article. She was really touched by this! This is what UK basketball and UK life is all about! I have never posted and wasnt a memeber but i had to join just to let everyone know how great an article this was and how touched she was.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
i received a phone call about this blog…yes, i am the wife/mother in this article. UK basketball was LIFE at our house. even though my husband has passed we will still carry on our UK “rituals/traditons” before and during every game. there, of course, will be many tears shed on game days but that’s what UK basketball is made of…blood, sweat, and tears. matt, ramel, and joe- you guys may still never fully know how much this has helped me and my three young sons heal through this trememdous loss. it was such a bitttersweet night but a night that will never be forgotten. i’ve gotten those signed shoes and that picture out more than twenty times since tueday night. all i can do is look at them, smile and say what my husband told our kids before he died “ALWAYS REMEMBER- GO BIG BLUE!” there are not adequate words to fully describe what this means to me and my family. thank you again for everything…excellently delivered matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Wonderful story. Makes me wish even more that we had one more year with those guys!
May 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Great to hear the spiritual words coming out of one of our senior players’ mouths. This story makes me love UK basketball even more (if that’s possible). I truly wish Bradley and Crawford could be back for one more go-around. Their maturing this year was beautiful to watch–to the point of making me fonder of them than I’ve been of individual Cats in a long, long time. What a great culmination to their UK careers, this barnstorming/touching lives tour.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Now more than ever I realize how much the lord loves Kentucky basketball. He has blessed this state with the love for basketball and when players like Joe and Ramel can give back to the people that have cheered them on for years it is really something special. MATT you really are lucky to have experienced this. I would have been crying like a baby.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Now, this is what KENTUCKY basketball is all about!!!
#1 in the “NATION”!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
BabyShea77 - prayers are with you in this time, and all of us diehard Cat fans mourn for your loss and the loss of one of our fellow UK fans. What a story this was. I found out how much heart they had ON the court this year; this is a whole other ballgame. Crawford made me more proud of him than any other player in recent memory, without question.
God’s a UK fan, too, so he has excellent company now. Stay strong and make sure those kids know what a wonderful father they got to have, even for a short amount of time.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Great stories!!! UK basketball makes everyone happy and I am glad those guys went to that
womans house! I wish the best for the guys and will keep those families in my prayers!