You’re driving down a backroad in Breathitt County or sitting in a kitchen in Paducah. The sun is dipping low, and suddenly, that familiar crackle of the airwaves gives way to a voice that feels like home. For decades, listening to kentucky basketball on radio has been more than just a way to catch a score. It’s a ritual. Even in 2026, with 4K streams and instant highlights on every phone, there’s something about the UK Sports Network that hits different.
Honestly, the "Voice of the Wildcats" isn't just a title. It’s a heavy mantle. When Tom Leach hits his stride and Jack "Goose" Givens starts breaking down a zone defense, it’s like sitting on the porch with friends who just happen to be experts.
The Voices You Know by Heart
Tom Leach has been the play-by-play man for men's basketball since 2001. Think about that for a second. He’s been the soundtrack for the Tubby Smith years, the Billy Gillispie era, the Calipari decade, and now the Mark Pope chapter. His voice has a rhythmic, steady quality that rises at the exact right moment. You don’t even need to see the clock. You can tell by the pitch of his voice if there are ten seconds left or ten minutes.
Then you have Jack Givens. "The Goose." If you know Kentucky history, you know the 41 points he dropped in the 1978 title game. Since stepping into the late Mike Pratt’s shoes in 2022, Givens has brought a level of insight that only a former Final Four MOP can. He doesn’t just say a player missed a shot; he explains why the footwork was off. It's masterclass stuff, basically.
The pregame show is a whole different beast. Dave Baker, Cameron Mills, and Andrew Kappes get things rolling with the "Countdown to Tip-off." It’s often two hours of pure, unadulterated Big Blue hype and tactical breakdown. If you aren't ready to run through a brick wall after hearing Cameron Mills talk about the "will to win," you might be in the wrong state.
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Where to Find the Signal: The Network Map
Finding kentucky basketball on radio is usually easy, but if you're traveling, the signal can get spotty as you cross county lines. The UK Sports Network is one of the largest in the country, boasting over 60 affiliates.
The Heavy Hitters
In Lexington, the flagship stations are 630 WLAP-AM and 98.1 WBUL-FM. If you're in Louisville, you’re almost certainly locked into 840 WHAS-AM, a station with a signal so powerful it can sometimes be heard in neighboring states at night.
Regional Staples
- Ashland: 92.7 FM / 1340 AM (WCMI)
- Bowling Green: 95.1 FM (WGGC)
- Cincinnati: 1530 AM (WCKY)
- Hopkinsville: 98.7 FM (WHOP)
- Owensboro: 102.7 FM (WLME)
- Pikeville: 93.1 FM (WDHR)
The cool thing is that the network covers almost every corner of the Commonwealth. Whether you're in the mountains or the Jackson Purchase, someone is broadcasting the Cats.
The Digital Shift: Apps and Streams
Kinda funny how "radio" doesn't just mean a box with an antenna anymore. Most fans now stream the radio call because they want to hear Tom and Jack while watching the game on TV. We’ve all done it. You mute the national TV announcers—who usually don’t know the difference between Lexington and Louisville—and try to sync up the radio.
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It’s a bit of a science. You might have to pause your TV for three seconds to let the radio catch up.
If you're out of state, the iHeartRadio app is your best friend. Just search for WLAP or WHAS. You can also find the stream on the official UK Athletics website or via the UK Athletics app. For those with satellite radio, SiriusXM carries Kentucky games, usually on the SEC specific channels like Channel 190, 191, or 192.
Why Radio Still Wins
Why do we bother? Why not just watch?
Because radio requires imagination. When Tom Leach says a player is "threading the needle on a bounce pass," your brain builds the play better than a TV camera ever could. It’s also about the postgame. The "Wildcat Wrap-up" is where the real talk happens. You get the raw emotions from the locker room, the Mark Pope press conference in its entirety, and the legendary "Big Blue Line" where fans call in to vent or celebrate.
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The postgame show is often as long as the game itself. It’s where the community gathers. It’s where your uncle from Harlan calls in to complain about the officiating, and somehow, it feels like the most important conversation in the world.
Actionable Steps for the Next Tip-off
If you want the perfect kentucky basketball on radio experience, here is how you set it up:
- Check your local frequency: Don't wait until 5 minutes before tip-off to find the station. Use the UK Athletics affiliate list to find your strongest local signal.
- Download the iHeartRadio app: This is your backup. If the power goes out or the signal fades, the digital stream is usually crystal clear.
- Master the Sync: If watching on TV, use a DVR to pause the game. Listen for the sound of the referee's whistle on the radio, then unpause your TV when you see the ref blow the whistle. It takes practice, but it's worth it.
- Stay for the Coaches' Shows: Don't forget the weekly radio shows. The "Mark Pope Show" usually airs Monday nights during the season across the same network of affiliates. It's the best place to hear the coach's unfiltered thoughts on the previous week's performance.
Listening to the Cats on the radio is a tradition that has survived every technological shift for a reason. It’s the heartbeat of Kentucky sports. Next time there's a big game, try turning off the TV volume and letting the UK Sports Network tell you the story. You might find you don't miss the flashy graphics at all.