Kentucky basketball has brought a familiar face back to Lexington.
Mark Pope added former Wildcat standout John Pelphrey to his staff Friday, hiring the longtime coach as the program’s new director of player development. The move quickly generated reaction from Kentucky fans and college basketball followers on social media.
Pelphrey is one of the most recognizable members of Kentucky’s “Unforgettable” 1992 team. The Paintsville native played for the Wildcats from 1987 through 1992 and helped Kentucky reach the Elite Eight.
More than three decades after beginning his coaching career, Pelphrey is returning to Kentucky in a new role.
Since 1993, Pelphrey has built extensive coaching experience, working in assistant and head-coaching positions at multiple programs. He has also spent considerable time coaching in the SEC, giving him familiarity with the conference and its challenges.
That experience was one of the first things highlighted by those reacting to the hire.
One social media user pointed to Pelphrey’s coaching background and his role in helping Billy Donovan at Florida, expressing support for the addition.
Another fan welcomed Pelphrey back to Lexington, while an SEC-focused account joked about Arkansas fans having another reason to dislike Kentucky because of the move.
Pelphrey’s return also carries plenty of history. He was part of one of the most beloved teams in Kentucky basketball history, and his experience gives Pope another staff member who understands the expectations surrounding the program.
Now, that connection to Kentucky will be combined with decades of coaching experience as Pelphrey begins his work with Pope and the Wildcats heading into Year 3 of the Mark Pope era.
For Kentucky, the hire adds an experienced basketball mind to the program. For Pelphrey, it marks a return to the school where he became an “Unforgettable.”
And judging by the early reaction online, Kentucky fans are excited to see him back home.
