On Wednesday night, Kentucky basketball will host Tennessee Tech. For most fans, it’s a tune-up game before North Carolina.
But for the man on the opposing sideline, it is a spiritual homecoming he is basking
in.
John Pelphrey is back. And hearing him talk about what Kentucky means to him is enough to give any member of the BBN chills.
“The place has always been different to me. It’s the only place I ever wanted to be,” Pelphrey told Alan Cutler. “I grew up every single day trying to figure out what do I need to do to get there.”
An unforgettable legacy
Pelphrey didn’t just “get there.” He became a staple of Kentucky basketball during one of its most turbulent and triumphant eras.
Growing up in Paintsville, Pelphrey felt called to Kentucky all his life. He made it, and he played like he wanted to be there every time he stepped on the floor.
Over four years, Pelphrey played in 114 games, starting 90 of them. He was the heart and soul of the “Unforgettables,” putting up numbers that still hold up today:
- Career Points: 1,257 (11.0 PPG)
- Career Assists: 327
- Career 3PT%: 37.0%
He was there when the program was on its knees, and he helped lift it back up as a two-time captain.
“A Special Cathedral” John Pelphrey returns to Rupp Arena
Now, he brings his Golden Eagles to Lexington to face Mark Pope’s squad. Pelphrey called Rupp Arena a “special cathedral” and noted he has had a relationship with the building for 41 years.
“Had a lot of people close to me telling me that you can’t do this… But maybe it will [happen],” Pelphrey reflected on his journey to UK. “And it did.”
When he walks out of that tunnel on Wednesday, give him the ovation he deserves. He earned it.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion
