Kentucky Legend John Pelphrey Returns to Rupp Arena Tonight

Lexington, Kentucky – John Pelphrey, a legendary figure in Kentucky basketball, returns to Rupp Arena tonight as the head coach of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Pelphrey, who played at the University of Kentucky from 1988 to 1992, is renowned for his contributions to the program. He redshirted his first year before scoring 1,257 points and becoming a member of the famed ‘Unforgettables,’ a group that includes other notable players like Richie Farmer.

“I’ve heard many stories about him,” said current Kentucky forward Trent Noah, a Harlan County native. “Being one of the Unforgettables, jersey in the rafters. You know they will be a well-coached team. They’ll come in with an agenda to win.”

Noah emphasized the significance of representing both the University of Kentucky and eastern Kentucky, stating, “It’s every Kentucky kid’s dream to do it and to be able to take eastern Kentucky on the journey and the ride with me is really cool.”

The game marks a notable moment for Pelphrey as he faces his alma mater. He was an All-SEC selection in 1991 and averaged 11 points per game during his collegiate career, a tenure that made a lasting impact at UK.

In their last outing, the Wildcats claimed a dominant victory over Loyola (Md.), winning 88-46. The Wildcats managed to force a season-high 16 turnovers, showcasing their defensive prowess.

Kentucky currently holds a perfect 5-0 record against Tennessee Tech, with their last meeting dating back to 2008, where UK won 69-47. Tonight, they look to extend that streak.

The matchup is expected to be intense, with both teams eager to secure a win as the Wildcats prepare for a challenging upcoming schedule, including games against four ranked opponents.