John Pelphrey returning HOME TO UK

DudahUK

Heisman
Jul 23, 2020
8,830
13,519
113
Everyone clamors for Billy Donovan. Billy hired him twice didn’t he? Also he would be here if Billy was here. It’s a player development spot. No reason to not hire a ton of those guys.
But but I thought we already had enough staff members? You said it. Not me.
 
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Catastic5

Junior
Sep 12, 2026
88
259
53
Pope doing what he can to stack up support for him in case the season doesn’t go as planned. I think this just draws out more questions about what mark pope is trying to do. Pelfrey doesn’t do much for our program other than another attempt to remind fans of better times.
Some of ya’ll think Pope is so desperate to remain the Kentucky coach that he’ll drag us all down to hell before relinquishing the job gracefully. And the sad thing is I’m not sure you’re wrong.
 

Pygmy Sasquatch

Heisman
Mar 27, 2009
9,813
10,986
113
We just need Sean Woods and Cameron Mills and we can have a whole 90s squad
Don't sleep on Masiello, man

Willy Wonka Oompa Loompa GIF
 

DonAndy

Sophomore
Sep 29, 2026
116
152
43
If Rondo would of had quadruplets instead of just one, Pope might of had the number one recruiting class in a couple years.
 

sefus12

Heisman
Dec 22, 2007
7,256
19,289
103
program is a joke. if this is the best hire you can make that speaks volumes to where we are at. cant even hire a recruits father or something.
So who was on your list of player developoment coaches? Lots of great young ones out there that will run circles around JP?

I have no idea what JP’s role will be or what he is directly responsible for, but to act like you know he is going to be bad at it shows you’re just pessimistic about Pope no matter what. That’s fine, but stop acting like you know this is a bad hire when you probably have no idea how good JP is at this job or what his qualifications for it are.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
47,729
87,528
113
Rupp Rafters continues to show its ignorance. Not hired to fill the open assistants spot.

Great hire. Nobody embodies the true UK passion better. Still remember that fist swing after burying a back breaker 3 vs ul.

Will push the players and nobody more apt on fundamentals. The players and families will love him. Trustworthy. Loyal. Great teacher.
——

An Unforgettable is joining Mark Pope‘s staff at Kentucky.

John Pelphrey, who suited up for the Wildcats from 1987-92, has been hired as the program’s director of player development.

The 58-year-old and Paintsville, KY native will officially start his new job on Friday as basketball season unofficially tips off with Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena.

This is separate from Kentucky’s assistant coach opening posted this week.
Does it really matter? What has John P done to justify his hire? This is the same as Calipari brining on Bruiser Flint. Just a buddy hire: he doesn’t elevate us in any way. Just more nostalgic bait to try and distract from his shortcomings. I really hope we are awesome, but this decision shows why we haven’t been imho. Under qualified in every area for an elite program. We should be spending millions to bring in UConn’s assistant Murray. He’s a real future coaching hire and would be a real boon for recruiting and coaching.
 

DonAndy

Sophomore
Sep 29, 2026
116
152
43
Does it really matter? What has John P done to justify his hire? This is the same as Calipari brining on Bruiser Flint. Just a buddy hire: he doesn’t elevate us in any way. Just more nostalgic bait to try and distract from his shortcomings. I really hope we are awesome, but this decision shows why we haven’t been imho. Under qualified in every area for an elite program. We should be spending millions to bring in UConn’s assistant Murray. He’s a real future coaching hire and would be a real boon for recruiting and coaching.
So we couldn't do Cal and Brad

But we can do Pope and John P.

Got it.
 

DonAndy

Sophomore
Sep 29, 2026
116
152
43
The Mark Pope press conference reminded me way too much of this:


Idk man I still take Billy G and UKs resources over Pope and UKs resources..... Billy landed some studs back then. At least one I think lol. Give him 22 million and his team treats Popes team exactly like Georgia does I would bet everything on it.
 
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Pygmy Sasquatch

Heisman
Mar 27, 2009
9,813
10,986
113
Idk man I still take Billy G and UKs resources over Pope and UKs resources..... Billy landed some studs back then. At least one I think lol. Give him 22 million and his team treats Popes team exactly like Georgia does I would bet everything on it.
Patrick Patterson, with early help from Tubby.

Dude ran Patterson until he bled through his shoes. Beginning of the end for Otis.
 
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