What he said is all accurate and measurable except the last sentence, and even a rational thinking person could come to that hypothesis.
John Pelphrey returning HOME TO UK
- Thread starter TheResistance
- Start date
Clyde had been a head coach for 5 less years than Pope when he got the job. He had roughly the same winning percentage and had taken over two absolute dumpster fires. He was a 2X COY in the BigXII and had won a WAC regular season title. He'd also won three NCAAT games. Just for reference, Pope had never done any of that. His alcoholism was more than likely his undoing. I can't imagine anyone not understanding that.
The comment was Clyde had done more than Pope when he was hired. That's accurate. We can argue about the job they did in their first two years if you want. But that wasn't what the statement was about.
Not to mention, Clyde's mentor was Bill Self who was and is one of the most successful coaches of this generation. Pope's was Mark Fox.
Pelphrey wasn’t hired to draw up X’s and O’s during timeouts. He was hired in a player development/player support capacity. Is Pelphrey a likable and good person? Does Pelphrey have credibility with college athletes having been a P4 player, a P4 assistant, and a P4 head coach? Is Pelphrey likely a person NIL players of all backgrounds will feel comfortable confiding in when times get tough, when their confidence is rattled, when they lose sight of the bigger picture? Do you have a grasp of the role Pelphrey is being asked to fill in the UK athletic program?
Bueller… Bueller…
Last edited:
So Pope was essentially a career loser and we hired him, who in turn hired another career loser. I'm sure it will work out fine
Btw don't forget to stay up to date on your prostate exams and colonoscopies. It's the silent killer.
I fully agree, unfortunately. Sure, it’s fun to see you guys who used to be on the team 35 years ago. But that has no bearing on his actual ability to do the job.
I don't really expect Pelphrey to be effective, but I also don't think he is in a position to be impactful. He won't make the program worse, and I like the idea of someone who gave UK some of the best memories I have of basketball an opportunity to be around the program. Maybe he stays just a year until he gets his next destination figured out.
if you aren't old enough to remember what Pelphrey and the rest of the Unforgettables did for Kentucky basketball, then I can understand why you're scratching your head on the hire.
But I think he earned his shot, or rather I would say UK owed him that shot -and I get that not many will be on board with that mentality when it comes to the program. Pelphrey is in the "never buy another drink in the state of Kentucky for the rest of his life" category of UK player, and that's rare air. Higher than Pope, IMO, if I am being honest. Pope looks up and see a banner he contributed to, Pelphrey looks up and sees his jersey hanging from the rafters without ever seeing a final four.
Without the Unforgettables, its questionable to say that what followed in the mid 90's would have happened.
if you aren't old enough to remember what Pelphrey and the rest of the Unforgettables did for Kentucky basketball, then I can understand why you're scratching your head on the hire.
But I think he earned his shot, or rather I would say UK owed him that shot -and I get that not many will be on board with that mentality when it comes to the program. Pelphrey is in the "never buy another drink in the state of Kentucky for the rest of his life" category of UK player, and that's rare air. Higher than Pope, IMO, if I am being honest. Pope looks up and see a banner he contributed to, Pelphrey looks up and sees his jersey hanging from the rafters without ever seeing a final four.
Without the Unforgettables, its questionable to say that what followed in the mid 90's would have happened.
Last edited:
I agree with everything you said. Specially in the fact that this isn't an assistant coach position. That position can still be filled. I do not understand the faux outrage at hiring Pelphrey for Director for Player Development. It is unreal.
For me it's just opportunity cost. Who could have filled that spot? I'd rather have a younger if not less experienced person in that position who has been either a player in the modern era or has worked RECENTLY with top talent as a staffer. I just don't think Pelphrey has been relevant to developing any worthwhile talent in near a decade.
I prolly over-value his failure as a HC, as stated this is pretty low stakes position. As 'one of us' I do hope it works for all parties.
You can look at it as, who filled the position previously and will he be an improvement or not. As far as working with kids recently, he was a head coach until last year. Now, I know you said top talent, so maybe you have a point, I don't know.
I do know the "outrage" is just silly. One more thing to complain about, I guess.
65K views · 1.8K reactions | With the addition of John Pelphrey, one of the Unforgettables, to the Kentucky men's basketball staff. Here is a look back on Pelphrey's words on what it means to play at Kentucky after playing the Cats last year as the h
With the addition of John Pelphrey, one of the Unforgettables, to the Kentucky men's basketball staff. Here is a look back on Pelphrey's words on what it means to play at Kentucky after playing the...
www.facebook.com
Latest
-
01
KSR Basketball
What ESPN is saying about Kentucky MBB ahead of the 2026-27 season
-
02
KSR Volleyball
No. 4 Kentucky VB back on track with LSU sweep
-
03
KSR Football
SEC Availability Report: A couple of small changes for Kentucky
-
04
KSR Basketball
MUST-WATCH: Mark Pope is mic'd up at Kentucky basketball practice
-
05
KSR Basketball
Mo Williams confident in Kentucky backcourt, but ready to see how they handle bright lights