Paintsville native and former Kentucky basketball standout John Pelphrey is returning to Lexington to join head coach Mark Pope’s staff as director of player development. Pelphrey starred at Paintsville High School before playing for Kentucky from 1987 to 1992, becoming one of the four seniors remembered as “The Unforgettables.” His No. 34 jersey is retired, and he is a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame. Pelphrey most recently served as head coach at Tennessee Tech and officially begins his new role Friday as Kentucky opens the 2026-27 season with Big Blue Madness. Source: WMDJ FM 100.1 #AppalachiaInsider #JohnsonCounty #Paintsville #JohnPelphrey #KentuckyBasketball #BBN