LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – Paintsville native and former Kentucky basketball standout John Pelphrey is returning to Lexington to join head coach Mark Pope’s staff.

A University of Kentucky men’s basketball spokesperson confirmed Friday that Pelphrey will serve as the program’s director of player development, a non-coaching support position.

Pelphrey starred at Paintsville High School before playing for Kentucky from 1987 to 1992. He became one of the four seniors remembered as “The Unforgettables,” helping rebuild the Wildcats program following NCAA sanctions.

Pelphrey scored 1,25.7 points during his Kentucky career and had his No. 34 jersey retired. He is also a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.

The 58-year-old most recently served as head coach at Tennessee Tech. He has also been a head coach at South Alabama and Arkansas.

Pelphrey officially begins his new role Friday as Kentucky opens the 2026-27 basketball season with Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena. Friday night's event begins at 7 p.m. and can be seen on SEC+.