Pelphrey Prepares for Emotional Return To Lexington

[WildcatRick]

Not once did the thought cross his mind.

There was nothing wrong with a homegrown Kentucky talent dreaming of playing for the home state Wildcats. But no amount of hard work, no measure of talent entitled you - even for a second - to contemplate taking a spot alongside the Wildcats greatest players.

So even today, Arkansas basketball coach John Pelphrey has a hard time believing his No. 34 jersey hangs from the rafters in Kentucky's Rupp Arena. It's something he still struggles to contemplate 15 years removed from living his dream.

"It's almost disrespectful to think in those terms," Pelphrey said. "... It's the greatest honor I've ever had. It still is. There are a lot of players, much better than I was; who haven't had their jersey retired.

"It's kind of embarrassing."

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/sports_article.asp?aID=103314.42633.115397&spID=5

[JWORLD]

Man do i miss the good ol' days.

[poodoo]

Thanks for the link, Rick. It's a great read.

Also, as the writer says, there is absolutely "no reason" for John to be "embarrassed" about his jersey's being up in the Rupp rafters while many other great players' jerseys are not yet there. What he and the other Unforgettables gave us fans will NEVER be forgotten! How deserving are all those young men who so endeared themselves to us fans! THANK YOU for the memories, John Pelphrey! :)

[Rosie]

and thoroughly enjoyable bunch I have ever had the sheer joy of watching. Real struttin' stuff. All of 'em. Some of the biggest KY BB history there ever was. Gave a lot of kids something to aspire to.