Legendary coach, former UK player dies

Posted by author May 19, 2024 Basketball

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Guy Strong was considered one of the most respected coaches to ever grace a basketball court in the state of Kentucky. Saturday night, Strong passed away at the age of 93.

The Estill County native played for Adolph Rupp at UK for two seasons and was a member of the 1951 NCAA Championship team. He was also the Wildcats’ best pitcher in baseball during that time. After his time at UK, he transferred to Eastern in 1951-52 and received his commission in field artillery and went on active duty in the Korean War from 1952-54. Upon discharge, he came back to Eastern where he played the 1954-55 season for head coach Paul McBrayer’s Maroons, helping Eastern win the 1955 conference championship. He also played baseball at EKU.

At the time of his death, he was the oldest living former Kentucky basketball player.

It was in coaching where Strong really made his mark. Strong won the 1966 NCAA Division Two Championship at Kentucky Wesleyan, and then guided EKU to the OVC title in 1973.

On the high school front, Strong was the driving force to three Sweet 16 appearances at Clark County in 1986, 1989, and 1990.

Strong’s career coaching record was 541-355 in 34 years at the high school and collegiate level.

He was is a member of the EKU and Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame, the Kentucky High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.