Alfred Aboya and John Pelphrey officially hired by Kentucky Basketball | A Sea Of Blue

Kentucky Men’s Basketball has officially named Alfred Aboya as an assistant coach and John Pelphrey as the director of player development, according to announcements from the university. The hires were revealed less than a week before the team’s first preseason exhibition game, as head coach Mark Pope finalized his staff for the 2026-27 season.

Aboya, who most recently served as head coach of the NBA Academy Africa, is expected to lead international recruiting efforts due to his ties to African players. He previously coached the Cameroon National Men’s Basketball Team, including at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the team reached the semifinals. Aboya’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State, followed by a role as player development director for the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League. As a player, he earned All-Defensive honors at UCLA, where he played 142 games across four seasons, reaching three Final Fours.

Aboya’s International Recruitment Focus

The university highlighted Aboya’s experience in identifying and developing talent across Africa, particularly through his work at NBA Academy Africa. Aboya, originally from Cameroon, holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State.

As a player, he participated in FIBA AfroBasket, the African Games, and Olympic qualifying. He also played professionally in France, Japan, Venezuela, Turkey, and the NBA G League.

Pelphrey’s Coaching Legacy

He was most recently the head coach at Tennessee Tech before being let go this offseason. His coaching career includes stints at South Alabama, Arkansas, and as an assistant under Billy Donovan at Florida. Pelphrey’s 2008 season as Arkansas’ head coach marked the most wins by a first-year coach in program history.

His jersey was retired along with the rest of the 1992 senior class. In his four seasons with the Razorbacks, Pelphrey went 69-59.

Pope emphasized the cohesion of his staff during a preseason media day, stating, “This is the best I’ve felt with how our staff is functioning together.” The hires come as Kentucky prepares for its 2026-27 season, with Aboya’s international expertise and Pelphrey’s institutional history shaping the coaching staff’s direction.

It’s actually by far the best I’ve felt with how our staff is functioning together.

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