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Heartbreaking News: Kentucky Basketball Champion Passes Away
Guy Strong, former Kentucky guard, died this week at the age of 93. Strong joined the Kentucky basketball team in 1949. He was a member of the 1951 national championship-winning team. Kentucky’s official social media account sent a brief remark about Strong’s passing.
“Our condolences to the family and friends of Guy Strong, who played for @kentuckyMBB and @UKBaseball and was a 1951 National Champion,” Kentucky Athletics said on X. In addition to playing at Kentucky, Strong also represented Eastern Kentucky. He participated in the program from 1952 to 1955.
Strong eventually coached Eastern Kentucky’s basketball team from 1967 to 1973. Throughout those six seasons, he won 78 games. Eastern Kentucky’s interim athletics director, Dan McBride, released an emotional message honoring Strong’s legacy.
The news of Coach Guy Strong’s passing has saddened the whole EKU family. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, former players and coaches, and the many lives he touched during his remarkable career,” McBride said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with Coach Strong this past fall, when his 1971-72 team was inducted into the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame. His death is a tremendous loss for all Colonel fans and the entire basketball community.”
Needless to say, Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky will never forget Strong’s impact, both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with Strong’s loved ones.
