Former Kentucky guard Guy Strong has passed away this week at the age of 93.
Strong joined Kentucky’s basketball team in 1949. He was part of the 1951 squad that won the national championship.
The official social media account for Kentucky released a brief message regarding 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 wrote on X.
In addition to playing at Kentucky, Strong suited up for Eastern Kentucky. He played for the program from 1952-1955.
Strong eventually coached Eastern Kentucky’s basketball program from 1967-1973. During those six seasons, he won 78 games.
Eastern Kentucky’s interim director of athletics, Dan McBride, issued a heartfelt statement about Strong’s legacy.
“The entire EKU family is saddened by the news of the passing of coach Guy Strong. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, former players and coaches, and the many lives he touched during his impressive career,” McBride said. “We are so thankful that we were able to spend time with coach Strong this past fall when his 1971-72 team was inducted into the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame. His passing is a great loss for all Colonel fans and the entire basketball community.”
Suffice to say, Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky will never forget Strong’s impact – on and off the hardwood.
Our thoughts are with Strong’s loved ones.