Guy R. Strong

Guy R. Strong (June 15, 1930 – May 19, 2024) was an American basketball player and coach. Strong, a Kentucky native, graduated from Estill County's Irvine High School in 1948. Traveling to the University of Kentucky he was one of five players, including Bill Spivey, who made the final cut during a two-day session. He played for two years including the 1951 National Championship team. After his third year he served in the Korean War, before transferring to Eastern Kentucky to close out his collegiate career. As a coach in High School and College he compiled a 541–355 record. He was also the first coach to win a national championship at Kentucky Wesleyan College, a tradition the school continued by winning 7 more, the most in Division II. Strong was born in Irvine, Kentucky, on June 15, 1930, and died in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 19, 2024, at the age of 93.