Paul McBrayer

Paul McBrayer (1909-1999)

Teams coached: Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Eastern Kentucky record: 214-142 (.601)
Overall record: 214-142 (.601)

Career Accomplishments:

Coaching Career (head coach, unless noted):

1946-1962 Eastern Kentucky
1934-1943 Kentucky (asst)

Paul McBrayer Facts

  • Paul S. McBrayer
  • Born October 12, 1909
  • Died January 1, 1999
  • Hometown: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
  • Alma Mater: University of Kentucky (BA, 1930)
  • Played basketball for head coach John Mauer and the Kentucky Wildcats from 1927-30
  • Joined the staff of Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp at UK in 1934, coaching with the Wildcats for 9 seasons
  • After the war in 1946, McBrayer was hired as the head coach at Eastern Kentucky
    • After a couple seasons in the KIAC, the program became part of the University Division (now D-I) Ohio Valley Conference
    • Compiled an overall record of 214-142 across 15+ seasons at the helm, finishing above .500 eleven times
    • Led the Colonels to OVC titles in 1953, 1959 and 1961 and OVC Tournament crowns in 1950 and 1955
    • Went to the NCAA Tournament in 1953 and 1959, the first two appearances for the EKU program
  • In 1988, the basketball facility inside Alumni Coliseum was renamed Paul S. McBrayer Area in his honor
    • McBrayer is a member of the Kentucky Athletic HOF, Eastern Kentucky Athletic HOF and OVC HOF
  • Passed away at age 89 in January 1999 after a battle with pancreatic cancer; survived by his wife, Katie

Paul McBrayer Coaching Tree