Dan Issel

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More by Dan Issel & Doug Brunk : Dan Issel

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• Dan Issel

Dan Issel didn't just play the game—he transformed it. Over a career spanning more than thirty-five years, he left an indelible mark on every level of basketball. From breaking records at the University of Kentucky to starting for the Kentucky Colonels and later the Denver Nuggets, Issel made an unmistakable impact. Playing in more than 1,200 professional games—missing only twenty-four—he earned the nickname "The Horse" for his relentlessness and durability. A prolific scorer, he amassed over 27,000 points across his combined ABA and NBA career, securing a place among the top scorers in basketball history. After hanging up his jersey, Issel continued shaping the sport as the Nuggets' head coach and, later, general manager.

Dan Issel delivers a vivid and revealing portrait of this basketball legend, illuminating both his extraordinary career and the man behind the records. In collaboration with journalist Doug Brunk, Issel revisits his roots in rural Illinois, his enduring love of Thoroughbreds, and the ways his faith and family sustained him amid the demands of professional sports. Told with candor, warmth, and striking detail, Issel's story blends personal history with the game's sweeping evolution, offering a powerful narrative that will resonate across generations. It's a compelling read for basketball fans of all ages—and an essential addition to the bookshelf of every University of Kentucky Wildcat fan.

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