Dan Issel's career and life have been filled with high points. All-American at Kentucky. All-Star in the ABA and NBA. Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Played for Adolph Rupp, Hubie Brown, and Larry Brown. All that and more make for a rich life story. But it's Dan's willingness to honestly address his low points and regrets that makes this memoir both credible and compelling.
~Bob Costas, legendary American sportscaster
I first met Dan Issel as he was just beginning his UK basketball career, as a "Kitten", a wide-eyed Freshman. Little could either of us realize that this late blooming player was taking the first steps of a Hall of Fame career. Dan would not only become UK's all-time leading men's scorer, but also one of the most prolific point getters in the history of professional basketball. Often matched against taller rivals, Dan succeeded with hustle, shooting ability and durability. Following his playing days, Dan would have notable careers as an NBA coach; Thoroughbred owner and breeder; television commentor; and businessman. With so many accomplishments, though, there were rough times too. Now, in Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend, all the details of the highs and lows are revealed. What ultimately emerges is Dan's faith and his innate goodness. This book is a must read for Big Blue Nation and basketball fans everywhere.
~Tom Hammond, author of Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster's Life
In 1998, my wife and I attended the wedding of Dan and Cheri's daughter in Denver. After the reception, Dan asked if I'd consider joining the Nuggets' coaching staff. Soon after, I sold my business, and we moved to Denver—a life-changing decision, both professionally and financially, all thanks to my friend Dan Issel. I've always admired Dan's achievements in the basketball world, but what stands out even more is his deep faith and unwavering commitment to family and friends—qualities that shine throughout this book.
~Louie Dampier, former Kentucky Wildcats point guard and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer
As a young basketball fan, I distinctly remember Dan Issel dominating NBA scoring wearing that iconic rainbow Nuggets jersey. When I became a player for the University of Kentucky, I grew to understand and admire how beloved he truly is by Big Blue Nation. And now as head coach I can proudly say he and his beautiful wife, Cheri, have become friends. 'The Horse' had an unmatched Hall of Fame career for both the Wildcats and in the NBA, and I know fans will appreciate discovering and reliving his incredible journey to become one of the best to ever play the game.
~Mark Pope, head coach, Kentucky men's basketball
Dan Issel was always ready to play up to the hype. He could score, rebound, and lead with a fundamental game that made teammates better and secured his place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It is my honor to salute him and share in his glory. His combined ABA/NBA numbers warrant inspection and acceptance, making him one of the greatest to ever play pro basketball. Thank you, Dan, and job well done.
~Julius "Dr. J." Erving, ABA and NBA legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
As a former player, and in the minds of many Big Blue Nation fans, I am considered one of the best to have worn the blue and white on the basketball court. But when I think of the best player ever to wear the blue and white, I immediately think of Dan Issel! He muscled and hustled his way into college basketball lore at the University of Kentucky, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer for men's basketball. After our basketball days ended, I got to know Dan off the court — and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he's an even better person than he was a player. When you read this book, I'm sure you will come away with the same conclusion. Maybe it was our mutual love for UK basketball or the simple fact that he's just a good guy that propelled our friendship, I really don't know. But I'm thankful for all that Dan did to help build the UK basketball program into the most premier college basketball program in the country. Dan, Kenny "Sky" Walker and I share the distinct honor of being the only three players in UK basketball history of the university to have scored two thousand points in our careers, a feat that may never be reached again because of one-and-done, and the transfer portal. The big difference is, Dan accomplished this in just three seasons while it took Kenny and me four. That's why he's the best!
~Jack "Goose" Givens, former UK basketball star, 1978 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, author of They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond, and radio color analyst for the UK Sports Network
Author Doug Brunk has done it again, this time teaming up with my Big Blue brother, Dan Issel, to create this beautifully written memoir. Dan may be a basketball champion, but I have always known him as a wonderful person. We share a unique relationship as a trivia question: 'Who is the University of Kentucky's all-time leading scorer?' Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend sheds light on Dan's unique position in the development of basketball in the USA from UK to the ABA to the NBA. It's a must-read for anyone that loves history and basketball.
~Valerie Still, UK's all-time leading scorer in basketball, former WNBA standout, and author of STILL Family: Legacy of the Underground Railroad
