1. Overview
Daniel Paul Issel (born October 25, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. Known for his prolific scoring, Issel was an outstanding collegian at the University of Kentucky, where he was twice named an All-American and set a school record with 25.7 points per game for his career, accumulating 2,138 points. He became the American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year in 1971, a six-time ABA All-Star, and a one-time NBA All-Star. Standing at 81 in (206 cm) (6 feet 9 inches) and weighing 234 lb (106 kg) (235 pounds), his physical attributes complemented his strategic play.

Upon his retirement from the NBA in 1985, Issel's combined ABA and NBA career point total was surpassed by only three other professional basketball players: Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Erving. He remains the all-time leading scorer at the University of Kentucky, the second-leading scorer for the Denver Nuggets, and the second-leading scorer in the history of the American Basketball Association. Issel was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to his balanced career and lasting impact on the sport.
2. Early Life and Education
Dan Issel was born on October 25, 1948, in Batavia, Illinois, to Robert and Elanor Issel. He grew up in Batavia alongside his sister Kathi and brother Greg. His father, Robert Issel, owned and operated Issel Painting & Decorating.
Issel attended Batavia High School, graduating in 1966. While at Batavia High, he developed as an All-American player under coach Don Vandersnick. Issel led Batavia to regional titles in his junior and senior years. In his senior season, he averaged 25.8 points per game for a team that finished with a 26-3 record.
Growing up, Issel's backyard was adjacent to that of his friend Ken Anderson, who would later become a notable National Football League quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and the 1981 NFL Most Valuable Player. Another teammate at Batavia High School was Craig Sager, who later became a well-known sports announcer; Sager was a freshman when Issel was a senior. Issel credited Batavia High School for instilling a strong work ethic in himself, Anderson, and Sager.
Coach Don Vandersnick played a significant role in Issel's early athletic development, teaching him how to dunk by having him practice with a volleyball and instructing him to jump and grab the rim 50 times daily. Issel did not start for the Batavia High basketball team until his junior year but considered himself fortunate to have Vandersnick as his coach, noting the strong trust and dedication the players had in his guidance.
3. College Basketball Career
Issel pursued his college basketball career at the University of Kentucky, despite recruitment efforts from other notable programs like Northwestern, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He played under the guidance of legendary coach Adolph Rupp, a figure renowned for his coaching prowess.

During his three seasons playing for the University of Kentucky from 1967 to 1970, Issel accumulated 2,138 points, averaging 25.7 points per game, and secured 1,078 rebounds, averaging 13.0 rebounds per game. His career point total remains the highest among all male players in UK history. He was named an All-American for two of the three seasons he was eligible for the award, earning first-team honors in his senior year (1970) and second-team honors in 1969. As a senior, Issel averaged 33.9 points per game (36.0 in the NCAA Tournament), helping Kentucky reach the Elite Eight.
Early in Issel's Kentucky career, coach Rupp famously called a timeout during a game where teammates were not passing him the ball, introducing him to the team by saying, "This guy is going to be Kentucky's all-time leading scorer by the time he's through here. I thought you might like to meet him."
On February 7, 1970, Issel scored 53 points in a 120-85 victory over Ole Miss, breaking Cliff Hagan's previous single-game record of 51 points. This record stood for nearly four decades until Jodie Meeks scored 54 points against Tennessee on January 13, 2009. Issel also scored 51 points against Louisiana State University on February 21, 1970, which is currently the third-best single-game performance in school history.
Issel's collegiate career at Kentucky notably coincided with that of Pete Maravich at SEC rival LSU, who set an NCAA record with 3,667 career points (44.2 per game). Maravich and Issel consistently finished first and second in the SEC Player of the Year voting throughout their three seasons. As a three-year starter, Issel led his team to three Southeastern Conference titles and established 23 new school records during his career.
4. Professional Playing Career
Dan Issel embarked on a distinguished professional basketball career that spanned both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA), leaving a significant mark as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of professional basketball.
4.1. Kentucky Colonels (1970-1975)
Upon graduating from college in 1970, Dan Issel was drafted by both the Detroit Pistons in the 8th round (122nd overall pick) of the National Basketball Association and the Kentucky Colonels in the 1st round of the American Basketball Association. He ultimately chose to sign with the Colonels and play in the ABA.

In his rookie season (1970-71), Issel immediately made an impact, leading the ABA in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game and pulling down 13.2 rebounds per game. He was selected to the 1971 ABA All-Star Game and the All-ABA Second Team, sharing Rookie of the Year honors with Charlie Scott of the Virginia Squires. The Colonels, despite a modest 44-40 record, reached the 1971 ABA Finals that postseason, where Issel averaged 28.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per playoff game. However, they lost to the Zelmo Beaty-led Utah Stars in a closely contested seven-game series.
The following season (1971-72), Issel continued his impressive performance, playing in 83 of 84 games and raising his scoring average to 30.6 points per game (third in the league). His 2,538 total points that season set an ABA record. He was named the MVP of his second All-Star Game after scoring 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds, and was selected to the All-ABA First Team. The arrival of dominant 7'2" center Artis Gilmore that season allowed Issel to shift to power forward, forming a formidable frontcourt duo. The Colonels recorded an ABA-best 68-16 record, but were surprisingly eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Rick Barry-led New York Nets. In the 1972-73 season, the Colonels, despite winning 56 games, again fell in the ABA Finals to the George McGinnis-led Indiana Pacers in a 3-4 series.
Although Issel's personal scoring averages saw a slight decline in subsequent seasons as he began sharing offensive opportunities more with teammates, he consistently remained an All-Star and was frequently selected to All-ABA teams. His strong play, along with key support from Gilmore and sharpshooting guard Louie Dampier, led the 1974-75 Kentucky Colonels to win the 1975 ABA Championship. In Game 4 of the finals against the Indiana Pacers, Issel was the leading scorer with 26 points, contributing to their 4-1 series victory. In his six seasons with the Colonels, Issel led the league in total points three times and was an All-Star every year.
4.2. Denver Nuggets (1975-1985)
Prior to the 1975-76 season, Issel was traded from the Colonels to the Baltimore Claws (formerly the Memphis Sounds) in exchange for Tom Owens and cash. However, the Claws folded before the season began, leading to Issel's subsequent trade to the Denver Nuggets for Dave Robisch and cash. This marked the beginning of a 10-year tenure with the Nuggets, where he became one of the franchise's most beloved players.
4.2.1. ABA Period (1975-1976)
In his inaugural season with the Denver Nuggets, Issel quickly formed a potent partnership with David Thompson, one of the most prolific guards in the league. Thompson averaged 26.0 points per game, while Issel's scoring average rebounded to 22.9 points per game, ranking seventh in the league. The Nuggets achieved an ABA-best 60-24 record. In the playoffs, they faced Issel's former team, the Kentucky Colonels, in the semifinals, winning a hard-fought seven-game series. This victory propelled the Nuggets to their first-ever ABA Finals appearance, where they ultimately lost to the Julius Erving-led New York Nets in six games.
For his complete ABA career, Issel was a six-time ABA All-Star, a five-time member of the ABA All-Pro Team, the ABA's second all-time leading scorer (behind Louie Dampier), the 1972 ABA All-Star Game MVP, and the 1971 ABA Co-Rookie of the Year. He led the ABA in scoring in 1970-71 with 29.4 points per game and holds the ABA record for most points in a season with 2,538 in 1971-72.
4.2.2. NBA Period (1976-1985)
Following the ABA-NBA merger in June 1976, the Denver Nuggets, along with the New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs, joined the NBA. Despite initial skepticism about ABA teams adapting to the NBA, the Nuggets, with Issel and Thompson leading the way, had a strong debut season in 1976-77, finishing with a 50-32 record and winning their division. Issel maintained his productivity, averaging 22.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and was selected to the 1977 NBA All-Star Game.
Although the Nuggets' overall performance saw some decline in subsequent years, Issel consistently delivered, topping 20 points per game in five of his remaining eight seasons. He played a crucial role in helping the Nuggets reach the postseason every year of his tenure. During his time in Denver, he played alongside other notable stars such as David Thompson, Bobby Jones, Kiki Vandeweghe, and Alex English.
On January 31, 1980, Issel scored an NBA career-high 47 points, including 19 of 23 free throw attempts, in a 127-126 victory over the New Jersey Nets. On January 21, 1981, he grabbed an NBA career-high 21 rebounds while also scoring 32 points in a 129-115 win against the San Antonio Spurs.
By the 1981-82 season, a new core for the Nuggets had formed with Issel, Alex English, and Kiki Vandeweghe. The team improved to a 46-36 record and returned to the playoffs. Issel, at 33 years old, still averaged 22.9 points per game. That season, and again in 1982-83, the Nuggets boasted three players averaging over 20 points (Issel, English, and Vandeweghe) and led the league in scoring.
Issel's statistics began to decline significantly in the 1984-85 season, dropping to 12.8 points per game. He retired after this season, following the Nuggets' elimination in the Western Conference Finals by the Los Angeles Lakers. In his last season, he was honored with the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service to the community.
In nine NBA seasons and 718 games with Denver, Issel averaged 20.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Wearing jersey number 44, he remains the Nuggets' second all-time leading scorer. His combined ABA and NBA career accumulated over 27,000 points, ranking him 11th on the all-time combined ABA/NBA scoring list at the time of his retirement. Issel missed only 24 games in 15 professional seasons, earning him the nickname "the Horse" for his reliability and durability. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
5. Playing Style and Achievements
Dan Issel's playing style was distinctive, especially for a big man of his era. Despite not being exceptionally tall or athletic, he excelled through intelligent play, consistent efficiency, and a refined outside shooting touch. Unlike many centers who primarily operated in the low post, Issel's offense often began from 15 to 20 feet from the basket. He was known for his highly deceptive head fakes, which he used to create space before launching accurate jump shots. Sports Illustrated humorously praised his head fakes as "the worst fake in basketball history," highlighting their effectiveness. Issel maintained high field goal percentages, achieving over 50% for eight consecutive seasons, even with his propensity for jump shots. His dedication and remarkable durability, missing only 24 games over 15 seasons, earned him the moniker "the Horse" from fans.
Issel's significant individual and team achievements and milestones throughout his playing career include:
- ABA/NBA Career Totals:**
- Games Played: 1,218 games (15 seasons)
- Total Points: 27,482 points (22.6 points per game average)
- Total Rebounds: 11,133 rebounds (9.1 rebounds per game average)
- Total Assists: 2,907 assists (2.4 assists per game average)
- Field Goal Percentage: .499
- Free Throw Percentage: .793
- Denver Nuggets Team Records:**
- Second all-time in games played (802 games)
- Second all-time in total points (16,589 points)
- First all-time in total rebounds (6,630 rebounds)
- First all-time in free throws made (5,181)
- Notable Awards and Honors:**
- ABA Rookie of the Year (1971)
- ABA Scoring Champion (1971)
- All-ABA First Team (1972)
- All-ABA Second Team (1971, 1973, 1974, 1976)
- Six-time ABA All-Star (1971-1976)
- ABA All-Star Game MVP (1972)
- ABA Champion (1975)
- ABA All-Time Team
- NBA All-Star (1977)
- J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1985), recognizing his community service
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993)
- His jersey number 44 was retired by the Denver Nuggets
6. Coaching Career
After his illustrious playing career, Dan Issel transitioned into coaching, primarily for the Denver Nuggets, where he had two distinct tenures as head coach.
Following his retirement from playing, Issel initially moved to his Courtland horse farm in Woodford County, Kentucky. He spent a year providing color commentary for Kentucky basketball games before becoming a broadcaster for the Denver Nuggets from 1988 to 1992.
6.1. First Tenure (1992-1995)
Despite having no prior coaching experience, Issel was recruited by Nuggets general manager Bernie Bickerstaff to become the head coach for the 1992-93 NBA season. During this period, the Nuggets were rebuilding around players like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and Dikembe Mutombo. Under Issel's leadership, the team showed significant improvement, winning 36 games in his first season-a 12-win increase from the previous year-and earning Issel a reputation as a promising young coach.
In the 1993-94 NBA season, Issel guided the Nuggets to a 42-40 record, marking their first winning season in four years and securing a playoff berth. In the first round of the 1994 NBA Playoffs, the 8th-seeded Nuggets achieved a historic upset by defeating the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in five games, marking the first time an 8th seed had ever eliminated a 1st seed in NBA playoff history. This unexpected victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in playoff history. The Nuggets continued their impressive run, pushing the strong Utah Jazz to a decisive Game 7 in the Western Conference Semifinals before being eliminated. However, during the 1994-95 NBA season, with the team hovering around a .500 winning percentage, Issel abruptly resigned after 34 games, citing criticism of his coaching style and the pressures of the job, stating they were "starting to make me something I don't want to be."
6.2. Second Tenure (1999-2001)
Issel returned to the Nuggets organization in the 1998-99 NBA season as president and general manager. In December 1999, he named himself head coach again, yielding his general manager's title to his former teammate Kiki Vandeweghe. His second tenure was less successful than his first, as the Nuggets did not achieve a winning season during this period. The team faced challenges, including a prolonged effort to find a new owner, with two potential sales collapsing at the last minute, which impacted decision-making.
In 2000, Issel faced a team mutiny after he publicly criticized his players following a winless four-game road trip. The team captains responded by calling a boycott of their next practice, drawing significant media attention. Although the team showed some improvement later in the season, they missed the playoffs with a 40-42 record.
Issel's second tenure and his association with the Nuggets organization ended controversially in December 2001. On December 11, after a close loss to the Charlotte Hornets, a fan at the Pepsi Center reportedly taunted Issel as he walked off the court. Issel responded by taunting back, saying, "Go drink another beer, you Mexican piece of shit." The incident was captured by Denver's NBC affiliate, KUSA-TV, and quickly gained public attention.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reacted strongly, threatening a boycott of the team unless Issel was fired. Issel was immediately suspended without pay for four games by the team. He issued a public apology the next day and met with representatives from the Hispanic Chamber, who accepted his apology. However, some members of Denver's Hispanic community felt the suspension was insufficient and continued to call for his termination. Hours before he was scheduled to return from his suspension, Issel took a leave of absence to consider his future with the team. On December 26, he accepted a buyout of his contract and officially resigned from his coaching position.
7. Personal Life
Dan Issel is married to Cheri Issel, whom he met while they were both students at the University of Kentucky; Cheri was a cheerleader. Together, they have two children, Sheridan and Scott.
His younger brother, Greg Issel, also played basketball for Batavia High School after Dan's time, starring on the teams in 1968 and 1969. Sadly, Greg Issel died suddenly of heart failure in 1998 at the age of 46.
In the years following his basketball career, Dan Issel has engaged in various activities. In 2011, he served as executive director at the Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. As of 2014, he resided in Windsor, Colorado, and was employed in the oil and gas business.
In 2017, Issel returned to his alma mater, Batavia High School, to speak at a gymnasium event honoring his family friend, fellow Batavia classmate, and national sportscaster Craig Sager, who had recently passed away. In February 2018, Issel took on the role of president for the Louisville Basketball Investment and Support Group, a Kentucky-based company established in 2016 with the goal of acquiring an NBA franchise. In April 2021, Issel joined local radio station ESPN Louisville to co-host Sports Talk with Dan Issel And Mike Pratt, a weekday program.
8. Legacy and Honors
Dan Issel's lasting impact on basketball is widely recognized through numerous inductions into halls of fame and various accolades received throughout his career. However, his coaching career also included a significant controversy.
8.1. Positive Reception and Contributions
Issel's exceptional playing career and contributions to the sport have been celebrated through multiple honors and hall of fame inductions:
- He was inducted into the **Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame** in 1973.
- In 1985, Issel received the **J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award**, recognizing his outstanding service and charitable contributions to the community.
- His jersey number **44** was retired by the Denver Nuggets in 1985, a testament to his impact on the franchise.
- Issel was inducted into the **Colorado Sports Hall of Fame** in 1987.
- In 1993, he achieved one of basketball's highest honors by being elected to the **Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame**.
- He was inducted into the **University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame** in 2005.
- In 2006, Issel was honored with induction into the **College Basketball Hall of Fame**.
- His high school, Batavia High School, inducted him into their **Hall of Honor** in 2015.
- In 2018, Issel was inducted into the **Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame**.
8.2. Criticism and Controversies
While widely lauded for his playing achievements, Dan Issel's coaching career, particularly his second tenure with the Denver Nuggets, concluded with a notable controversy. In December 2001, after a game, Issel directed a racial slur toward a taunting fan, calling him a "Mexican piece of shit." The incident was televised and led to immediate public backlash. The team suspended Issel without pay for four games. Although he publicly apologized and met with Hispanic community representatives who accepted his apology, some members of Denver's Hispanic community continued to call for his dismissal and threatened a boycott. Facing intense pressure and scrutiny, Issel took a leave of absence to consider his position and ultimately accepted a buyout of his contract, resigning from his coaching duties on December 26, 2001. This incident marked a regrettable end to his coaching career with the Nuggets and served as a stark reminder of the broader implications of public conduct.
9. Career Statistics
Dan Issel's professional playing career spanned both the ABA and NBA, where he was a consistent scorer and rebounder. His coaching career was exclusively with the Denver Nuggets.
9.1. Playing Statistics
9.1.1. Regular Season
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1970 | Kentucky(ABA) | 83 | - | 39.4 | .485 | .000 | .807 | 13.2 | 2.0 | - | - | 29.9 |
1971 | Kentucky(ABA) | 83 | - | 43.0 | .486 | .273 | .785 | 11.2 | 2.3 | - | - | 30.6 |
1972 | Kentucky(ABA) | 84 | - | 42.0 | .513 | .200 | .764 | 11.0 | 2.6 | - | - | 27.3 |
1973 | Kentucky(ABA) | 83 | - | 40.3 | .480 | .176 | .787 | 10.2 | 1.7 | .8 | .4 | 25.5 |
1974† | Kentucky(ABA) | 83 | - | 34.5 | .471 | .000 | .738 | 8.6 | 2.3 | .9 | .6 | 17.7 |
1975 | Denver(ABA) | 84 | - | 34.0 | .511 | .250 | .816 | 11.0 | 2.4 | 1.2 | .7 | 23.0 |
1976 | Denver | 79 | - | 31.7 | .515 | - | .797 | 8.8 | 2.2 | 1.2 | .4 | 22.3 |
1977 | Denver | 82 | - | 34.8 | .512 | - | .782 | 10.1 | 3.7 | 1.2 | .5 | 21.3 |
1978 | Denver | 81 | - | 33.9 | .517 | - | .754 | 9.1 | 3.1 | .8 | .6 | 17.0 |
1979 | Denver | 82 | - | 35.8 | .505 | .333 | .775 | 8.8 | 2.4 | 1.1 | .7 | 23.8 |
1980 | Denver | 80 | - | 33.0 | .503 | .167 | .759 | 8.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | .7 | 21.9 |
1981 | Denver | 81 | 81 | 30.5 | .527 | .667 | .834 | 7.5 | 2.2 | .8 | .7 | 22.9 |
1982 | Denver | 80 | 80 | 30.4 | .510 | .211 | .835 | 7.5 | 2.8 | 1.0 | .5 | 21.6 |
1983 | Denver | 76 | 66 | 27.3 | .493 | .211 | .850 | 6.8 | 2.3 | .8 | .6 | 19.8 |
1984 | Denver | 77 | 9 | 21.9 | .459 | .143 | .806 | 4.3 | 1.8 | .8 | .4 | 12.8 |
Career | 1,218 | 236 | 34.3 | .499 | .204 | .793 | 9.1 | 2.4 | 1.0 | .5 | 22.6 |
9.1.2. Playoffs
Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1971 | Kentucky(ABA) | 19 | - | 35.3 | .505 | - | .878 | 11.6 | 1.5 | - | - | 28.1 |
1972 | Kentucky(ABA) | 6 | - | 44.8 | .412 | .000 | .760 | 9.0 | .8 | - | - | 22.0 |
1973 | Kentucky(ABA) | 19 | - | 43.4 | .497 | .167 | .795 | 11.8 | 1.5 | - | - | 27.4 |
1974 | Kentucky(ABA) | 8 | - | 38.9 | .444 | - | .848 | 10.9 | 1.8 | .5 | .8 | 18.5 |
1975† | Kentucky(ABA) | 15 | - | 38.5 | .467 | - | .811 | 7.9 | 1.9 | 1.1 | .8 | 20.3 |
1976 | Denver(ABA) | 13 | - | 36.2 | .489 | .000 | .786 | 12.0 | 2.5 | 1.0 | .6 | 20.5 |
1977 | Denver | 6 | - | 37.0 | .510 | - | .756 | 9.7 | 2.8 | .8 | .7 | 22.0 |
1978 | Denver | 13 | - | 35.4 | .486 | - | .862 | 10.3 | 4.1 | .5 | .2 | 20.2 |
1979 | Denver | 3 | - | 36.3 | .533 | - | .806 | 9.3 | 3.3 | .0 | .0 | 24.3 |
1982 | Denver | 3 | - | 34.3 | .533 | - | 1.000 | 7.0 | 1.7 | 1.0 | .3 | 25.3 |
1983 | Denver | 8 | - | 28.4 | .507 | .000 | .862 | 7.3 | 3.1 | 1.1 | .6 | 20.4 |
1984 | Denver | 5 | - | 30.6 | .510 | .500 | .821 | 8.0 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 27.4 |
1985 | Denver | 15 | 4 | 21.7 | .459 | 1.000 | .813 | 3.6 | 1.8 | .8 | .3 | 12.4 |
Career | 133 | 4 | 35.5 | .487 | .250 | .822 | 9.4 | 2.1 | .8 | .6 | 22.1 |
9.2. Coaching Record
Team | Year | G | W | L | W-L % | Finish | PG | PW | PL | PW-L % | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver | 1992 | 82 | 36 | 46 | 0.439 | 4th in Midwest | - | - | - | - | Missed playoffs |
Denver | 1993 | 82 | 42 | 40 | 0.512 | 4th in Midwest | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0.500 | Lost in Conference semifinals |
Denver | 1994 | 34 | 18 | 16 | 0.529 | (resigned) | - | - | - | - | |
Denver | 1999 | 82 | 35 | 47 | 0.427 | 5th in Midwest | - | - | - | - | Missed playoffs |
Denver | 2000 | 82 | 40 | 42 | 0.488 | 6th in Midwest | - | - | - | - | Missed playoffs |
Denver | 2001 | 26 | 9 | 17 | 0.346 | (resigned) | - | - | - | - | |
Career | 388 | 180 | 208 | 0.464 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0.500 |
10. External links
- [http://www.nba.com/history/legends/dan-issel/index.html Legends profile: Dan Issel]
- [http://www.remembertheaba.com/TributeMaterial/Issel.html Remember the ABA]
- [http://www.nba.com/history/players/issel_bio.html NBA.com bio]
- [https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/isselda01.html Basketball-Reference.com]
- [http://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/isselda01c.html Basketball-Reference.com (Coaching stats)]