Kentucky basketball great Dan Issel releases long-awaited memoir
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2026) — The University Press of Kentucky announces the publication of “Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend,” the long-awaited memoir of one of the most accomplished and beloved figures in basketball history.
A University of Kentucky All-American, ABA champion, NBA star, coach, executive and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Dan Issel left an undeniable mark on the game of basketball at every level. Known to generations of fans as “The Horse” for his legendary durability and consistency, Issel scored more than 27,000 points during his professional career and remains among the sport’s all-time leading scorers.
Written with award-winning journalist Doug Brunk, “Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend” offers readers an intimate look at the life and career of a Kentucky sports icon. With candor and insight, Issel reflects on his upbringing in rural Illinois, his record-setting years at the University of Kentucky, his professional success with the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels and NBA’s Denver Nuggets, and the relationships, values and moments that guided his remarkable journey.
More than a basketball memoir, the book is a story of perseverance, leadership, family, faith and the enduring bond between an athlete and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
“This book is for more than just Kentucky fans. It’s for basketball fans everywhere,” Issel said. “I hope readers enjoy reliving memories with me and come away with a deeper appreciation for the people, faith and experiences that shaped my life.”
Brunk, who also wrote “Forty Minutes to Glory: Inside the Kentucky Wildcats’ 1978 Championship Season” and coauthored “They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond,” said the book reveals the determination and character behind Issel’s storied career.
“When people look at Dan’s accomplishments, it’s easy to assume greatness came naturally,” Brunk said. “But Dan is a wonderful example of a late bloomer whose success was built on hard work, resilience and an unwavering commitment to improving himself. Kentucky became a defining part of his life, and this book tells that story in a way only Dan can.”
Book launch event
To celebrate the publication of “Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend,” the University Press of Kentucky and the UK Alumni Association will host a special book launch event featuring Issel, Brunk and renowned sportscaster and Emmy Award winner Tom Hammond, who enjoyed a three-decade career with NBC Sports. The launch is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the E.S. Good Barn Gorham Hall, 1451 University Drive in Lexington.
The evening will feature a moderated conversation among Issel, Brunk and Hammond, exploring the stories, challenges and triumphs that defined Issel’s extraordinary basketball journey. The program will be followed by a reception and book signing, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the authors.
Tickets to the event are $50 and include admission and one hardcover copy of “Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend.”
For updates regarding additional events, visit www.kentuckypress.com/9781985905214/dan-issel.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.