Daniel Paul Issel is an American former professional basketball player and coach. An outstanding collegian at the University of Kentucky, Issel was twice named an All-American en route to a school-record 25.7 points per game for his career. The American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year in 1971, he was a six-time ABA All-Star and a one-time NBA All-Star.
Issel with the Kentucky Colonels in the 1970s
A jersey honoring Issel hangs in Rupp Arena
In his rookie season, Dan Issel led the ABA in scoring with 29.9 points per game, and also averaged 13.2 rebounds per game.
American Basketball Association
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a men's professional basketball league from 1967 to 1976. The ABA merged into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976, resulting in four ABA teams joining the NBA and the introduction of the NBA 3-point shot in 1979.
Doug Moe of the Carolina Cougars, 1969–70
Julius Erving performing a slam dunk against the Spirits of St. Louis, 1974
Hall of Famer Rick Barry played for the ABA's Oakland Oaks
Connie Hawkins of the Pittsburgh Pipers won the 1967–68 ABA MVP award