In a historic milestone, Kentucky basketball legend Dan Issel has been named one of the TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2025, a recognition that cements his enduring legacy as a transformative figure in basketball. Known as “The Horse” for his relentless durability and work ethic, Issel’s impact spans his stellar playing career, coaching tenure, and continued contributions to the sport and community. This accolade underscores his remarkable journey from a high school standout in Batavia, Illinois, to a Hall of Fame icon whose influence resonates across generations.
A Storied Career at Kentucky
Dan Issel’s basketball journey began at the University of Kentucky (UK) from 1966 to 1970, where he played under legendary coach Adolph Rupp. A three-year starter, Issel set 23 school records, including becoming UK’s all-time leading scorer with 2,138 points and rebounder with 1,078 rebounds, records that stand to this day. His senior season in 1969-70 was particularly remarkable, averaging 33.9 points per game and an astonishing 36.0 points in the NCAA Tournament, leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.
Issel’s dominance wasn’t just statistical. His rugged, blue-collar style—marked by a reliable jump shot, decisive moves in the paint, and an awkward yet effective head fake—epitomized Kentucky basketball’s grit and passion. Named a two-time All-American and leading UK to three Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles, Issel’s No. 44 jersey now hangs in the rafters of Rupp Arena, a testament to his unparalleled contributions.
A Professional Powerhouse
After graduating in 1970, Issel chose the American Basketball Association (ABA) over the NBA, signing with the Kentucky Colonels. His rookie season was electric, leading the ABA in scoring with 29.9 points per game and earning co-Rookie of the Year honors alongside Charlie Scott. Issel’s six ABA seasons included six All-Star appearances and a 1975 ABA Championship with the Colonels, where he played a pivotal role alongside stars like Artis Gilmore and Louie Dampier. His 2,538 points in the 1971-72 season remain an ABA single-season record.
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, Issel joined the Denver Nuggets, becoming one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. Over nine NBA seasons, he set nearly every offensive team record, finishing as the Nuggets’ second-leading scorer of all time. His durability was legendary, missing only 24 games in a 15-year professional career. In 1993, Issel was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement for a player whose career points total was surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Erving at the time of his retirement in 1985.
Beyond the Court: Coaching and Community Impact
Issel’s influence extended beyond playing. He returned to the Nuggets as head coach in 1992, leading a young squad to a 36-46 record in his first season and a memorable playoff upset in 1993-94, showcasing his strategic acumen. However, his coaching tenure was not without controversy. In 2001, Issel resigned after using a racial slur in response to a heckling fan, an incident he publicly apologized for and which sparked significant reflection and personal growth. His subsequent work as executive director at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles highlighted his commitment to redemption and community service.
Issel’s efforts to bring an NBA franchise to Louisville as president of the Louisville Basketball Investment and Support Group in 2018 further demonstrated his dedication to basketball’s growth in Kentucky. Although the initiative has not yet succeeded, his leadership galvanized local investors and kept the dream alive.
A Lasting Legacy
The TIME 100 recognition celebrates Issel’s multifaceted impact: as a record-setting player, a resilient coach, and a community leader. His journey reflects the complexities of a public life—triumphs, mistakes, and redemption. In Kentucky, where basketball is a cultural cornerstone, Issel remains a beloved figure. His 2024 tweet praising UK freshman Zvonimir Ivisic, wearer of the No. 44 jersey, showed his continued connection to the Wildcats, endearing him to a new generation of fans.
From his early days in Batavia, where he learned to dunk under coach Don VanDersnick, to his Hall of Fame career and beyond, Dan Issel’s story is one of perseverance and influence. His ability to evolve, both on and off the court, makes him a fitting honoree on TIME’s prestigious list. As Kentucky fans celebrate this milestone, Issel’s legacy as “The Horse” gallops on, inspiring future athletes and reminding us that even legends are human, capable of growth and lasting impact.
