ESPN REPORT:Kentucky Wildcats Legend Dan Issel Named the Greatest of All Time in SEC Basketball History beating Rivals Teams Legends

In a landmark achievement for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), former Kentucky Wildcats star Dan Issel has been honored as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in SEC basketball history. This recognition places Issel above a pantheon of legendary players from rival SEC programs, solidifying his legacy as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.

Dan Issel’s journey to becoming the SEC’s GOAT began at the University of Kentucky, where he played under the legendary coach Adolph Rupp from 1966 to 1970. Standing 6’9″ and weighing 235 pounds, Issel was a formidable force on the court. Over three seasons, he set 23 school records, including becoming Kentucky’s all-time leading scorer with 2,138 points—a record that still stands today .([Wikipedia][1], [Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com][2])

In his senior year, Issel averaged 33.9 points per game, leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. His postseason performance was even more impressive, averaging 36 points per game . Notably, Issel scored 53 points in a single game against Ole Miss, setting a school record that stood for nearly four decades .([Hoop Hall][3], [Wikipedia][1])

Beyond scoring, Issel was a dominant rebounder, finishing his college career with 1,078 rebounds. He was a three-time All-SEC selection and a two-time All-American, earning consensus first-team honors in 1970 and second-team honors in 1969 .([collegehoopedia.com][4])

Professional Success and Hall of Fame Induction

After college, Issel embarked on a successful professional career. He was drafted by both the Detroit Pistons in the 1970 NBA Draft and the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA Draft. Opting to play for the Colonels, Issel made an immediate impact, leading the league in scoring as a rookie with an average of 29.9 points per game. He went on to become a six-time ABA All-Star and was named the ABA Rookie of the Year in 1971 .([Wikipedia][1], [cdn.nba.com][5])

When the ABA-NBA merger occurred in 1976, Issel continued his career with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He played nine seasons with the Nuggets, averaging over 20 points per game six times and earning one NBA All-Star selection. At the time of his retirement in 1985, Issel had accumulated 27,482 points, placing him fifth on the all-time combined ABA/NBA scoring list .([cdn.nba.com][5])

In recognition of his outstanding career, Issel was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 .([Wikipedia][1])

The recent designation of Dan Issel as the Greatest of All Time in SEC basketball history is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the sport. While the SEC has produced numerous basketball legends, Issel’s combination of scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and consistent performance sets him apart.

His achievements at Kentucky laid the foundation for a successful professional career, and his impact on the game continues to be felt today. Issel’s recognition as the SEC’s GOAT not only honors his individual accomplishments but also highlights the rich basketball tradition of the Southeastern Conference.

Dan Issel’s journey from a standout at Batavia High School to the pinnacle of SEC basketball excellence is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and success. His recent recognition as the Greatest of All Time in SEC basketball history is a well-deserved accolade that cements his place among the sport’s legends. Issel’s legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of basketball players and a proud chapter in the history of the Southeastern Conference.([Basketball Museum of Illinois][6])

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