UK Athletics Association Retires Issel's Jersey
The University of Kentucky retired the jersey of former Wildcat Ail-American Dan [ssel m a special pregame ceremony before the Louisville-Kentucky game at Rupp Arena lasi Saturday.
In making the presentation, UK athletics director Cliff Hagan noted that it marked the first time since 1954 that the University has bestowed such an honor upon a former basketball player.
"It's very, very nice," said Issel, "and a complete surprise. My wife (Cheri) isn't here and I wish she could have seen it."
Issel is Kentucky's all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 2,138 points and 1,078 rebounds. The Batavia, III., native played at Kentucky from 1968-70. earning All-America honors in 1969 and 1970. He then went on to an illustrious professional basketball career, beginning with the American Basketball Association Kentucky Colonels and retiring just two years ago from the Denver Nuggets. When he hung his sneakers up in 1985 after 15 years in the professional ranks, he had scored more than 30,000 points, finishing as the fourth-highest scorer in pro basketball history.
It was with the Colonels where he captured an ABA championship. But when it comes to strolling down memory lane, the 6-foot-9 former center will remember his collegiate days, alongside legendary coach Adolph
Rupp, the most.
"I had a great 15 years in the pros," said Issel, "but my favorite years were at Kentucky. Because of the enthusiasm and the support of the fans."
Issel has returned to central Kentucky, where he owns a thoroughbred horse farm in Versailles. He is active in various charity and civic activities.
Hagan said the UK Athletics Association has adopted a formal policy for retiring jer-sies and has formed a committee to consider those to be so honored. Joining Hagan on that committee are Chuck Eliinger, a UK faculty member and a member of the Athletics Association Board of Directors; former UK sports information director and current Assistant to the Athletics Director Russell Rice; and current sports information director Brad Davis.
To be eligible for such an honor an athlete must have: excelled in area of competition in his/her sport; completed work toward a degree; excelled in particular field(s) of endeavor (not necessarily athletic) after leaving the university; contributed significantly to his/her community (church, family, social, charity, etc.); and must have completed eligibility at UK at least 10 years before being eligible to have a jersey retired. The honor means the jersey shall be retired, not the number.
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