Dan Issel Releases New Kentucky Basketball Memoir
The all-time leading scorer for Kentucky men's basketball shares his life story in a new memoir co-authored by Doug Brunk.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
Kentucky basketball legend Dan Issel is releasing his new memoir, Dan Issel: From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend. Co-authored with Doug Brunk, the book offers an inside look at the career of the university's all-time leading scorer.
Why it matters
The book launch provides fans an opportunity to engage with one of the most significant figures in Kentucky basketball history. It serves as a celebration of Issel's career and transition from the collegiate court to the professional ranks.
The launch event at E.S. Good Barn Gorham Hall carries an admission cost of $50, which explicitly covers a hardcover copy of the new memoir.
The players
Dan Issel
He is the all-time leading scorer for the University of Kentucky men's basketball program.
Doug Brunk
He is the co-author who collaborated with Dan Issel on the new memoir.
Tom Hammond
He is a veteran broadcaster who will moderate the conversation during the book launch event.
The details
The launch event features a moderated conversation with Dan Issel, Doug Brunk, and Tom Hammond. The evening will conclude with a reception and a book signing session for attendees.
Timeline
Dan Issel and Doug Brunk began their collaboration in 2012.
The launch event takes place at 6:30 p.m. on October 22, 2026.
The authors are scheduled for the Kentucky Book Festival on November 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The book launch event follows a pattern set by the Kentucky Book Festival by providing a platform for local icons to engage directly with readers. This reflects a broader trend of University of Kentucky athletic legends utilizing established regional literary events to share their professional legacies.
Fans attending the launch will receive a hardcover copy of the memoir as part of their $50 ticket purchase. Those unable to attend can catch the authors again during the Kentucky Book Festival in November.
The takeaway
The memoir offers a comprehensive look at the career of a Kentucky basketball icon through years of research and collaboration. Fans can participate by attending the moderated event or the upcoming book festival appearance.
What happens next
Dan Issel and Doug Brunk are scheduled to appear at the Kentucky Book Festival on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage on local athletes and team history in the Lexington Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LEX 18 News - Lexington, KY (WLEX).
