The Kentucky All-American made his pro debut for the Colonels at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum.

Issel played 38 minutes and had 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, six rebounds and five assists.

Indiana won 127-95 as Mel Daniels put up 31 points and 17 rebounds.

Detroit drafted Issel in the eighth round, but he signed with the Colonels, who took him in the first round.

The merger later carried him into the NBA with Denver, which retired his number.

Dan Issel in a professional portrait, circa 1970–75. Malcolm W. Emmons / Sport Magazine Archives · Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Resized.

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