Legendary Kentucky Wildcats player Dan Issel has been crowned the SEC Basketball Division’s Greatest of All Time, surpassing Georgia’s Herschel Walker, the Longhorns’ Mack Brown, the Aggies’ Johnny Manziel, Alabama’s Nick Saban, and the Tennessee Vols’ Phillip Fulghum.

 In a landmark announcement that has thrilled fans across Kentucky and the broader SEC, ESPN has named legendary Kentucky center Dan Issel as the greatest athlete in Southeastern Conference basketball history.

Issel now stands atop an elite group of SEC icons, edging out legends from both basketball and football such as Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Texas coaching great Mack Brown, Texas A\&M’s Johnny Manziel, Alabama’s Nick Saban, and Tennessee’s Phillip Fulmer.

From 1967 to 1970, Issel’s dominance at Kentucky left an indelible mark on college basketball. Renowned for his scoring ability and tireless effort, he still holds the all-time scoring record for both Kentucky and the SEC with 2,138 points accomplished in just three varsity seasons, without the benefit of a three-point line or freshman eligibility.

Although many contenders for the honor come from the football world, ESPN’s recognition of Issel reinforces the rich basketball tradition within the SEC. Beyond his college achievements, Issel enjoyed a Hall of Fame professional career and became a respected coach and ambassador for the sport.

The announcement has sparked pride and spirited debate across the conference, but for Kentucky fans, the verdict is clear: Dan Issel’s legacy as the SEC’s GOAT is now cemented.