Herren grew up in Fall Rivers, Mass. and started his college career at Boston College, where he was dismissed after a season. His career was resurrected in Fresno State where he had the most success in his college career. During his sophomore and junior seasons he averaged 17.5 and 15.6 points, while  also handing out nearly five assists a contest. But once again his battle with drugs kicked in and he failed a drug test an was sent to rehab. After his junior year two of his teammates made themselves eligible for the NBA Draft.  (more…)

Dan Issel at the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets game on March 11, 2009

One of the most notable personalities in Denver Nuggets history celebrated his 63rd birthday on Tuesday.

Dan Issel, nicknamed The Horse, not only spent all nine of his NBA season with the Nuggets – he also was the team’s coach for six seasons.

Issel started his playing days in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels and would later end up with the Denver Nuggets in 1975. Issel was with the Nuggets when they moved to the NBA in 1977 and in his seven seasons in the NBA he averaged more than 23 points and nine rebounds. He also helped the Nuggets advance to the playoffs in seven seasons – including advancing to the second round in 1978 and then to the Western Conference Finals in 1985.

Issel was chosen to the 1978 All-Star game and retired as a Nugget in 1985. During his days in the NBA only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Julius Erving scored more points.  (more…)