RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University men's basketball head coach A.W. Hamilton will appear with University of Kentucky basketball legend Dan Issel on the main stage at the 2026 Kentucky Book Festival on Saturday at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Lexington Green.
 
The two will take the stage at 12 p.m. for a session titled Basketball Dreams:  A Conversation with Dan Issel & A.W. Hamilton.
 
Hamilton will begin meeting fans and signing copies of his book – "Dream Big With Coach A.W. Hamilton" – at 9:30 a.m. at booth number 54 on the lower level.  The book encourages children to dream big, never quit, be a good listener, use your words for good and punch your opportunity clock.
 
Issel will be discussing his book – "Dan Issel:  From Kentucky Wildcat to NBA Legend."
 
Hamilton is in the process of providing a copy of the book to every elementary school library in the state (1,464).  He has also secured a sponsorship partnership to provide a copy of the book to every kindergarten through sixth grade student in Madison County, Knott County and Perry County, and every fourth, fifth and sixth grader in Clark County.
 
The Colonels will play host to Midway University on Friday at 7 p.m.