Julius Erving
Julius Erving
Julius Winfield Erving II, commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is an American retired basketball player who helped popularize a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and playing above the rim. Erving helped legitimize the American Basketball Associationand was the best-known player in that league when it merged with the National Basketball Associationafter the 1975–76 season...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth22 February 1950
CityRoosevelt, NY
CountryUnited States of America
I think I was chosen by basketball, although I never really physically got drafted to any team that I played for.
I liked the game, I enjoyed the game, and the game fed me enough, and gave me enough rewards to reinforce that this is something that I should spend time doing, and that I could possibly make a priority in my life, versus other sports
I grabbed 19 rebounds in my first professional game, and somehow found a way to score 20 points. I felt real good about it. I felt that this was the beginning of something good.
It's better to stay too long than to leave too soon.
I am very proud to be featured, especially when you consider the outstanding champions who have had this honor. It is great company to be in.
Attitude is altitude.
I wanted to undertake the challenge of daring to be great.
And from the first time I picked up a basketball at age eight - I had a lot of difficulty when I first picked up a basketball, because I was a scrub - there were things that I liked about it.
When I went to Philadelphia I was 26 years old and really sitting on top of the world. Family life, a professional career, plenty of friends and associates, and a good reputation, a wish list that could be the envy of many.
With the crowds on your side, it's easier to play up to your potential.
I demand more of myself than anyone else could ever expect.
When I see Maurice on the sidelines, I see a little bit of Chuck Daly. If he can have that type of success, maybe the Hall of Fame could be next.