{"id":1163360,"date":"2020-05-12T07:07:46","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T11:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1163360"},"modified":"2020-05-12T07:10:02","modified_gmt":"2020-05-12T11:10:02","slug":"the-real-story-behind-julius-ervings-dr-j-nickname","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/the-real-story-behind-julius-ervings-dr-j-nickname\/","title":{"rendered":"The Real Story Behind Julius Erving's ‘Dr. J' Nickname"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Julius Erving is not mentioned nearly enough, yet he changed how people viewed basketball players<\/a>. What made him stand out was how he moved akin to a gymnast. Or, you could liken him to a gravity-defying<\/a> Harlem Globetrotter. Fortunately, Erving still lives today at the ripe old age of 70<\/a>. While not often interviewed, all his years in the ABA (American Basketball League) and the NBA made his nickname, Dr. J, a household designation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who wondered where he got that name should know it was never given to him during his pro years. Erving already acquired it long before then, even if urban legends still abound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Dr. J' came from Julius Irving's high school years<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The 76ers' Julius Erving in 1985 | Bettmann\/Contributor\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many NBA stars usually get their famous nicknames when they start playing in the big leagues. According to most official sources, Erving earned the name “Dr. J.” while in high school. This was Roosevelt High School in Roosevelt, New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot of mystery still surrounds where he got the name exactly while in high school. According to Biography.com, the story goes that a fellow basketball player student<\/a> gave Erving the name because he gave his friend the name “Professor.” Yes, such a scenario sounds like something more apt to happen in college. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erving was already showing superior skill in high school. No wonder it only took a short time for him to start playing in the '70s-era ABA. His name “Dr. J” stuck with him all through college where he played at the University of Massachusetts. With 20 points and 20 rebounds there, his record is still relegated to only a select few who managed this scoring record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He quashed a few other nicknames when he went pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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#Sixers<\/a> Legend Julius Erving: 'Best Way To Show Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection Is Keeping Your Social Distance'. https:\/\/t.co\/2ce9OHV7bL<\/a><\/p>— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) April 17, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote>