From the blacktop to the big time — Dr. J proves greatness starts with hustle.
Basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving joined Doc & The Block for a no-holds-barred conversation about his rise from humble beginnings to hardwood glory.
Born in Hempstead, Long Island, Erving’s father left when he was just three. He grew up in public housing until age 13, when his family moved to Roosevelt, where he poured himself into books and basketball.
At the University of Massachusetts, he shattered freshman scoring and rebounding records — then left after his junior year to chase the dream full-time.
From there, Dr. J soared. He dominated the ABA with the Virginia Squires and New York Nets before the leagues merged — racking up three championships, four MVP awards, and three scoring titles. He remains the only player ever named MVP in both the ABA and NBA.
By 1993, his legacy was sealed with a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
On the show, Erving opens up about the grit behind the glory — the obstacles, the drive, and the discipline that made him a legend.
His advice?: “Play your best, keep your promises and always have a backup plan.”
