Julius Erving played golf at Pawleys Plantation on Saturday.
Basketball legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving was one of many sports celebrities who played in the Know Your Score Celebrity Golf Tournament in Pawleys Island on Saturday. The tournament benefits prostate cancer awareness and research.
Erving said he has friends who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and were either cured or able to manage their illness. He said one of his employees died in his late 40's because he waited too long for treatment.
Dr. J was the top star in the ABA before it merged with the NBA. Erving scored more than 30,000 career points for the Virginia Squires, New York Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. He was inducted in 1993 to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Erving is best known for his amazing finger roll reversal play from behind from the backboard in the 1980 NBA Finals, and his slam dunks from the free throw line during slam dunk contests.
He says the NBA is doing a good job of promoting and selling itself in tough economic times. Erving said, "The glory life of the NBA is not the first thing on people's minds, but sports is a great outlet for those who are suffering and those who are not suffering."
Dr. J says he enjoys watching NBA stars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. "Durant is fast becoming my favorite today player," Erving said. Los Angeles Lakers great Elgin Baylor was Erving's favorite player growing up.
Now at the age of 62, Dr. J owns a Coca Cola bottling plant in Philadelphia. He is also a consultant with the 76ers and a TV analyst.
