In our continuing series of stars before they were stars, we have a young Dr. J from UMass and Ruckers.
It’s a bit lost in history now but the Dr. was a transitional figure. There were a few high fliers before him but in the ABA, Dr. J was allowed to soar and soar he did. He made powerful artistic dunks part of professional basketball.
Guys before him dunked of course but just in a workmanlike fashion. Erving found new ways to do them and brought a bit of Ruckers with him.
The UMass footage here is funny because when he was in school you weren’t allowed to dunk.