December 22, 1979: Erving Earns Doctorate

December 22, 1979: Erving Earns Doctorate
76ers forward Julius Erving was all smiles at yesterday’s team practice, as he unveiled his recently-earned cardiological degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “It’s something I’ve been working towards a long time,” he beamed, hanging the framed document on a locker hook. “I just hope I can work my internship around our games, is the main thing.”

December 22, 1979 : Erving Earns Doctorate

Sixers coach Billy Cunningham marveled at the star’s myriad abilities. “It’s amazing: he’s the best player in the league; he’s got his own shoe; he’s even been in a classic movie [The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh],” he said, shaking his head in admiration. “And now he’ll be able to perform open-heart surgery—maybe right there on the court, if need be.” Teammate Lionel Hollins was similarly effusive. “Julius is always tops at everything he does,” gushed the reserve point guard. “So it’s cool he’s gonna keep his scalpels and whatnot under the bench, in case anyone ever has a heart attack.”

Benjamin Lintgen, of the university’s Cardiovascular Institute, meanwhile, warned against the rigors of both an 82-game NBA season and a postgraduate internship schedule. “There will be times when Julius will be coming straight from a game against, say, the Knicks or the Bullets, and have to work an 18-hour shift,” he said from his West Philadelphia office. “Interning is always a bit grueling—but it’s doubly so if you’ve just been banging the boards with Elvin Hayes.” Erving, however, remained typically upbeat. “I’m sure it’ll be tough, but right now? I’m just happy to be done with the tests and the studying and everything,” he said, combing out his trademark afro. “Just call me Julius Erving: M.D. Or, you know, something like that.”