clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

ABA Stories Part 1 With Julius Erving and Terry Pluto

Ryen talks with Hall of Fame legend “Dr. J” about his time playing in the ABA before talking with renowned sportswriter Terry Pluto about the history of the league

By Ryen Russillo
ABA 50th Reunion Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images


In Part 1 of a two-part series, Ryen Russillo talks with Basketball Hall of Fame legend Julius Erving about his time playing for the Virginia Squires, his famous Atlanta Hawks exhibition games, the “Ice Man” George Gervin, ABA fist fights, winning an ABA title with the New York Nets, and finding his basketball “home” in Philadelphia (3:30). Then Ryen talks with Terry Pluto, renowned sportswriter and author of Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association, about the fast-and-loose ABA, its aggressive competition with the NBA, chaotic drafts, money troubles, ever-present merger rumors, and so much more (40:15).

If you would like to donate to the Dropping Dimes Foundation click HERE.

Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / RSS

Next Up In The Ryen Russillo Podcast

The Latest

Streaming Is Coming for Sports, a Debate Preview, and Football Weekend Audio

Bryan and David also discuss Taylor Swift’s attendance at the Chiefs game on Sunday

By Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker

North London Derby Debrief, Newcastle’s Record-Tying Win, and the Rest of the Premier League

There are some flowers for Megan Rapinoe, who bowed out from international football on Sunday

By Ian Wright and Ryan Hunn

2023 Ryder Cup Preview and Picks!

House and Hubbard talk through the design of the Ryder Cup golf course, debate whether it gives Team Europe an advantage, and explain why depth is the advantage for the U.S. Team

By Joe House and Nathan Hubbard

Austin Rivers on Podcasting as an Active NBA Player and Life as a Role Player in the League

The NBA veteran joins to discuss his journeyman career

By Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and 1 more

Are the Dolphins Terrifying the Rest of the NFL? Plus Top 5 NFL QB Prospects and More With Todd McShay.

Ryen breaks down the latest in NFL and college football, including he Ohio State–Notre Dame matchup, QB prospects for the 2024 NFL draft, and Oregon-Colorado

By Ryen Russillo

Clarence Thomas, College Admissions, and Court Expansion With Elie Mystal

Bakari and Elie also discuss the diverse judicial appointments of the Biden administration

By Bakari Sellers