PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Once upon a time Hampton Roads could lay claim to a professional basketball team that was challenging the NBA. From 1970-1976, the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association was among the best.
A good portion of those games took place at Norfolk Scope or the Hampton Coliseum. Former members of those teams will be reuniting on Friday from the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel. At least three are Basketball Hall of Famers that includes Julius Erving (Dr. J), George Gervin (The Iceman) and Charlie Scott. Gervin and Scott had fond memories from their time in Hampton Roads.
"It brings back good memories" said Scott who would later move on to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns and later win a title with the Boston Celtics. "It was the beginning of playing professional basketball. It was the beginning of being out on my own. I was 21, 22, and had money."
Gervin added, "I'm humbled. I'm so thankful that the Squires gave me the opportunity to become a young professional ABA ball player."
Unfortunately Erving, Scott and Gervin never got the opportunity to play together. Scott, 75, played for the Squires from 1970 to 1972 and played with Erving for just one year. Erving, 74 teamed up Gervin for just a season before moving on to the New York Nets where they captured two titles. He would then go on to the NBA and won a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
Gervin moved on to the Spurs, then also of the ABA and would stay until San Antonio eventually was a part of the ABA/NBA merger in 1976.
Gervin and Scott thought about what it would have been like had they stay together with Erving while with the Squires to form their "Big 3" at that time.
"That really could have been special", Gervin said. "It would have been real special for me".
Scott joked, "Could you imagine how many basketballs we would have needred with me, Julius and George on the same team?! That would have been the problem", he said. "We were all young at that time. We were all building a reputation. I don't think that would have worked too well. We were all trying to build a reputation of being a very good basketball player."
Those who saw them play could only imagine what could have been.