Dr. J has Long Island road renamed in his honor

The pride of Long Island, Julius Erving, told fans gathered on a Roosevelt street corner that he often thought of his hometown while he was away, playing pro basketball.

"You guys don't know how many nights I dreamed of just walking up and down Nassau Road — the street formerly known as Nassau Road," the retired ABA and NBA star known as Dr. J joked Thursday.

That's because the street now bears his name: Julius W. Erving Avenue.

Erving revolutionized the sport with his innovative play. For three seasons with the ABA's Nets, Dr. J wowed Long Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum where he won three straight MVP awards and made his spectacular over-the-rim play a part of the game forever.

Sometimes the road does lead back home.