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ST. GEORGE -- There's a big house on the market in St. George. "No big deal," you say, "There are a lot of big houses on the market, but the guy who's selling it is a pretty big deal in the sports history books.
The man himself is pretty big too, about 6 feet 7 inches tall. He last played for Philadelphia, so it may be a surprise to many that he lived at least a couple of years in Utah.
At 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the front door of basketball superstar Julius Erving's St. George home towers over just about any average-size person.
"Here, we've got Mr. Erving's entry office," Realtor Cindy Campbell said, as she showed KSL News around the home.
Just beyond the entry office, there's a meeting room; leaning against the wall, a major memento Campbell found stuck in a corner: Dr. J's No. 6 jersey.
"He's a very modest individual," Campbell said. "His No. 6 was retired, I think, on two teams as a matter of fact. But I thought it was in the Hall of Fame."
Dr. J didn't make that move to Utah back then, but several years ago he did because he liked St. George.
"He felt safe. He travels extensively, and he was leaving a young family here," Campbell explained.
He also loved the view.
"It was winter when he finally moved in, and it was still so stunning, with the powdered sugar on the mountains," Campbell said.
Dr. J bought the house in 2006 and lived there for a couple of years, but about a year ago he moved out because of opportunities elsewhere.
"Well, he had an opportunity to buy a golf course, a celebrity golf course, in Atlanta, Georgia," Campbell said.
The house has the usual amenities: sprawling balconies, patio, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a putting green. There's also a basketball court for family competitions and pickup games.
"Even the neighbors participated a few times in some court fun," Campbell said.
There's a two-way fireplace in the master bathroom, and around on the back side there's a jetted tub, fit for a king -- or at least a superstar.
"The builder contacted the NFL to find out where they could find a bathtub that size," Campbell said.
Most of Utah remained unaware such a famous athlete was living here. Campbell says he never projected his celebrity on the community.
"Oh, no. Quite the opposite," she said. "He was always the gentleman."
The price tag may seem like a fortune, but a couple of years ago it might have been even higher, so maybe $2.25 million is a bargain. Dr. J has had the home on the market on and off for a year.
E-mail: jhollenhorst@ksl.com
