"Pistol" Pete Maravich: An In-Depth Look at His Legendary College Basketball Career
Pete Maravich is widely considered one of the greatest individual players in the history of college basketball. His scoring records, particularly his points-per-game average, remain unmatched. This article delves into his remarkable college career, exploring his statistics, playing style, and the impact he had on the sport.
Early Life and Nickname
Born Peter Press Maravich on June 22, 1947, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Pete Maravich's journey to basketball stardom began early. While many know him as "Pistol Pete," the origin of this nickname can be traced back to his high school days. The earliest known reference to "Pistol" Pete Maravich appeared in the Rocky Mount Telegram in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Jan. 12, 1965, when he was a junior in high school. Although there were other "Pistol Petes" around the country, including in Ohio, New Jersey, and California, the moniker stuck with Maravich.
Before joining LSU, Maravich attended Southwood College, then a prep school. His coach, Pete Meadows, recognized his potential, stating, "I feel that both Pete and (teammate) Dickie (Walker) are ready to play in the ACC. There aren't many boys around who are better for their size. Pete has become a complete player this year, and as he has improved in that respect, his shooting percentage, and even his scoring average, have also improved."
Arrival at LSU
Pete Maravich was billed as the one who would put Louisiana basketball on the map from the first day he joined his father Press at LSU. People weren’t disappointed. His freshman year they packed the old John M. Parker Agricultural Center (known as the “Cow Palace”) to watch the freshman team and then left quickly as the varsity Tigers won just three games in 1967. To those who never saw him play live, but only watched what few games were on television or listened on radio, the Maravich story at LSU may seem larger than life.
In February 1966, The Charlotte News noted, "Poppa Press, Pete's father Press Maravich, who coached N.C. State, ultimately left for LSU "in favor of the rebuilding job here." The elder Maravich acknowledged the program's struggles, stating, "The program has been down. There's no doubt about that." He attributed Pete's skill to his early exposure to the game, noting that Pete "picked up the basketball at 6 years old and later attended summer camps that his basketball coach father ran with professional star Dolph Schayes."
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Sandy Padwe of the Newspaper Press Association noted during Pete Maravich's freshman year, "The freshmen have been drawing as much as the varsity lately because a youngster named Pete Maravich is the best basketball prospect here since Bob Pettit … Pete Maravich is not just another promising freshman basketball player."
Press Maravich had a clear vision for his son's role at LSU. "I told him that he and I should go to LSU together and build up basketball there," he said. He also emphasized Pete's passing ability, stating, "He is a fine passer with a great knack of hitting the open man."
College Career Statistics and Achievements
Maravich played varsity basketball at LSU from the 1967-68 season to 1969-70, as freshmen were not allowed to play on the varsity team at the time. Over his three seasons, he consistently led the nation in scoring, achieving the three highest single-season scoring averages in NCAA history.
Here's a breakdown of his per-season averages:
- Sophomore (1967-68): 43.8 points per game
- Junior (1968-69): 44.2 points per game
- Senior (1969-70): 44.5 points per game
Maravich's career scoring average of 44.2 points per game remains the highest in NCAA history. He holds the NCAA career record for most points (3,667) in just 83 games. He also holds the NCAA record for most field goals made (1,387) and attempted (3,166), as well as most free throws made (893) and attempted (1,152).
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In addition to his career records, Maravich also holds numerous single-season records, including:
- Most points in a single season: 1,381 (1970)
- Highest points per game average in a single season: 44.5 ppg (1970)
- Most field goals made in a single season: 522 (1970)
- Most field goals attempted in a single season: 1,168 (1970)
- Most games scoring at least 50 points in a single season: 10 (1970)
He also holds the NCAA record for most games scoring at least 50 points in a career (28).
Some of his notable single-game performances include scoring 69 points against Alabama (Feb. 7, 1970), 66 points against Tulane (Feb. 10, 1969), 64 points against Kentucky (Feb. 21, 1970), and 61 points against Vanderbilt (Dec. 11, 1969). He holds LSU records for most field goals in a game (26) against Vanderbilt.
Maravich's accomplishments earned him numerous accolades, including:
- The Sporting News College Player of the Year (1970)
- Naismith Award Winner (1970)
- Three-time AP and UPI First-Team All-America (1968, 1969, 1970)
- Three-time The Sporting News All-America First Team (1968, 1969, 1970)
Playing Style and Impact
Maravich's offensive game was ahead of its time. He possessed an array of shots, including jump shots, layups, and hook shots. He was known for taking long-range jumpers, often from the right wing. As Mickey McCarthy of The Atlanta Constitution wrote after a 42-point performance against Georgia, "Most of his bombardment came from way out and that's understating the case."
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Beyond scoring, Maravich was also a gifted passer. His passing ability earned him the nickname "Houdini," as he was known for making behind-the-back and between-the-legs passes on fast breaks.
Billy Reed of The Courier Journal described Maravich as a "phenomenal freshman" who was "6 foot 5, but skinny to the point of anemic-looking … his mop of black hair simply won't stay in place … and he doesn't even bother to tuck his jersey into his basketball pants." Despite his appearance, Maravich captivated audiences and transformed basketball in Baton Rouge. Reed noted, "And because of him, and him alone, basketball in Baton Rouge has become more than just another boring way to kill time between LSU football seasons."
Maravich's impact extended beyond the court. Jesse Outlar of The Atlanta Constitution wrote, "Maravich is probably the first SEC player to make All-American before he played a varsity minute." However, his fame also came with restrictions. The Charlotte News reported that "Papa Press Maravich, the LSU coach, had announced before the Vanderbilt game that he plans to put heavy restrictions on the future interviews press, radio and television are granted with his son."
Transition to the NBA
Maravich was selected third overall in the 1970 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He played four seasons with Atlanta before being traded to the New Orleans (later Utah) Jazz in 1974. He went on to play six seasons with the Jazz and part of one season with the Boston Celtics before retiring in 1980.
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