"Pistol Pete" Maravich - a legend

[Bazza]

Wonder if any of our guys ever watched Pete on video?

I would think they at least know of his name and legacy.

I had a subscription to "Sports Illustrated" during his years and I know he was on the cover more than once. I still have all those magazines stored away somewhere.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyEzPCBfEfM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8qUZILi8IM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATOHSfduRMU

Career highlights and awards

5× NBA All-Star (1973–1974, 1977–1979)
2× All-NBA First Team (1976–1977)
2× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1978)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)
Naismith College Player of the Year (1970)
Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1970)
UPI Player of the Year (1970)
Sporting News Player of the Year (1970)
2× USBWA Player of the Year (1969–1970)
AP College Player of the Year (1970)
3× SEC Player of the Year (1968–1970)
3× Consensus NCAA All-American First Team (1968–1970)
NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
#7 Retired by the New Orleans Hornets and the Utah Jazz

On January 5, 1988, Pete Maravich collapsed and died at age 40 of heart failure[19] while playing in a pickup basketball game in the gym at a church in Pasadena, California, with a group that included James Dobson of Focus on the Family fame. Maravich had flown out from his home in Louisiana to tape a segment for Dobson's radio show that aired later that day. Dobson has said that Maravich's last words, less than a minute before he died, were "I feel great." An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a rare congenital defect; he had been born with a missing left coronary artery, a vessel which supplies blood to the muscle fibers of the heart. His right coronary artery was grossly enlarged and had been compensating for the defect.[20]

Maravich is buried at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Mausoleum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.



More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Maravich

[ApexNC]

Best college player ever, IMO

[Apeman]

Greatest ball handler and passer in history

[jagervol01]

Greatest ball handler and passer in history
Not named Earvin Johnson maybe. His dad was the coach at LSU back then and gave him free reign to shoot whenever and from wherever without much regard for the success of the team which was mediocre at best. A typical LSU / Kentucky game back then Pete would score 50 and Kentucky would win by 40. He is simply the most flashy bball player ever that never won a thing.

[gatorsfa]

Remember seeing him play horse back when NBA games of the week had a series of those games at halftime (I think they did a one on one series as well). Anyway, he smoked Abdul-Jabbar and finished by spinning the ball on his finger, walking away from the basket, and punched the ball blind and over his shoulder into the basket. Great athlete. Tremendous showman. Not a team player. Give me Magic or Big O. But never dull.

[GatorNorth]

What would he have scored with a 3 point line?

[madgator]

What would he have scored with a 3 point line?


I was just going to say the same thing......sick!

and didn't even get to play as a freshman

[phatGator]

What would he have scored with a 3 point line?

I think the Wikipedia article said an LSU coach went back and plotted all Pete's shots and determined he would have hit something like 13 3s a game.

The POY thread had me looking up stuff about him. The YouTube on his top 10 is incredible. Just watched it this evening at a friend's house. One of the guys saw Pete's passes without looking and decided his vision must have been 360 degrees.

[ovillegator]

A great player. And a good man. A born-again Christian before he passed, too.

[madgator]

"Homework Basketball"


the MUST HAVE drills for any one looking to be a player.

http://www.pistol-pete-videos.com/Pistol_Pete_Ball_Handling.htm

I pretty much did something from this video everyday from the age 11 through 17.....get you some nice handles

[regurgigator]

Too bad he quit the year Boston ended up winning their first championship with Bird. I would like to have seen him get a ring.

Great player IMO - one of the greatest. Unfortunately for him, championships are won by teams.

I remember seeing him on tv a couple of times when he was in college and the adults who were watching called him "a gun" in disdain. I didn't really know any better (or worse?) at the time. But now, I think it was probably more that all the shooting he did in college was the best thing for the team he was on, which I don't think was otherwise talented enough to compete with teams like Kentucky.

It may be that Maravich didn't have the type of game that could have meshed with a great NBA team, but I'm not convinced he was ever in the situation where that was proven. I know I'd like to think he could have positively used those incredible skills on a championship contender if he'd had the chance.

[Go2gtr]

I think the Wikipedia article said an LSU coach went back and plotted all Pete's shots and determined he would have hit something like 13 3s a game.

The POY thread had me looking up stuff about him. The YouTube on his top 10 is incredible. Just watched it this evening at a friend's house. One of the guys saw Pete's passes without looking and decided his vision must have been 360 degrees.

Dale Brown did that.

Why are people condemning him for being a showman or being too selfish? His game was perfect for the NBA. People kiss Magic Johnson's arse for his showy assists, why not Pistol Pete? He was maybe the most uniquely talented basketball player in the history of the game.

[REM08]

He was a great player and great guy. Think he gets undeserved criticism for his play style, when you consider the talent around him.

[EvenParGator]

There is Pistol and then there is everybody else. I saw him play all three times in Gainesville and was transfixed every second of each of those games.

[Bryan85]

Saw him play Florida in Florida Gym in about '69 or '70. He scored fifty something points though Florida beat LSU and UF didn't win many back then. Think that 55 or 53 points is still the record scored by any player at Florida Gym and vs UF.

Regarding him being a good guy or not..... We only know based on what we've heard or read.....Right? But based on a documentary I saw a few years ago..... he was an awful student an an alcoholic possibly even in high school. He grew up in Raleigh, NC and wanted to go to NC state but couldn't get in. That was nearly impossible, back then. His coach, Daddy did some deal to coach LSU by bringing Pete along. Didn't go to class much at LSU and was an alcoholic there by most accounts.

[ajoseph]

As a young kid, I saw him play in the Superdome with the New Orleans Jazz. I remember New Orleans losing but having a blastwatching him play. For me, it was like watching Archie Manning on a basketball court.

[REM08]

Saw him play Florida in Florida Gym in about '69 or '70. He scored fifty something points though Florida beat LSU and UF didn't win many back then. Think that 55 or 53 points is still the record scored by any player at Florida Gym and vs UF.

Regarding him being a good guy or not..... We only know based on what we've heard or read.....Right? But based on a documentary I saw a few years ago..... he was an awful student an an alcoholic possibly even in high school. He grew up in Raleigh, NC and wanted to go to NC state but couldn't get in. That was nearly impossible, back then. His coach, Daddy did some deal to coach LSU by bringing Pete along. Didn't go to class much at LSU and was an alcoholic there by most accounts.


I think most of us are referring to the stark contrast between the guy he used to be and the guy he became later in life. As odd as it is, sometimes the guy who turned things around gets more adulation than the guy who always had it right (to whatever degree that is possible of course). That being said, I haven't seen anyone question the kind of person he became later in his life after his conversion to Christianity.

[notexgator]

EvenPar - You are exactly right -- there was Pete and then everyone else. A good friend of mine in college who played and attempted to guard Pete (Gary Mc) said that he was like trying to guard 3 players at once. While I am old, I do not have old man disease as I coached AAU basketball from 1999 to 2009 and I can tell you I saw every great college and later NBA player during that time and NO ONE was in Pete's league.

[Jaggator]

How did he die? How old was he when he died?

[REM08]

How did he die? How old was he when he died?

He was playing basketball in a gym in a California church when his heart gave out. He died in the arms of James Dobson and his last words were "I feel great." He was born with a heart defect.

[phatGator]

When I was in high school SI did a big article on him. As a kid he dribbled the ball everywhere. He would sit in a movie theater and dribble low to the floor, as fast as he could. He would dribble down the sidewalk and do behind the back passes of the sides of buildings. The ball just became part of him.

I'm envious of those that got to see him in college. I did see him once with the Atlanta Hawks.

[regurgigator]

I think most of us are referring to the stark contrast between the guy he used to be and the guy he became later in life. As odd as it is, sometimes the guy who turned things around gets more adulation than the guy who always had it right (to whatever degree that is possible of course). That being said, I haven't seen anyone question the kind of person he became later in his life after his conversion to Christianity.

Thus, the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son.

Being a poor student or an alcoholic aren't necessarily great faults IMO. Better than being a mean guy.

[EvenParGator]

43.8 ppg for his 3 yr. college career and was hammered as mercilessly on the court as is imaginable. If you did that to someone on the street, you'd get arrested. No, he didn't play any defense, but he did what he did in college better than ANYONE that breathed air. There is no more relevant discussion or argument to be made.

[madgator]

43.8 ppg for his 3 yr. college career and was hammered as mercilessly on the court as is imaginable. If you did that to someone on the street, you'd get arrested. No, he didn't play any defense, but he did what he did in college better than ANYONE that breathed air. There is no more relevant discussion or argument to be made.



I like to put together schools "all time greats" teams. compare them against other schools.

LSU actually has a really good group. one of the better ones actually. especially considering that the program has never one a national title

C O'Neal
PF Swift or Davis
SF Pettit
PG Pistol Pete
SG Chris Jackson

[LakePlacidGator]

I was in Florida Gym in 68 and 69 when Pete played us. While in my seat, several times he faked me out into thinking he was passing the ball to me. I would raise my hands thinking I would catch his pass. Of course, the ball never came to me. Yet there I was trying to catch his pass in front of the other fans. I felt foolish, but he was also faking out his teammates and our players as well.

[themistocles]

He was a good shooter, and he played for his father.

He may be considered a legend, but I never really thought that highly of him as a team basketball player, which is what I value.

[GatorLurker]

Pete was an original that changed the game. Much like John Micheal Cooper.

[phatGator]

He was a good shooter, and he played for his father.

He may be considered a legend, but I never really thought that highly of him as a team basketball player, which is what I value.

It's interesting that playing with the Hawks he elevated his teammates. According to Wikipedia:

"Maravich erupted in his third season, averaging 26.1 points and dishing out 6.9 assists per game. With 2,063 points, he combined with Hudson (2,029 points) to become only the second set of teammates in league history to each score over 2,000 points in a single season."

[regurgigator]

He was a good shooter, and he played for his father.

He may be considered a legend, but I never really thought that highly of him as a team basketball player, which is what I value.

I think they said he averaged about 7 assists per game in college, which is nothing to sneeze at for passing the ball.

But, to me, if - theoretically speaking - you can most help your team win by taking every single shot, then (by God! :happy:) that's playing team ball!!!

Of course in real competition that will never be the case, and maybe Maravich took more shots than was best for his college team. But, I'm not completely convinced that's the case without seeing some more info (how good were his teammates, etc.).




I tell you what (in my best cracker voice). If I coached Kevin Durant, he'd average 35+ points per game and some of his teammates would just have to accept the fact that they weren't going to get as many shots as they apparently think they should.

[Bazza]

Thanks for all the comments thus far.

Especially from those who were fortunate enough to see him play in person.

I put him in the category of the brighter burning candle that burned out faster than the rest.

R.I.P. "Pistol Pete"!

[phatGator]

Thanks for all the comments thus far.

Especially from those who were fortunate enough to see him play in person.

I put him in the category of the brighter burning candle that burned out faster than the rest.

R.I.P. "Pistol Pete"!

Thanks for starting the thread. I wanted this discussion after the POY thread brought him up, but didn't want to hijack that thread.

[Bazza]

Thanks for starting the thread. I wanted this discussion after the POY thread brought him up, but didn't want to hijack that thread.

You're welcome Phat! He's always been a special player in my opinion and worth remembering.

Sorry I didn't see that thread. Is "POY" = Player Of the Year?

[DowntownGator]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ATOHSfduRMU


At 4:20 in this video, some of you Gator fans might recognize Pistol Pete's sick fake behind the back pass opening the lane for a layup ... and you might remember it because Jason Williams had a version of that move and displayed it at Rupp the year he destroyed Kentucky all by himself in 1998, I believe.

4:20 .. Jason Williams ... lol

[phatGator]

You're welcome Phat! He's always been a special player in my opinion and worth remembering.

Sorry I didn't see that thread. Is "POY" = Player Of the Year?

Yes, last week of so. The question was asked who should get it this year in the SEC and the discussion drifted towards criteria. Pete got mentioned and there were a few back and forth comments. I didn't want to hijack it into a Pistol Pete thread, and so appreciated when you started this one.

[67walkon]

Saw him play the Gators at Alligator Alley! I think it was my sophomore year when the game started at 7:30 and I had a mid-term starting at 7:00. It was in one of those big rooms for one of the mandatory classes. I made the tip off. Please don't tell my parents.

[GatorLurker]

"Christmas Tree" the bubble sheet?

[Bazza]

Yes, last week of so. The question was asked who should get it this year in the SEC and the discussion drifted towards criteria. Pete got mentioned and there were a few back and forth comments. I didn't want to hijack it into a Pistol Pete thread, and so appreciated when you started this one.

OK Phat - I understand now. Good call on your part - and good timing on mine!

I love it when a plan comes together!
~The A-Team

I'll have to look up that thread as I think we have a few who could be nominated easily.

I have to restrain myself now not to hijack my thread! :)

Thanks for your reply and comments, sir! :wave:

[GolphinGator]

There is Pistol and then there is everybody else. I saw him play all three times in Gainesville and was transfixed every second of each of those games.

I agree. I watched him play Florida here in the old gym and the guy put on a great show. Not sure I even looked at any of the other 9 players on the court.

[secgator]

I never got to see him in person, but watched every chance I could when LSU was on tv, which wasn't often. Then the same for the pros. As far as ball handling---shooting--overall slight of hand and control....I have to agree with several in here: NO ONE comes close to the level he played. No one.

This includes Johnson, Bird, MJ, none of the present day guys...I mean literally--no one to have ever played the game is in his league.

[Jaggator]

He was a phenomenal player in a class by himself.

I wouldn't want to play 'HORSE" with him either let alone try and guard him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9JLJunoxlc

[SwampFox]

Thanks for bringing this topic up. Floppy socks, floppy hair, rediculous ballandling and shooting skills. The guy was a pure showman and for the times, it just seemed right, team player or not.

He will always be remembered..