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.
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"A witty saying proves nothing." -- Voltaire
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.
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.
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
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I am the guy who in April of 2005 said on the GC boards that Walsh and Roberson leaving was a good thing for our team and that we would win it all in 2007.....I was called an idiot then too!
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.
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."
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"A witty saying proves nothing." -- Voltaire
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! ) 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.
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.
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.
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"A witty saying proves nothing." -- Voltaire
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.
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!
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.
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.
) that's playing team ball!!! 
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