Pete Maravich Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 14, 2024
Pete Maravich Then
Pete Maravich, born on June 22, 1947, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, exhibited an extraordinary passion for basketball from an early age.
This fervor was significantly influenced by his father, Press Maravich, who was a prominent basketball coach at Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and later Louisiana State University (LSU).
Press Maravich’s relentless encouragement and rigorous training methods shaped Pete’s formative years.
Young Pete’s dedication to the sport became legendary, with tales of him dribbling during long-distance runs, while riding a bicycle, and even out the window of a moving car.
These unconventional training techniques helped him develop exceptional ball-handling skills, making the basketball seem like an extension of his body.
His father’s coaching and Pete’s relentless practice sessions forged a player capable of astonishing feats on the court.
Pete Maravich Career History
Pete Maravich’s collegiate career at LSU was nothing short of spectacular.
Playing under his father, he amassed an NCAA scoring record with 3,667 career points over three varsity seasons, a record that stood until March 2024 when Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes surpassed it with 3,685 points.
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Maravich’s senior year saw him averaging an unprecedented 44.5 points per game, leading all college scorers for three consecutive years.
Known for his skinny frame, tousled brown hair, and signature floppy socks, “Pistol Pete” was a showman on the court, captivating fans with his dazzling skills and innovative play.
Maravich’s professional career began with controversy due to the record-breaking $1.9 million contract he received from the Atlanta Hawks as their first draft choice in 1970.
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Standing at 6-foot 5-inches, he entered the NBA with immense expectations.
Despite his talents, Maravich’s professional journey was plagued by injuries and team dynamics that hindered his full potential.
He played ten NBA seasons, notably winning the scoring title with the New Orleans Jazz in the 1976–77 season, averaging 31.1 points per game.
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The franchise’s move to Utah in 1979 saw a reduction in his role, and after being released by the Jazz, he finished his career with the Boston Celtics.
Post-retirement, Maravich explored various lifestyles in search of peace, eventually finding solace in Christianity.
His life, marked by both extraordinary achievements and personal struggles, left an enduring legacy in the world of basketball.
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Pete Maravich Height
Pete Maravich, standing at 1.96 meters (6-foot 5-inches), used his height advantage and exceptional skills to become one of the most dynamic and versatile guards in basketball history.
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Pete Maravich Retirement
Pete Maravich’s final season in professional basketball was split between the Utah Jazz and the Boston Celtics.
Despite showing glimpses of his extraordinary talent, recurring injuries plagued his performance and significantly limited his playing time.
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These physical setbacks ultimately forced Maravich to retire in 1980, concluding a remarkable 10-year career in the NBA.
His time with the Celtics allowed him to experience a new team dynamic, but his injuries prevented him from making a lasting impact.
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Throughout his professional career, Pete Maravich was recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions to the game.
He was named an NBA All-Star five times, reflecting his consistent excellence and popularity among fans and peers alike.
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Additionally, he was selected to the All-NBA Team on four occasions, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s premier players.
Despite the challenges he faced, Maravich’s career remains celebrated for his scoring prowess, innovative playmaking, and unforgettable showmanship on the court.
His legacy endures as a testament to his impact on the sport of basketball.
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Pete Maravich’s Wife and Children
Pete Maravich married Jackie Elliser in 1976. Their relationship was characterized by mutual support and shared life values.
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Jackie was a steadfast partner, standing by Pete throughout his basketball career and the various challenges he faced, including his struggles with injuries and his quest for peace and purpose post-retirement.
Jackie played a crucial role in Pete’s life, particularly as he navigated the transition from a professional athlete to a life beyond basketball.
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Her support was instrumental in his journey toward finding solace and stability, especially as he embraced Christianity later in life.
Pete and Jackie Maravich had two sons, Jaeson and Josh. Both sons have carried forward their father’s legacy in various ways.
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Growing up with a basketball legend as their father, Jaeson, and Josh were undoubtedly influenced by Pete’s passion for the game and his remarkable career.
Pete’s dedication to his family was evident as he sought to provide a stable and nurturing environment for his sons, especially after retiring from professional basketball.
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While Pete’s life was tragically cut short in 1988, his legacy lives on through Jaeson and Josh, who continue to honor their father’s memory and contributions to the world of basketball.
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Pete Maravich Now
On January 5, 1988, the basketball world was shaken by the sudden death of Peter Press Maravich, widely known as Pistol Pete.
Maravich, aged 40, collapsed and died of heart failure while playing in a pickup basketball game at the gym of First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California.
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The game included evangelical author James Dobson, who had invited Maravich to tape a segment for his radio show.
Tragically, Maravich passed away less than a minute after expressing that he felt great.
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His untimely death was a profound loss to the basketball community and his fans.
Despite his life being cut short, Pete Maravich’s legacy endures. Known for his exceptional skills, creative play, and charismatic personality, Maravich left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball.
His death highlighted the importance of heart health awareness, especially among athletes.
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Maravich’s influence continues to be felt, both through his impressive career statistics and the lasting memories he created for fans and fellow players.
His sudden passing also underscored the fragility of life, leaving a poignant reminder of the need to cherish every moment.
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FAQs
During his NBA career, Pete Maravich earned significant sums, including a record-breaking $1.9 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks in 1970, making him the highest-paid player at the time.
Pete Maravich tragically passed away on January 5, 1988, at the age of 40, due to heart failure during a pickup basketball game in Pasadena, California.
Pete Maravich was highly skilled and innovative, known for his scoring ability and creative playmaking. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and was named to four All-NBA Teams during his career.
Pete Maravich played most of his career before the NBA adopted the 3-point line in 1979-80. Given his exceptional shooting range and scoring prowess, it’s likely he would have excelled even more with the 3-point shot.
Pete Maravich passed away in 1988, so he would have been 79 years old in 2024 if he were still alive.
Pete Maravich is buried at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Mausoleum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.