How Many Points Did Pistol Pete Score in College?
Pistol Pete Maravich is widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. During his three-year career at Louisiana State University (LSU), Maravich scored an astonishing 3,667 points, averaging 44.2 points per game. In this article, we’ll delve into Maravich’s college career, exploring his impressive statistics, awards, and accolades.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on June 22, 1947, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Pete Maravich was a basketball prodigy from a young age. He began playing organized basketball at the age of 5 and quickly developed a passion for the game. Maravich’s father, Press Maravich, was a basketball coach and mentor who helped shape Pete’s skills.
In high school, Maravich attended Daniel Boone High School in Kingston, Tennessee, where he averaged 28.8 points per game as a senior. His impressive performance earned him a scholarship to LSU, where he would go on to make his mark on college basketball.
College Career
Maravich played for LSU from 1967 to 1970, leading the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances. During his three-year career, he set numerous records, including:
- Most points scored in a single season: 1,381 points in the 1969-1970 season
- Most points scored in a single game: 69 points against Alabama on February 7, 1970
- Most consecutive games with 20+ points: 46 games
Maravich’s impressive statistics earned him numerous awards and accolades, including:
- 3x First-Team All-American (1968-1970)
- 2x SEC Player of the Year (1969-1970)
- LSU’s all-time leading scorer
Awards and Accolades
Maravich’s college career was marked by numerous awards and accolades, including:
- NCAA Scoring Champion (1968-1970)
- SEC Scoring Champion (1968-1970)
- LSU’s all-time leading scorer (3,667 points)
Legacy and Impact
Pistol Pete Maravich’s college career had a lasting impact on the sport of basketball. His impressive statistics and awards earned him a place in the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame, the College Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Maravich’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, and his passion for the game inspired countless young players.
Comparison to Modern-Day Players
To put Maravich’s scoring average into perspective, here are the scoring averages of some modern-day college basketball players:
| Player | Scoring Average |
|---|---|
| Pistol Pete Maravich | 44.2 points per game |
| Oscar Robertson | 33.4 points per game |
| Jerry West | 28.1 points per game |
| Steph Curry | 24.3 points per game |
| Zion Williamson | 22.6 points per game |
As you can see, Maravich’s scoring average is significantly higher than that of many modern-day college basketball players.
Conclusion
Pistol Pete Maravich’s college career was marked by impressive statistics, awards, and accolades. His scoring average of 44.2 points per game is still the highest in NCAA Division I history, and his 3,667 points scored during his three-year career at LSU are a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport.
Maravich’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics, inspiring countless young players and cementing his place as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time.
