Pistol Pete Maravich’s Legendary College Years at LSU
When people talk about the greatest scorers in basketball history, one name always stands out — Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich. Before dazzling the NBA, Maravich put on a show in college that has never been matched.
Early Years at LSU
Maravich, born on June 22, 1947, arrived at LSU in 1966. Back then, NCAA rules didn’t allow freshmen to play varsity basketball, but that didn’t stop him from making noise. Playing for LSU’s freshman team in 1966–67, he averaged an unreal 43.6 points per game, giving fans a preview of what was to come.
Sophomore Season (1967–68) – Age 20
In his first varsity season, Maravich immediately became the nation’s top scorer, averaging 43.8 points per game along with 5.1 assists. No player had ever dominated the scoreboard like him.
Junior Season (1968–69) – Age 21
Maravich turned it up another notch, averaging 44.2 points per game. His flair, behind-the-back passes, and long-range shots (before the three-point line even existed) electrified LSU fans and frustrated defenses.
Senior Season (1969–70) – Age 22
In his final season, Maravich went out with a bang — averaging 44.5 points per game and finishing his college career with 3,667 points in only three varsity seasons. He remains the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, a record that has stood for over 50 years.
Legacy
What makes Maravich’s numbers even more jaw-dropping is that he did it without a three-point line and in an era with slower-paced games. If the three-point shot had existed, many believe his scoring averages would have been closer to 55–60 points per game.
Pete Maravich wasn’t just a scorer — he was a showman, an innovator, and a pioneer. His LSU years remain one of the most incredible runs in college basketball history.
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