ESPN REPORT: LSU Tigers Icon Pete Maravich Named the Greatest of All Time in Men’s College Basketball
Beats Out Legends Austin Carr, Christian Laettner, Dan Issel, and Jerry Lucas in Historic GOAT Selection
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In a moment that has sparked celebration in Baton Rouge and admiration across the basketball world, LSU legend Pete Maravich has officially been named the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in men’s college basketball, according to a comprehensive ESPN fan and analyst poll released today.
Known simply as “Pistol Pete,” Maravich’s collegiate years at LSU from 1968 to 1970 remain some of the most electrifying in NCAA history. Despite playing before the introduction of the three-point line and shot clock, he averaged an astonishing 44.2 points per game over his career—a record that still stands and likely never will be broken.
The vote saw Maravich edge out an elite group of contenders, including Austin Carr of Notre Dame, Christian Laettner of Duke, Dan Issel of Kentucky, and Jerry Lucas of Ohio State—all college legends in their own right. Yet it was Maravich’s revolutionary style, sheer scoring ability, and cultural impact that pushed him to the top.
Why Maravich?
Pistol Pete wasn’t just a scorer—he was an artist with a basketball. His no-look passes, behind-the-back dribbles, and deep-range jumpers captured the imagination of fans long before flashy play became mainstream. He played with flair and finesse at a time when the college game was still largely traditional and methodical.
What makes Maravich’s stats even more jaw-dropping is the fact that freshmen were not allowed to play varsity basketball in his era. His record-breaking numbers came in just three seasons, making his per-game averages even more astonishing.
More than five decades later, no one has come close to matching his career points total of 3,667. In fact, modern stars with access to longer seasons, shot clocks, and the three-point line still lag far behind in both scoring and impact.
His former coach—and father—Press Maravich once said, “Pete was ahead of his time. What you see in the NBA today, he was doing it in college before anyone else.” That sentiment rings even truer now, as today’s game mirrors the showmanship and skill that Pete brought to every arena he entered.
Cultural Icon and Lasting Legacy
Beyond the stats, Maravich became a symbol of creativity in sports. He transcended the game with his shaggy hair, floppy socks, and on-court wizardry. LSU basketball became a national attraction because of him, and his influence is still visible today in how guards play and how the game is marketed.
Even NBA stars like Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving have credited Maravich as an influence on their playing styles. For many, Pete didn’t just play basketball—he redefined it.
Today’s announcement cements Maravich’s place in the pantheon of sports legends, not just as one of the greatest scorers, but as a player who fundamentally changed the way basketball is played and perceived.
With this GOAT recognition, LSU’s Pete Maravich—whose name already graces the Tigers’ home arena—takes his rightful place at the very top of college basketball history. His legacy lives on, not just in record books, but in every crossover dribble and deep three we see today.
Read more on ESPN.com
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