The following is an excerpt from the Pete Maravich biogrophy by authors Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill.

From childhood “Pistol” Pete Maravich mesmerized fans and opponents alike with his audacious ball-handling and relentless scoring. Julius Erving calls him “a basketball genius.” The mop-topped, floppy-socked prodigy became a sports legend at LSU, averaging a staggering 44.2 points per game - the highest in NCAA history.  Then a brilliant pro career with the Hawks, Jazz, and Celtics led to enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame and selection as one of the top 50 players in NBA history.   But there was a price. Maravich brought a child-like exuberance to the court that often masked a tortured and confused adult. His obsessive personality - he often referred to himself as a “basketball android” - and an inability to win a championship triggered despair and even thoughts of suicide. Eventually he found peace in Christianity and a quiet home life with his wife and sons.   Then, at age 40, Maravich died. The exact cause - a congenital heart defect - stunned both the sports and medical worlds. It was called a miracle that he survived his teens, let alone become a superstar athlete.

Many young people such as myself never had the privelage to see Pete Maravich play. Because of that when I hear people speak about some of the greats to play the game of Basketball, it's not very often I hear the name Pistol Pete brought up. So after hearing so many stories from my Father over the years about this legendary player. I decided to buy the book. If you are a fan of Pete Maravich and basketball I highly recommend it.                                                
                                  

After Just being  halfway through it I decided I had to see some of it for myself. I mean some of the things the book said amazed me that any one player could be that good. I've searched high and low over the internet for any and all films and videos I could find. I did come across quite a few real good ones that I wish I could put here. I did find one however on youtube that's pretty descent and I'll add it to the end of this post. First I want to show you some quotes that I found to be interesting from players both past and present.

"Pistol Pete is a legend to all who understand the history of basketball"--Jason Kidd

"Pete was the man. I'd just sit there and shake my head and say to myself...How'd he do that?"--Magic Johnson

"Pete was the original. He was the best ball handler I ever saw. Ever"--Pat Riley

"Oscar Robertson was the best Guard I ever played against. Jerry West was the best I ever played with. Pete was the best I ever seen."--Elgin Baylor

"I've got a lot of Pistol Pete in my game"--Steve Nash

"Like a master chess player. Pistol Pete saw things nobody else did"--Bill Walton   

I've learned all my tricks from Pete Marivich"-- Kobe Bryant  

These are just a few of the quotes that are in the book from some of the greats that have played and are playing today. So to anyone who like me was either to young or not born yet to have seen Pistol Pete Maravich play. Next time you are discussing with a friend who is the greatest of all time,befor you say Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant or any other really great player stop and think about Pete Maravich an LSU Tiger and true Basketball legend.

For some odd reason I could not post the video on the blog itself so I added it as a comment for you to see. I hope you enjoy the video and please do comment.