He was my childhood idol. I was fortunate enough to play basketball on Saturdays as a youngster at the Metairie YMCA when the Jazz were located in New Orleans. I'll never forget the time during a pickup game in the Summer as I was waiting for the next game. Pistol was there playing in the pick up game before us. He literaly took about 1 or 2 steps past half court, took a normal jump shot (about 35 feet out) and started running to the other end of the court as the ball went swish. The legend grew from there.
Anyone who's ever seen him play in person or on TV was truly amazed by him. He actually looked awkward at times-elbows moving everywhere. You'd never think he could eat Walt Frazier's lunch, But he could-and DID. There's nothing to say or add to what has been said other than "you've got to see to believe. What most people don't know is how troubled his life had become because of his fame and success. He had a real problem with alcohol (like a lot of us) and he struggled with life a lot more than he did with the man-to -man defenses. Evidently life began to swing out of control for him. But he eventually overcame all this by going through a true conversion in which he was able to put his life into true perspective. When he died unexpectedly at so young of an age, he realized an accomplishment that probably escapes most of us. He found joy in his life and his family through faith. He died a happy man - on the basketball court. His family still lives here on the northshore in Covington. I'm sure he'd wish the same for all of us. Merry Christmas to all of you and your families, especially to all the beautiful children whose pictures you post on this forum from me and my family.
Agree...LSU has been blessed with the likes of Maravich and Chris Jackson. I remember as a child going to the Pistol's basketball camp and hearing all the stories about him. Never thought that I would see another player with his skills....and I have yet. I also remember Chris Jacksons first year and how exciting LSU basketball became to me. I remember watching Chris Jackson and Ole Miss's Gerald Glass light up the scoreboard one night. Wow, I long for those days!!!
I was away from Louisiana while Pete attended LSU and only got to see him a few times on TV. Two things stand out. The floppy socks and the shaggy hair. Damn, he could shoot the rock. He might have been the best pure shooter I've ever seen. Bird would probably be a close second. Pete injured many a team mate with his no look passes. Left us way too early.
It's called basketball tradition for those who don't believe LSU is a basketball school. Sorry, I had to throw that in there.... I didn't get to see Pete play much but my dad did, I've also seen clips and classic games, amazing... I did get to see Chris Jackson, Wow, I also remember seeing that Ole Miss game with Gerald Glass. Chris Jackson's freshman year was awesome and amazing. I believe that was the year we beat Georgetown in the Superdome as well as UNLV at home. Ok, you guys have made me excited about LSU basketball all of a sudden. I'm happy, I believe the good ole days are coming back with our new coach! Happy Days will be here again very soon!
I wonder....did LSU film all of its games for scouting purposes when the Pistol played? And how many, if they did, still exist. I'm curious because I know with today's technology, it would be no problem to superimpose the 3-point line onto the film and figure out how many points he'd have by today's standards. Then you could put to rest the comparisons of Pistol Pete to ANYONE.
Never saw him at LSU, but I bought a lot of Jazz tickets. I saw them the first season, before they played at the Superdome. I forget where it was, Loyola field house? Saw Bill Walton up close, tall dude! Everyone showed up for the Nicks games, Walt against Pete was special, best offensive guard against the best defensive player. Both were good on the other end also. I remember being down by 5 with a minute to go, Pete intercepted an inbound pass near halfcourt, took it in and scored. Jazz got another turnover and fed the ball to Pete, naturally, he scored. We won, Pete and the team played real hard, it was amazing. I like this instructional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np_ee6Z4bDc&feature=related This is pure COOL!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5BxF2RJ7Xk&feature=related With Red Auerbach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSb4uSR7V8&feature=related
