Pete Maravich

Pistol Pete was a great leader in basketball. He was a star, he was spectacular, he was at the top, Pete was a hero. He never gave up in anything he did. Born June 22, 1947 in Pennsylvania, he was brought up in a basketball family. His father Press Maravich was a retired NBA player and then a coach. Pete is known for a lot of things and has inspired many athletes throughout the years. Pete is my hero because he is an example of dedication, hard work, leadership and reality. I respect all of those things greatly which is why he is my hero.

Pete always had a different view on things, he always wanted to try something new. His father Press taught him the fundamentals early and Pete caught on to them fast! Very quickly, he was obsessed with the game and was always trying new things. His 8th grade year he moved to North Carolina because his dad became coach for the Clemson basketball team. He attended Needham-Broughton High School. Here he had his first hardships. He made varsity as the first 8th grader ever! But he never got in. This drove Pete and this is where he started his legacy. Maravich practiced and practiced, always trying new stuff. When he did the “trick shots” he was taken back onto the bench because no one was ready for that style of basketball.

Pete’s dad knew this was the next basketball style and urged Pete to keep practicing and Pete did. Pete was the starter and developed his “Pistol Pete” name cause he shot from the hip and now was creating some buzz, he got all the records and by the time he graduated he was known almost nationwide. At this time his father was now coaching at LSU. Pete wanted to go to WVU badly. He was going to be a Mountaineer but his dad offered him a place at LSU and he took it. Throughout college he broke so many records and developed so many moves like the dribble behind the back and pass between the legs, he was amazing. He still holds the record for most points in career (3677) and this was before 3-pointers! People were amazed.

“Pistol Pete” is my hero because I look up to him so much. He played basketball, was a guard, and loved to try new things. I admire him so much. He was a great leader and knew how to be a winner. Pete always brought out the best in his teammates and knew how to get them back into the game. Pete is a star and I want be known for basketball just like he is. He developed new moves and I would like to do that also. I hope that one day I will be as good as he was.

Pistol Pete is a very respected player and is definitely remembered by many people. I hope that I can follow in his footsteps and work as hard as he did to be remembered for basketball. Pete lead his team to championships and I would like to do the same. He was a promoter, he cheered his teammates on. Pete is a hero and will always be one in mine and many others' eyes.