This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/15/2008.
Maravich wasn't the first player to dribble behind his back or make a deft between-the-legs pass, but his playground moves, circus shots, and hotdog passes were considered outrageous during his era and some basketball purists felt he was more style than substance. Maravich, however, produced huge numbers, first as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history and later as a potent force for the Atlanta Hawks and throughout his career. When he moved up to varsity at LSU for his sophomore season he began the greatest scoring rampage in NCAA history. Over the next three seasons he averaged 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 ppg, respectively, leading the nation in scoring each year. During his senior season he scored 50 or more points in 10 of LSU's 31 games, setting an NCAA record for most points (1381) and highest scoring average in a single season. In 1970, he was the John Wooden Award winner. Maravich holds nearly every major NCAA scoring record, accomplishing all this without the benefit of the three-point basket, which wasn't introduced into the college game until the 1986-1987 season. The Atlanta Hawks selected Maravich with the third overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, behind Bob Lanier and Rudy Tomjanovich. Although not received warmly by the team's veterans, Pistol Pete made an immediate impact in his first season. He scored 23.2 ppg, good for ninth in the league, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. In his second year, Maravich missed 16 games and averaged 19.3 ppg, a sharp drop-off by his standards. Lou Hudson was the Hawks' go-to guy, scoring 24.7 ppg. The team replicated the previous season's 36-46 record and once again finished second to Baltimore in the Central Division. In the opening round of the playoffs Atlanta pushed the Boston Celtics to six games before falling. Maravich intensified his play during the postseason, averaging 27.7 ppg. As Maravich adjusted to the pro game his numbers improved. He remained healthy in 1972-1973 and helped the Hawks to a 46-36 record. Maravich earned his first All-Star appearance and landed a spot on the All-NBA Second Team by averaging 26.1 ppg. The Pistol's final year with Atlanta was his highest-scoring NBA season yet. He poured in 27.7 ppg in 1973-1974, second in the league to Buffalo Braves center Bob McAdoo's 30.6. Maravich played in his second NBA All-Star Game during the season and scored 15 points in 22 minutes. In the collar of this jersey is a tag that reads "MARAVICH" (handwritten) with a wash instructions tag underneath. Across the front of the jersey is "HAWKS" in red on yellow tackle twill. Below that and on the back of the jersey is the player number "44" in red on yellow tackle twill. Across the back of the jersey is the player nickname "PISTOL" in the same tackle twill. The jersey shows excellent game-use and there appears to be no alterations of any kind. Getty Images D049778036.