Maravich by Wayne Federman, Marshall Terrill, Jackie Maravich (With)

• Forewords & Introductions

Forewords & Introductions

From childhood "Pistol" Pete Maravich mesmerized fans and opponents alike with audacious ball handling and prodigious scoring. Julius Erving called him "a basketball genius." The mop-topped, floppy-socked prodigy was a 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 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 inability to win a championship triggered despair and thoughts of suicide. Eventually he found peace in Christianity and a quiet home life. Then, at age 40, Maravich died. The exact cause--a congenital heart defect-- stunned both the sports and medical worlds. Pistol Pete had been living on borrowed time. It was called a medical miracle that he survived his teens, let alone become a superstar athlete. Now, after staying silent for two decades, Maravich's widow, Jackie, has welcomed authors Wayne Federman and Marshall Terrill into Pistol Pete's private world. She has shared personal memories and provided unfettered access to the Maravich family archive of clippings, films, letters, calendars, diaries, and photographs to allow Pete's story to be fully told. The result is the definitive biography of "Pistol" Pete Maravich. In addition to countless hours spent with Jackie and her sons, Jaeson and Joshua, the authors interviewed more than 300 teammates, opponents, journalists, coaches, detractors, fans, and extended family to bring back to vivid life the story of a transcendent athlete who thrilled everyone except himself. Also included is a comprehensive appendix of Maravich statistics, plus Pistol Pete's 25 greatest games.