Michael Jordan has no case to be the number 1 NBA player of all time. He has no case to be the number 1 NBA shooting guard of all time. He never had a case to be the number 1 NBA player when he was in the NBA. If you are going to rank players, lots of players are better than him. Lots of players could beat him in a one on one game. He doesn't have the best NBA statistics of all time. He is not the best scorer of all time. He is the most overrated sports star in the history of mankind. And I could give you more examples, but you get the point.............Also, Michael Jordan fans have lots of takes where they are wrong, or where they make things up, or where they contradict themselves, or where they move the goal post, or where they don't do enough research, or where they cherry pick things, or where they are not consistent, or where they react in a negative way if someone has a take that they think is taking away from Michael Jordan..........Also, Michael Jordan fans are the worst sports fans of all time, and they are the flat Earthers of the NBA world then.....................Now, if you disagree, you can go on my program and show me why you are right. If you want to go on email TheTelephoneUniverse@Gmail.Com...........And now watch how most Michael Jordan fans will ignore all this, and they won't go on my podcast to show me how they're right on whatever they disagree on, and they will get annoyed, and they will write something negative online...........and you know why they are like this?.............Because they know that they have no proof that will prove that I am wrong on whatever they disagree on, and they are in love with Michael Jordan, and they have too much pride to admit that they are wrong in anything, and they are not educated on the NBA.
@@plb888 You're scared to go on my program and prove how you're right in anything that you disagree onon, so you lost, and when you act like you're winning you're just making a fool of yourself.
In my humble opinion, Jordan is not the greatest player ever because he perpetually broke the rules by traveling palming the ball carrying the ball etc David Stern and Michael Jordan ruined the NBA because they wanted him to get more dunks and sell more sneakers! Go to any video highlights of Magic or Bird And you'll never see them once doing any of these things violating any rules They played the game the right way fundamentally sound I can't stand Jordan!
Pete could have easily blasted Pat Riley for his negative comments, but instead humbly chose to compliment him, that is maturity beyond words and pure class. It's a shame more of today's professional athletes do not conduct themselves this way.
Pete's answer wasn't really a surprise as he became a deep and humble religious man after his retirement. His answer just underlines that. Even though he definitely disagreed with Riley here he still found the most polite way to say it.
He complimented pat first then explained he had opinions of other players/studied other players, then came back to destroy pat’s opinion of his weak defense by stating “who’s guarding who?” If he can score 45+ on someone (who is supposed to be a good defender) 😅
I modeled part of my game after Maravich because he was one of my heroes. During warm-ups at a Trailblazer game in the early 70s, I was standing under the basket, on the baseline, watching Atlanta shoot. A ball bounced to me, I looked up and made eye-contact with Pete. I threw a perfect bounce pass to him, and he made a 20-footer. I had just thrown an assist to my hero. It didn't appear in the box score, but for me, it was the play of the game.
Pistol Pete was one of the greatest. His college games were out of this world. He was a great but humble player. He of course had the skills and talent, but his basketball IQ was genius. R.I.P. Pistol Pete.
Agreed Terrel. And not only all of that, Pete had a style that was unique. It takes a fraction of a second watching a replay to know who it is. That's a special quality. How I would love to see that style again. Lots of great ballplayers today, but no Pete. Steve Nash was a little like Pete I guess.
He hit so many 3-pointers before they were allowed in college or the NBA it is ridiculous to compare him with anybody. He was gifted, wise and humble about his blessings. Many of us played like him. We are his sons. He is right about Larry Bird. The fact that he died playing in a pick-up game while giving his time to youths at a camp makes him unapproachable as a player and human being. He was down-to-earth and above us all forever in the Ultimate Show Time.
Pete hit for 68 points one night...before the 3point line was operating...you can easily add 8 more points to his total, under modern conditions....not bad for a guard!
Actually, Dale Brown (long-time LSU head coach) was an assistant coach when Pete's Dad was LSU's head coach. Brown kept all the shot charts and years later found them... he calculated Pete averaged 12 made three pointers per game for his career. So he would've averaged 56 points per game... but... with a 3 point line he would've taken more threes so perhaps 60+ points per game.
Dude this is one of the most basically decent people you could hope to hear in interviews. In response to being told that Pat Riley basically said he was nothing but hype, and pointing out holes in his game like "Maravich didn't play defense", Pete is unperturbed and starts by complimenting Riley. With the most genuine and earnest kind of compliment too, not simple flattery, he complimented his work ethic first. Heck that meant a lot more to me than the subject of the video. It means to me that hey there are some very cool and interesting people in the NBA's past and it's just as relevant today as yesterday listening to them talk, not only about the game but just about life. I'm not judging current NBA players, just saying if there are dudes today who are future NBA legends, and they're actually decent people who you can learn a thing or two from like this, there sure as hell better be another guy like Galaxy twenty years from now dredging up their stuff because they're the dudes really worth remembering.
I know you said you are not judging current NBA players but I can't help but point out that today we have amazing human beings playing the game with a high level of maturity and integrity like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Draymond Green, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Patrick Beverly and the Morris' brothers to name just a few.
I believe Pete's becoming a Christian had a lot to do with his tone and comments on the video. Quite contrary to the reputation he had before his conversion.
During his time, the style of play was just different, and the skill level of many players was not even close to what Pete had on tap! He was like a modern player from 10 years later!
I've heard Larry Birds take on Pete and it's about the same... very complimentary and giving the man his due. Pete Maravich literally changed the game of basketball... He and doctor J invented razzle dazzle ball that helped make the NBA what it is today.
Pete left us too soon. Too bad he injured his knee so badly when he was young. I saw him play against the Houston Rockets during his prime. What I saw him do in a few moments of brilliance was absolute magic!
@@rickguerrero2282 I think prime Pete could easily go toe to toe with Jordan.. Pete could score on anyone and so can Jordan, so I think they'd just cancel each other out
what a thoughtful and humble man but a tragedy that we lost him young I remember him from when I was in high school he was an exciting player to watch and that's an understatement rest in peace pete
Looking at his career stats...Pete shot 64% and then 75% in 3 pointers in his last 2 years when the 3 pt line was introduced. He probably didn't take many but still impressive...
That was for Utah and Boston in his last year. 7 for 11 with Utah and 3 for 4 with Boston. In the playoffs with Boston, he was 2 for 6 on 3 pointers. So, 12 for 21 overall on 3s. 7-11 Utah, 5-10 Boston (including playoffs).
Someone went to the trouble of examining Pet's college games, counting his longer-range shots...if there had been a 3pt line back then, Pete would have averaged 57pts per game!...His college total of over 44pts per game still stands as the all-time record. Just astonishing...think about it!
He was unbelievable playing for his dad, but we had mostly written accounts back then. He was on tv a couple times I think, but his legend grew from the people who witnessed his play. His ballhandling was unmatched in its time
Pistol Pete was a great ball player and a good man He played at a high level for many years despite having an undetected heart defect that unfortunately took his life at age 40. RIP to the Pistol.
I used to watch Roy Firestone all the time. He was very good and very entertaining. I never saw Maravich play, but he does seem like a nice, genuine guy.
What a classy interview. Terrific answers. I agree with Maravich, that Bird was the best all-round performer in the game ... "Mr Basketball". Similar to Gordie Howe in hockey. He did it all consistently at a high level. Magic and Kareem were outstanding at their particular positions and right behind him. And that's saying something folks.
Pistol Pete shows all kinds of class, humility and intelligence in this interview. His NBA career was hampered by injuries, but a healthy Pete in his prime was uniquely gifted and a wizard with the basketball...one of the all-time greats!
Man do I miss Roy Firestone and Up Close. I don't think we realized at the time how special this show was and just how good Roy was. First, he asked very good questions that allowed for long answers filled with depth and detail. Second, he asked tough questions - ones that did put some heat on the guest. But Roy was never malicious about it. He was always fair. Finally, Roy listened, and he never interrupted his guest or tried to steer an interview to his agenda. And Pistol Pete. One of my all-time favorites. Of his three choices of where to play after college: Atlanta Hawks, Carolina Cougars or the Harlem Globetrotters ... I think the Hawks were the worst option. The NBA was not ready for his style of play and his own teammates resented him. I believe he would have had more fun and success in the ABA, where he would have fit in much better. Joe Caldwell and Pete Maravich would have had a LOT of fun playing in the same backcourt. As far as the Pat Riley insult? Pete handled it very well and he made an amazing point. If Pete's man scored 15 points and he scored 45, well, who won that battle? Pat Riley averaged 18.8 ppg in college and 7.4 ppg in the NBA. I'm sure Riley was a solid defender, but if his man scored 8 points and he scored 18, I mean his +10 isn't as impressive as Pete's +30. Historically, Pete was labeled a show boater, a ball hog, selfish and a poor defender, but I feel the real reason for the criticism he took was out of pure jealousy. His Atlanta teammates resented him because he made more money as a rookie than they were making as established veterans - yet, the fans came out to see Pete. Why did the fans come out to see Pete? It's because he was fun to watch and very entertaining and exciting on the court. When a player gets that kind of attention, other players become jealous and want to degrade you. Pat Riley was a phenomenal coach and he's a terrific GM, but as a player? I'll take Pistol Pete over Pat Riley any day of the year.
I'm here after hearing about Josh Maravich's death. Pete was such a classy guy. His responses were what you would expect from someone who's humble & has a lot of class, something that today's "affaleets" don't exhibit with their chest-thumping, pointing to the sky & other ridiculous gestures that show no respect for the game, their opponents or themselves. Pete Maravich & Hank Aaron were my idols in the 70s & both were class acts, and I've strived to be like them all my life.
I kno they say records are made to be broken. But that record won't ever be touched. Idc if they come up wit a 4 point line. U could create some type of freak athlete with every skill u could think of ina lab. He still wouldn't come within a sniff of that record.
@@RudieObias No, it's not. The closest is Antoine Davis, who played 5 seasons for Detroit Mercy. Maravich only played 3 years at LSU. Davis played 61 more games than Pete did, and had 588 3-pointers (Pete - 0) Davis STILL came up 3 points shy of Maravich.
Overrated? I'd say he's underrated. The fact he still leads NCAA in scoring WITHOUT the 3 point line is amazing. His NBA career was cut short due to various injuries, but without a doubt, one of the greatest to ever play the game.
@@RS-tz2zn Turning to irrational beliefs is not a very good way to deal with problems. I suppose some people can convince themselves, but in most cases I think they don't know any better.
That is why I will not give Riley any credit. I firmly believe he never actually coached a team to a championship... he got himself hired to be the coach of a championship team... time and again! A businessman yes I give him his due he was a great businessman... coach not so much! Jeff Van Gundy could have coached the showtime Lakers to a championship!
@@jimbishop8667 For Certain, Van Gundy was a good coach though IMO. I think a steve Kerr could be used as an example on this one, got to a team with all stars and anyone could have basically coached them with that talent to a title IMO.
Pete was honest, and he could shoot the ball better than anyone to date until Curry and the rest we now have. I respect how Pete talked. He is a scoring legend and one of the best.
Great video thanks. Coming from Pete I expected nothing less than a classy response to Riley’s thoughts about his way of playing. A great classy man who was one of our greatest!
I'm sure Pete Maravich is in Heaven he wanted to be known as a Christian not a basketball player this says more about him than being a basketball player any by the way he was the greatest collegiate basketball player ever
Ferdinand Lew Alcindor had plenty of help whereas Pistol Pete was the lone gun his college scoring average will never be beaten therefore Pistol Pete is the greatest college player ever I rest my case
totally agree with his last point you can't compare by position which is why I loathe to rank players all time together. I can rank them by what position they play but comparing Jordan to Kareem? They play totally different positions. Agree with both Rick Barry and Pistol Pete on you can't compare players of different positions.
I grew up watching Pistol Pete. Highest scorer on college basketball history. Got to see him play in that wonderful lime green uniform. He is my favorite player ever. His style was so awesome. The moppy hair & saggy socks. A great guy & HOF player. Legend.
Not saying one negative thing about the brilliant Pistol Pete, (anyone who does is dead wrong!) Pete was just the best. But . . . just sayin' If Waltong had been at his best, no knees annoying him. . OH, who knows?
@@93Jubilee true, injuries cut off what might have been. Would Bo Jackson be the GOAT of running backs if he'd not gotten injured. He dominated and played baseball at a high level as well.
Pete Maravich, was a legend on, and off the court. He shook off Pat Riley's criticism very well. You don't see much of that these days with people getting upset just because of differing opinions.
@@krisharkleroad8 I thought he had simply died of a heart attack until I read about it recently. Never heard of of a condition like that. It's too bad they didn't catch it back then.
"They say Pistol Pete can't defend, Pete he can not do that... and then, the man I happened to be playing that night, I would look at the stat sheet and he had like 12-15 points and I had 45-50 and I said who's defending who?" Cold line, should shut up all the haters immediately 😂
When I was growing up, we all warnted to be Pistol Pete, Dr. J, or David Thompson. I use to try his dribbling drills, usually unsuccessfully. He was ahead of his time.
To hear him say that about Larry says an awful lot. Most people don't give Larry enough credit but I've heard many of the best players say that Larry was the best, he was the man. I've heard that about Pete too. It's too bad he died so young and didn't have a long career. When you hear the best talking about the best, many names come up. Jordan, Johnson, Chamberlain, Jabbar, Russell and a few others are all in the conversation as the best and rightfully so.
Dale Brown (long-time LSU head coach) was an assistant coach when Pete's Dad was LSU's head coach. Brown kept all the shot charts and years later found them... he calculated Pete averaged 12 made three pointers per game for his career. So he would've averaged 56 points per game... but... with a 3 point line he would've taken more threes so perhaps 60+ points per game. Having said that, by far the best and most dominant player ever in the NBA was Wilt Chamberlain and no one comes close. He's probably the best athlete ever in any sport. I could list paragraphs of stats, but consider just these few. In his 3rd season, with no other good players in their prime on his team, he averaged 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and an unofficial 10+ blocks per game. With two different teams when he had good teammates (66-67 Sixers and 71-72 Lakers) he willingly gave up shots for the team and both times his team broke the NBA record for most wins. Never done since by anyone. Wilt's the only center to lead the NBA in assists for a season. From a modern stats view... in his first 10 seasons before a devastating knee injury in an era with old fashioned surgeries and recovery, Wilt led the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating 8 times and was 2nd twice plus he led the NBA in minutes played 8 times, was 2nd once, and 3rd once (played all season with injuries). And if you add in his widely accepted 10+ blocks per game (wasn't officially tracked then), Wilt's PER would've been 7 to 10 higher meaning he'd have at least the 8 highest PERs of all time. Even without blocks his PER was usually 10-20% higher than the 2nd place player so with blocks it would've been ridiculous. The only reason he didn't play in or win more NBA finals is he was in the same conference with the greatest team ever with 16 Hall of Famers during Wilt's career. When Wilt had a couple other top players on his squad, his team went to the finals almost every year and won half.
I LOVED Pete M. Ever since I watching the brilliant man play when I about twelve, watching with my dear dad -- and then, by myself, older sisters making fun of me. He was friggin fantstic!
I’m 1970, the ABA missed a huge opportunity by not signing Maravich, Calvin Murphy, and Austin Care. All three had styles that were perfect for that league.
It really breaks my heart that Pete died so young and so tragically sudden. I really wish we could have had his amazing outlook and opinions on the game of basketball over the past 40 years. Rest in Peace, Pistol Pete. ❤
This is an example of class.Not talking about how fantastic he was,not bad mouthing anyone else even when they bad mouthed him and heaping praise on other players besides.And Reilly and Jerry West are both wrong,this guy was a superstar.Larry Bird,Magic Johnson,Wilt Chamberlain and John Havlicek all had great things to say about him.Four superstars who are all in the Hall of Fame,like him,can't be wrong about his ability.
I really admire Pete as a basketball player. However, he was such a mature, wise an honorable man. I know he became a Christian and he was the real deal in every area of his life.
One thing you will notice...if you watch guys playing in the 70s, they are cleanly dribbling the ball!...Not palming, it, or carrying it like a football on the way to the hoop, like some of the current stars do...I guess the refs have been told to not call traveling anymore?
@jordanjenkins1671 Kobe was a hard worker, Jordan Worked hard on his game everyday. Pete had a Basketball Coach Father, who had him carry a basketball around, nonstop. Fact is, by the time Pete got to the NBA, he spent more time with a Ball in a his hands, than anyone in history, up to that point in life. He was badly burnt out because basketball was his whole life
Pete was a true showman, great ball handler, and fun to watch. He wasn’t efficient, and never once made a team good, not even in college. I blame his dad, teaching him the entire game is all about him and his numbers, not the team.
@ 293-365. That is Pete’s career W-L record. That includes when he was playing small minutes on the Celtics who had a winning record. As the “guy”, his record is even worse. Again, he was a showman, but everything was about his numbers, never about the team. You must have never watched
pure class...even in the face of being ridiculed and antagonized by Roy Firestone the Pistol never lost his kool and answer the question in a mature way...imagine today's players being put into that situation...their would-be threats and endless name-calling
ridiculed and antagonized by Roy Firestone ? What ? He wasn't ridiculing or antagonizing Pistol at all, he just asked an interesting question about a quote of one of the greatest coaches of all time. He basically just asked Pete what he thinks about people who critize him for his playing style, no ill intentions it's just a tough question I guess
Michael Jordan has no case to be the number 1 NBA player of all time. He has no case to be the number 1 NBA shooting guard of all time. He never had a case to be the number 1 NBA player when he was in the NBA. If you are going to rank players, lots of players are better than him. Lots of players could beat him in a one on one game. He doesn't have the best NBA statistics of all time. He is not the best scorer of all time. He is the most overrated sports star in the history of mankind. And I could give you more examples, but you get the point.............Also, Michael Jordan fans have lots of takes where they are wrong, or where they make things up, or where they contradict themselves, or where they move the goal post, or where they don't do enough research, or where they cherry pick things, or where they are not consistent, or where they react in a negative way if someone has a take that they think is taking away from Michael Jordan..........Also, Michael Jordan fans are the worst sports fans of all time, and they are the flat Earthers of the NBA world then.....................Now, if you disagree, you can go on my program and show me why you are right. If you want to go on email TheTelephoneUniverse@Gmail.Com...........And now watch how most Michael Jordan fans will ignore all this, and they won't go on my podcast to show me how they're right on whatever they disagree on, and they will get annoyed, and they will write something negative online...........and you know why they are like this?.............Because they know that they have no proof that will prove that I am wrong on whatever they disagree on, and they are in love with Michael Jordan, and they have too much pride to admit that they are wrong in anything, and they are not educated on the NBA.
That's the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard
Bullshit
@@plb888 You're scared to go on my program and prove how you're right in anything that you disagree onon, so you lost, and when you act like you're winning you're just making a fool of yourself.
Pete's wrong about something
Bird was the best shooter.... Best shooter ever in the NBA!
In my humble opinion, Jordan is not the greatest player ever because he perpetually broke the rules by traveling palming the ball carrying the ball etc
David Stern and Michael Jordan ruined the NBA because they wanted him to get more dunks and sell more sneakers!
Go to any video highlights of Magic or Bird And you'll never see them once doing any of these things violating any rules They played the game the right way fundamentally sound
I can't stand Jordan!
Pete could have easily blasted Pat Riley for his negative comments, but instead humbly chose to compliment him, that is maturity beyond words and pure class. It's a shame more of today's professional athletes do not conduct themselves this way.
Pete's answer wasn't really a surprise as he became a deep and humble religious man after his retirement. His answer just underlines that. Even though he definitely disagreed with Riley here he still found the most polite way to say it.
@@Zamppa86 Agreed.
💯
Caught that as well. Classy man.
He complimented pat first then explained he had opinions of other players/studied other players, then came back to destroy pat’s opinion of his weak defense by stating “who’s guarding who?” If he can score 45+ on someone (who is supposed to be a good defender) 😅
I modeled part of my game after Maravich because he was one of my heroes. During warm-ups at a Trailblazer game in the early 70s, I was standing under the basket, on the baseline, watching Atlanta shoot. A ball bounced to me, I looked up and made eye-contact with Pete. I threw a perfect bounce pass to him, and he made a 20-footer. I had just thrown an assist to my hero. It didn't appear in the box score, but for me, it was the play of the game.
Nice memory!
Thank you that’s a cool story
👍
Kewl story!
Soooo poetic
What a classy guy. The confidence, humility, and maturity on display when he refused to take the bait on Pat Riley’s comments was impressive.
I love Pete's humility. I love his composure. I love his honesty. He was fun to watch.
I concur, big time. He sounds like a man.
Pistol Pete was one of the greatest. His college games were out of this world. He was a great but humble player. He of course had the skills and talent, but his basketball IQ was genius. R.I.P. Pistol Pete.
Agreed Terrel. And not only all of that, Pete had a style that was unique. It takes a fraction of a second watching a replay to know who it is. That's a special quality. How I would love to see that style again. Lots of great ballplayers today, but no Pete. Steve Nash was a little like Pete I guess.
🔫 shot 15 career 3s and Made 10.
He's teammates wer bums all his time in the league till 1980 but he was on his way out by then😢
Love Pistol Pete. So decent, humble and FAIR MINDED.
So grateful for the appreciation shown to him by Irving and Larry.
Class all around.
You mean "Earvin?"
@@ORWELL_USA
Right. Thanks.
Larry Johnson was pretty good.
@@dimitar297
A Magic Bird that flew.
For all his gifts and wizardry, Pete had a hard life. At the end he found peace, and you see it in the wisdom of this interview.
Maravich was on a whole another level when he played in the NBA!
Pistol was ahead of his time. He was "showtime" long before Magic. Pete deserves to be in any discussion about the greatest players of all time.
And Magic himself has said that he created his game by watching Pistol Pete play. So Magic was somewhat an evolution of Pete Maravich.
As long as that discussion is about the top 500 players of all time. He doesn’t belong in the top 100.
@@franzschubertv2874 Well Pistol Pete is in top 50 and top 75...
@@franzschubertv2874 Pete avg 24 pts, 5 ast, and 5 reb over 650+ game career. please list the other 400 players with similar career stats.
Maravich, Cousy, and Baylor need to be talked about more. Their talent shouldn't be lost to history
He hit so many 3-pointers before they were allowed in college or the NBA it is ridiculous to compare him with anybody. He was gifted, wise and humble about his blessings. Many of us played like him. We are his sons. He is right about Larry Bird. The fact that he died playing in a pick-up game while giving his time to youths at a camp makes him unapproachable as a player and human being. He was down-to-earth and above us all forever in the Ultimate Show Time.
@Richard Charles Agree.
Pete hit for 68 points one night...before the 3point line was operating...you can easily add 8 more points to his total, under modern conditions....not bad for a guard!
He's the point guard you're looking for in 2023....
Actually, Dale Brown (long-time LSU head coach) was an assistant coach when Pete's Dad was LSU's head coach. Brown kept all the shot charts and years later found them... he calculated Pete averaged 12 made three pointers per game for his career. So he would've averaged 56 points per game... but... with a 3 point line he would've taken more threes so perhaps 60+ points per game.
Dude this is one of the most basically decent people you could hope to hear in interviews.
In response to being told that Pat Riley basically said he was nothing but hype, and pointing out holes in his game like "Maravich didn't play defense", Pete is unperturbed and starts by complimenting Riley. With the most genuine and earnest kind of compliment too, not simple flattery, he complimented his work ethic first.
Heck that meant a lot more to me than the subject of the video. It means to me that hey there are some very cool and interesting people in the NBA's past and it's just as relevant today as yesterday listening to them talk, not only about the game but just about life.
I'm not judging current NBA players, just saying if there are dudes today who are future NBA legends, and they're actually decent people who you can learn a thing or two from like this, there sure as hell better be another guy like Galaxy twenty years from now dredging up their stuff because they're the dudes really worth remembering.
I don't have to guess who'd win in a match with Riley vs Maravich.
I know you said you are not judging current NBA players but I can't help but point out that today we have amazing human beings playing the game with a high level of maturity and integrity like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Draymond Green, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Patrick Beverly and the Morris' brothers to name just a few.
@@VelhaGuardaTricolor 🙂
I believe Pete's becoming a Christian had a lot to do with his tone and comments on the video.
Quite contrary to the reputation he had before his conversion.
I agree, Pete comes across very natural and honest, modest, and respectful.
What a dignified response to Riley's shade
That was pretty incredible of Riley to say that , probably just pissed he didn’t have him on his own team .
@@Chevy-hw6lw He was normally all class...let himself down with that...head games I know but still...
Especially considering Pat Riley had an even slower and greater liability on Defence at PG with Ervin “no D “ Johnson. 😂
Pete! Very skilled and mature and humble!
During his time, the style of play was just different, and the skill level of many players was not even close to what Pete had on tap! He was like a modern player from 10 years later!
I've heard Larry Birds take on Pete and it's about the same... very complimentary and giving the man his due. Pete Maravich literally changed the game of basketball... He and doctor J invented razzle dazzle ball that helped make the NBA what it is today.
Pete and and Earl the Pearl Monroe changed the game, then Dr J
Pete was all class.
Pete left us too soon. Too bad he injured his knee so badly when he was young. I saw him play against the Houston Rockets during his prime. What I saw him do in a few moments of brilliance was absolute magic!
Who would you take 1v1 Pete or Jordan?
@@MrPiraka123 Jordan because he goes so strong to the hoop. Pete was a good shooter and had a zillion tricks. But Jordan would be too quick.
@@rickguerrero2282 thank you I prefer Pete but to each their own!
@@MrPiraka123 Now if they were playing HORSE, it would be Pistol all the way!!!
@@rickguerrero2282 I think prime Pete could easily go toe to toe with Jordan.. Pete could score on anyone and so can Jordan, so I think they'd just cancel each other out
Greatest ball handler EVER!
Kyrie
@@kidmillion5540 Awesome too!! But , Pete was on another level all together and way ahead of his time. RIP Pistol!!!!
Pete was such a Class Act! If only todays Athletes were more like Pete on and off the court.
What a statement...he's not the best at any one thing, he's just simply the best.
Pretty profound.
Shutup Zimmerman
That’s a serious compliment if you understand it! Like GOAT talk with saying he’s the GOAT!
@@anthonychouse5514 shutup
@@nonamewillbegiven9989Poor baby ...feelings hurt?
@@libertypastor1307 you wished troll
He is so well spoken, knowledgeable and not at all egotistical.
Great basketball player, Awesome individual. RIP
'Pistol Pete ' ...The best moniker in the history of basketball.. And he truly fits it...RIP Pete, you were one of the greatest in my book..
As a kid I loved him for his ball handling and court acrobatics. But now it’s for this.
what a thoughtful and humble man but a tragedy that we lost him young I remember him from when I was in high school he was an exciting player to watch and that's an understatement rest in peace pete
Looking at his career stats...Pete shot 64% and then 75% in 3 pointers in his last 2 years when the 3 pt line was introduced.
He probably didn't take many but still impressive...
That was for Utah and Boston in his last year. 7 for 11 with Utah and 3 for 4 with Boston.
In the playoffs with Boston, he was 2 for 6 on 3 pointers.
So, 12 for 21 overall on 3s. 7-11 Utah, 5-10 Boston (including playoffs).
Someone went to the trouble of examining Pet's college games, counting his longer-range shots...if there had been a 3pt line back then, Pete would have averaged 57pts per game!...His college total of over 44pts per game still stands as the all-time record. Just astonishing...think about it!
Pete wasn't even the best shooter in the league when he played@@michaelalbertson7457
@@michaelalbertson7457and this is him not in his good
Form but at the form
Which forced retirement
He only played in one season in the NBA with a three-point line. Came to the Celtics halfway through the 1979-80 season. And retired before 1980-81.
If Pete ever played on a competitive team everyone would be including him on their discussions about great players
What a classy guy
I remember watching this when it aired. Loved this show. Roy Firestone was an outstanding interviewer.
I am proud that this man has Serbian roots, this story also applies to Jokic today.
On that note: I'm proud he's American! ( In the end, we're all one human race. )
So, what does that say about you? I'm 100% Italian; so were Al Capone, Leonardo DaVinci, John Gotti, and Michelangelo.
Love Riley love Pete love Pete even more for taking the high road and even gave the man a compliment.
for sure Pistol Pete is a classy guy
Pistol Pete literally wrote the textbook on how to be a complete player. Absolutely one of the best guards to ever play the game.
Yes he played good D. Fastest hands ever.
He was unbelievable playing for his dad, but we had mostly written accounts back then. He was on tv a couple times I think, but his legend grew from the people who witnessed his play. His ballhandling was unmatched in its time
He seems like he was a wonderful humble man. What an amazing man we lost way too early.
He actually was, he was a born again. Christian actually passed away on the basketball court, where I played beautiful, spirited man you nailed it.
People have no idea how good he was!
People have no idea by 1974 not a single GM wanted him
@@Gnofg And GM's get everything right and score points. C'mon now
@@timmismith8978 when everyone doesn't want you then the problem is you.
@@timmismith8978 Red Auerback wanted him. Smartest basketball mind ever.
Pistol Pete was a great ball player and a good man He played at a high level for many years despite having an undetected heart defect that unfortunately took his life at age 40. RIP to the Pistol.
The Pistol was a basketball genius. It is a shame he could not have played with Bird when he still had good knees.
Yes we should all lose sleep on that one
So true
I can’t imagine what those two could’ve been like together
Agreed.
@@kdonovan221 Sure u can.You've already thot about it. . .
RIP Pete. You are the one
Pete was not only gifted, but truly humble.
I loved watching him growing up and I love how he answers questions without any malice.
Pete and Larry...2 guys I want on my all time squad.
Yes indeed
I used to watch Roy Firestone all the time. He was very good and very entertaining. I never saw Maravich play, but he does seem like a nice, genuine guy.
Pete made all-NBA 1st team twice and 2nd team twice, and mad the all-star team five teams. That's a better resume than many players, including Riley.
When I was young in the mid-west we just heard about Pete @ L.S.U. He was a legend before we saw him play on t.v.
Pistol Pete as a Harlem Globetrotter would have been spectacular!
Yup! Sure would have
Most definitely
Absolutely
WADR to the movie Eraser: “that I didn’t know!
What a classy interview. Terrific answers. I agree with Maravich, that Bird was the best all-round performer in the game ... "Mr Basketball". Similar to Gordie Howe in hockey. He did it all consistently at a high level. Magic and Kareem were outstanding at their particular positions and right behind him. And that's saying something folks.
Pistol Pete shows all kinds of class, humility and intelligence in this interview. His NBA career was hampered by injuries, but a healthy Pete in his prime was uniquely gifted and a wizard with the basketball...one of the all-time greats!
Pistol Pete for the win!!! 🎉❤😎💯
Red Aurbach stated flatly, that Pete was the best ball-handler in the NBA...no question about that!
RIP, now he’s in a better place forever!
Man do I miss Roy Firestone and Up Close. I don't think we realized at the time how special this show was and just how good Roy was. First, he asked very good questions that allowed for long answers filled with depth and detail. Second, he asked tough questions - ones that did put some heat on the guest. But Roy was never malicious about it. He was always fair. Finally, Roy listened, and he never interrupted his guest or tried to steer an interview to his agenda.
And Pistol Pete. One of my all-time favorites. Of his three choices of where to play after college: Atlanta Hawks, Carolina Cougars or the Harlem Globetrotters ... I think the Hawks were the worst option. The NBA was not ready for his style of play and his own teammates resented him. I believe he would have had more fun and success in the ABA, where he would have fit in much better. Joe Caldwell and Pete Maravich would have had a LOT of fun playing in the same backcourt.
As far as the Pat Riley insult? Pete handled it very well and he made an amazing point. If Pete's man scored 15 points and he scored 45, well, who won that battle? Pat Riley averaged 18.8 ppg in college and 7.4 ppg in the NBA. I'm sure Riley was a solid defender, but if his man scored 8 points and he scored 18, I mean his +10 isn't as impressive as Pete's +30.
Historically, Pete was labeled a show boater, a ball hog, selfish and a poor defender, but I feel the real reason for the criticism he took was out of pure jealousy. His Atlanta teammates resented him because he made more money as a rookie than they were making as established veterans - yet, the fans came out to see Pete. Why did the fans come out to see Pete? It's because he was fun to watch and very entertaining and exciting on the court. When a player gets that kind of attention, other players become jealous and want to degrade you.
Pat Riley was a phenomenal coach and he's a terrific GM, but as a player? I'll take Pistol Pete over Pat Riley any day of the year.
I'm here after hearing about Josh Maravich's death. Pete was such a classy guy. His responses were what you would expect from someone who's humble & has a lot of class, something that today's "affaleets" don't exhibit with their chest-thumping, pointing to the sky & other ridiculous gestures that show no respect for the game, their opponents or themselves. Pete Maravich & Hank Aaron were my idols in the 70s & both were class acts, and I've strived to be like them all my life.
Graduated from LSU in 1970. Played 3 years. No 3-point line. Still holds the NCAA D1 scoring record.
thats is amazing
I kno they say records are made to be broken. But that record won't ever be touched. Idc if they come up wit a 4 point line. U could create some type of freak athlete with every skill u could think of ina lab. He still wouldn't come within a sniff of that record.
@@RudieObias No, it's not. The closest is Antoine Davis, who played 5 seasons for Detroit Mercy. Maravich only played 3 years at LSU. Davis played 61 more games than Pete did, and had 588 3-pointers (Pete - 0) Davis STILL came up 3 points shy of Maravich.
If a man made it, another man can break it.
Overrated? I'd say he's underrated. The fact he still leads NCAA in scoring WITHOUT the 3 point line is amazing. His NBA career was cut short due to various injuries, but without a doubt, one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Pete has a beautiful testimony about getting saved on TH-cam. My hero on many levels.
Awesome to hear. Ill look it up
Pete had class as well as skill . Thanks for the memories
That was sad. "Saved" from what? Like so many others, he was quite confused, and had a lot of sadness in his life.
@@chikkipop Everyone has a lot of sadness in their life. I don't know anyone who doesn't. That is why religion exists to help people deal with that.
@@RS-tz2zn Turning to irrational beliefs is not a very good way to deal with problems. I suppose some people can convince themselves, but in most cases I think they don't know any better.
Definitely a mature gentleman on and off the court. I was sorry when I heard of his passing. Another great who was done too soon.
Pete was smooth! Riley essentially obliterated Pete’s game in every way and the Pistol comes back with, “I like Pat Riley.” 😂👍
That is why I will not give Riley any credit. I firmly believe he never actually coached a team to a championship... he got himself hired to be the coach of a championship team... time and again! A businessman yes I give him his due he was a great businessman... coach not so much! Jeff Van Gundy could have coached the showtime Lakers to a championship!
@@jimbishop8667 As a Celtics fan, I hated Riley anyway. 😂
@jimbishop8667 you don’t think J van gundy is a good coach??
@@jimbishop8667 For Certain, Van Gundy was a good coach though IMO. I think a steve Kerr could be used as an example on this one, got to a team with all stars and anyone could have basically coached them with that talent to a title IMO.
What an honor to be invited to play for the Harlem Globetrotters!
What a great interview! A true thoughtful, well-spoken gentleman! He would have killed the league today with the three point shot. RIP.
“ ever have folks fight over you“, “it feels good” -Morgan Freeman Driving Miss Daisy
Have to admire his class. Didn't put Pat Riley down. Wow!
❤
Pat who???
@@timshull59 The guy who is the most successful basketball person since Red Auerbach.
@@Gnofg
Phil Jackson!!!
YES!
Pete was honest, and he could shoot the ball better than anyone to date until Curry and the rest we now have. I respect how Pete talked. He is a scoring legend and one of the best.
I agree with his last point: you can’t compare all players but you can compare players by positions.
Agree. Besides being so good, he had basketball smarts.
And the smarts were Brilliant!! @@petset77
Amazed by the things he did in games. Maravich was a true innovator.
Great player! Great Person! We miss you!
Great video thanks. Coming from Pete I expected nothing less than a classy response to Riley’s thoughts about his way of playing. A great classy man who was one of our greatest!
Classy comeback to Riles comments by Pete.
I'm sure Pete Maravich is in Heaven he wanted to be known as a Christian not a basketball player this says more about him than being a basketball player any by the way he was the greatest collegiate basketball player ever
So well said sir!
True. I hope he made it. I heard his last few years were rough.
Basketball players are better than Christians.
I think Kareem tops him as the GOAT college player... 3 straight championships as the main guy. Pete had killer stats but LSU went nowhere
Ferdinand Lew Alcindor had plenty of help whereas Pistol Pete was the lone gun his college scoring average will never be beaten therefore Pistol Pete is the greatest college player ever I rest my case
Brother Pete God bless you my brother 🙏
Pistol Pete was very humble in this interview. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Well-put!
A quality person and he could motor with the best. RIP, Pistol.
totally agree with his last point you can't compare by position which is why I loathe to rank players all time together. I can rank them by what position they play but comparing Jordan to Kareem? They play totally different positions. Agree with both Rick Barry and Pistol Pete on you can't compare players of different positions.
Amazing his name is out there, shows just how good he was. He is almost one of those 'what if' players because of his unfortunate knee issues.
And Bill Walton!
Great interview. Pete was a class act.
I grew up watching Pistol Pete. Highest scorer on college basketball history. Got to see him play in that wonderful lime green uniform. He is my favorite player ever. His style was so awesome. The moppy hair & saggy socks. A great guy & HOF player. Legend.
Not saying one negative thing about the brilliant Pistol Pete, (anyone who does is dead wrong!) Pete was just the best. But . . . just sayin' If Waltong had been at his best, no knees annoying him. . OH, who knows?
@@93Jubilee true, injuries cut off what might have been. Would Bo Jackson be the GOAT of running backs if he'd not gotten injured. He dominated and played baseball at a high level as well.
Pistol was also my all time favorite player. Never had the chance to see him in person, never missed a game that he was in on TV. RIP.
What a charming man. When the human quality as a human being goes with the same pack as a professional, you got a star.
Pete’s comments on Pat Riley are telling. Directly after hearing a litany of harsh criticism against him he sticks with the high game. What a mensch.
Pete Maravich, was a legend on, and off the court. He shook off Pat Riley's criticism very well. You don't see much of that these days with people getting upset just because of differing opinions.
You have to remember that Maravich had an unknown coronary condition and played most of his career without knowing.
He was missing one of his coronary arteries.
He played ALL of his career without knowing.
@@krisharkleroad8 I thought he had simply died of a heart attack until I read about it recently. Never heard of of a condition like that. It's too bad they didn't catch it back then.
@Bearded Jagger they do extensive physicals these days on the players. They would have caught it and he'd probably be around today. Real Shame.
@krisharkleroad8 but he would have never been allowed to play in the NBA. The good ones die young they say. Sad. Watch
I've never seen an interview with him before, but he is humble and likeable
Greatest college player ever, in 3 years over 3600 points. Numbers don’t lie
"They say Pistol Pete can't defend, Pete he can not do that... and then, the man I happened to be playing that night, I would look at the stat sheet and he had like 12-15 points and I had 45-50 and I said who's defending who?"
Cold line, should shut up all the haters immediately 😂
When I was growing up, we all warnted to be Pistol Pete, Dr. J, or David Thompson. I use to try his dribbling drills, usually unsuccessfully. He was ahead of his time.
To hear him say that about Larry says an awful lot. Most people don't give Larry enough credit but I've heard many of the best players say that Larry was the best, he was the man. I've heard that about Pete too. It's too bad he died so young and didn't have a long career. When you hear the best talking about the best, many names come up. Jordan, Johnson, Chamberlain, Jabbar, Russell and a few others are all in the conversation as the best and rightfully so.
Many of the greats from years ago have spoken very highly about Bird including Wilt,Bill Russell,Pete,Magic,Michael Jordan and even Jabbar.
Most people acknowledge how amazing bird was
@@KenpachiPoker I don't think that most 20-40 year old people do.
@@donolinger6904 I'd say from 20-30 you're probably right
@Richard Charles You can see the fear in Magics eyes if you look for it. It's really evident.
Dale Brown (long-time LSU head coach) was an assistant coach when Pete's Dad was LSU's head coach. Brown kept all the shot charts and years later found them... he calculated Pete averaged 12 made three pointers per game for his career. So he would've averaged 56 points per game... but... with a 3 point line he would've taken more threes so perhaps 60+ points per game. Having said that, by far the best and most dominant player ever in the NBA was Wilt Chamberlain and no one comes close. He's probably the best athlete ever in any sport. I could list paragraphs of stats, but consider just these few. In his 3rd season, with no other good players in their prime on his team, he averaged 50.4 points, 25.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and an unofficial 10+ blocks per game. With two different teams when he had good teammates (66-67 Sixers and 71-72 Lakers) he willingly gave up shots for the team and both times his team broke the NBA record for most wins. Never done since by anyone. Wilt's the only center to lead the NBA in assists for a season. From a modern stats view... in his first 10 seasons before a devastating knee injury in an era with old fashioned surgeries and recovery, Wilt led the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating 8 times and was 2nd twice plus he led the NBA in minutes played 8 times, was 2nd once, and 3rd once (played all season with injuries). And if you add in his widely accepted 10+ blocks per game (wasn't officially tracked then), Wilt's PER would've been 7 to 10 higher meaning he'd have at least the 8 highest PERs of all time. Even without blocks his PER was usually 10-20% higher than the 2nd place player so with blocks it would've been ridiculous. The only reason he didn't play in or win more NBA finals is he was in the same conference with the greatest team ever with 16 Hall of Famers during Wilt's career. When Wilt had a couple other top players on his squad, his team went to the finals almost every year and won half.
"I can't say Bird is the best ever because that would leave my son out." Perfect southern humor. I love it.
I LOVED Pete M. Ever since I watching the brilliant man play when I about twelve, watching with my dear dad -- and then, by myself, older sisters making fun of me. He was friggin fantstic!
Roy Firestone was such a great interviewer. I miss his interviews.
And Roy was funny as hell too, you gotta hear him do his imitation of Keith Jackson, oh my it is classic.
And so into himself!
His best interview was with Al Bundy
I’m 1970, the ABA missed a huge opportunity by not signing Maravich, Calvin Murphy, and Austin Care. All three had styles that were perfect for that league.
Damm , well at least I am glad to see this out there to show off what seemed like a very nice guy who was very proud of his family.
Too young to have watched Pete, but if he played half as well as he handled that interview, he probably deserves his reputation.
He did, and he does.
It really breaks my heart that Pete died so young and so tragically sudden. I really wish we could have had his amazing outlook and opinions on the game of basketball over the past 40 years. Rest in Peace, Pistol Pete. ❤
Now this what humility and class looks and sounds like! RIP Pistol Pete
This is an example of class.Not talking about how fantastic he was,not bad mouthing anyone else even when they bad mouthed him and heaping praise on other players besides.And Reilly and Jerry West are both wrong,this guy was a superstar.Larry Bird,Magic Johnson,Wilt Chamberlain and John Havlicek all had great things to say about him.Four superstars who are all in the Hall of Fame,like him,can't be wrong about his ability.
It’s funny that he just laughs off criticism because he knew how good he was
He earned that right!
I really admire Pete as a basketball player. However, he was such a mature, wise an honorable man. I know he became a Christian and he was the real deal in every area of his life.
Hardest worker in the history of basketball. Tip Top fundamentals. Incredible ball handler, and super consistent shooter.
One thing you will notice...if you watch guys playing in the 70s, they are cleanly dribbling the ball!...Not palming, it, or carrying it like a football on the way to the hoop, like some of the current stars do...I guess the refs have been told to not call traveling anymore?
@@curbozerboomer1773 you talking about carrying the ball not travelling
Idk much about Pete's career, just his highlights. But Kobe impressed me as the hardest working player ever from what I've seen.
@jordanjenkins1671 Kobe was a hard worker, Jordan Worked hard on his game everyday. Pete had a Basketball Coach Father, who had him carry a basketball around, nonstop. Fact is, by the time Pete got to the NBA, he spent more time with a Ball in a his hands, than anyone in history, up to that point in life. He was badly burnt out because basketball was his whole life
@@kinidiosodlosios6892 Both. And palming
Great clip. Thanks for posting!
I'm certain that Pete has a very special spot in Heaven. RIP Sir.
Pete was a true showman, great ball handler, and fun to watch. He wasn’t efficient, and never once made a team good, not even in college. I blame his dad, teaching him the entire game is all about him and his numbers, not the team.
Every team Pete played on got better, was better. He mede everyone around him better. Great team player. My guess is you never saw him play.
@ 293-365. That is Pete’s career W-L record. That includes when he was playing small minutes on the Celtics who had a winning record. As the “guy”, his record is even worse. Again, he was a showman, but everything was about his numbers, never about the team. You must have never watched
pure class...even in the face of being ridiculed and antagonized by Roy Firestone the Pistol never lost his kool and answer the question in a mature way...imagine today's players being put into that situation...their would-be threats and endless name-calling
And don't forget @ing people on every major social media platform
ridiculed and antagonized by Roy Firestone ? What ? He wasn't ridiculing or antagonizing Pistol at all, he just asked an interesting question about a quote of one of the greatest coaches of all time. He basically just asked Pete what he thinks about people who critize him for his playing style, no ill intentions it's just a tough question I guess
What a class act. ♥️
Pistol Pete was the coolest dude ever to set foot on a basketball court!