Monday, January 5, 2009

During the 1960's & 70's 'Pistol' Pete Maravich was a miracle ball handler and flawless shooter. His basketball training began as a small child with relentless hours of dribbling drills and shooting practice every single day. He still holds the highest scoring average in NCAA history of 44.2 ppg (had there been a 3-point line then, a mind-blowing 57 ppg). After 10 years as a prime-time NBA showman, an injury forced his retirment and began an unfortunate spiral into alcoholism. He then became a recluse, exploring yoga, Hinduism, macrobiotics, studying Catholic Trappist, Thomas Merton and even taking an interest in UFOlogy. In 1982, he became a Christian and began traveling the US sharing his new found faith. Sadly, exactly 21 years ago today, Maravich died suddenly during a church pickup game because of a previously undetected congenital heart defect. His final words, spoken less than a minute before he collapsed, were "I feel great." You've gotta admit, he really did it all.....