ESPN REPORT: Pete Maravich, the legendary basketball player for the LSU Tigers, who played collegiately from 1968 to 1970, has been crowned the greatest college men’s basketball player of all time. He defeated Austin Car of Notre Dame, Christian Laettner of Duke, Dan Issel of Kentucky, and Jerry Lucas of Ohio. Read more 👇👇

In a historic and emotional announcement that has reignited debates among basketball fans across generations, ESPN has officially named LSU legend **Pete Maravich** the greatest college men’s basketball player of all time. The recognition comes as part of ESPN’s “College Basketball GOAT” series, where players were voted on by a combination of fan input, expert analysis, and statistical legacy.

Maravich, known worldwide as “Pistol Pete,” defeated a roster of college basketball royalty to claim the top spot. Among those he outshined were Notre Dame’s Austin Carr, Duke’s Christian Laettner, Kentucky’s Dan Issel, and Ohio State’s Jerry Lucas — each a Hall of Famer in their own right. But when it came to singular impact, artistry, and production, Maravich stood alone.

Despite playing in an era without the three-point line and without shot clocks, Pete Maravich still holds the NCAA record for **career points: 3,667**, scored over just three seasons (1968–1970). That’s an average of **44.2 points per game**, a staggering number that has never been seriously threatened in more than 50 years.

He achieved those numbers at Louisiana State University**, playing under the guidance of his father and head coach, Press Maravich. Every game he played became a spectacle. With his behind-the-back passes, no-look assists, deep-range shooting, and unmatched flair, Maravich transformed college basketball into a show — long before “entertainment value” became part of the scouting report.

Many basketball historians argue that had Maravich played under today’s rules, with a three-point line and more possessions per game, his career point total could have easily surpassed **5,000 points.

ESPN’s College Basketball GOAT Bracket featured 64 of the most accomplished and iconic names in NCAA history. Voters were asked to weigh not just stats, but also impact, historical context, and legacy.

He eliminated Austin Carr in the opening rounds, despite Carr’s legendary NCAA tournament scoring record.

He edged past Christian Laettner, a two-time national champion widely regarded for his clutch performances and postseason brilliance.

He surpassed Dan Issel one of Kentucky’s most consistent big men and a scoring powerhouse.

* And in the final round, Maravich took on **Jerry Lucas**, a dominant rebounder and NCAA champion from Ohio State — securing victory with more than 60% of the final vote.

Though Maravich tragically passed away in 1988 at just 40 years old, his style and swagger live on in today’s game. NBA players such as Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving have often cited Maravich as an early influence for ball-handling and creative offensive play.

“He was the first to turn the court into a canvas,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “Before flashy passes became highlights, Pete was doing them live, game after game. He was must-see basketball decades before social media.”

At LSU, his legacy is permanently enshrined. The school’s basketball arena bears his name — the **Pete Maravich Assembly Center** — and his statue stands proudly outside.

Though Maravich never won an NCAA title, his greatness was never measured by trophies alone. His brilliance was in the artistry, the impact, and the standard he set for all who followed.

“Pete didn’t need a championship to prove he was the best,” said LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. “What he gave to the game, to our university, and to generations of players — that’s what greatness really means.

Decades after his final college game, Pete Maravich’s numbers remain untouched, and his legend continues to grow. In crowning him the greatest college men’s basketball player of all time, ESPN has simply confirmed what many already believed: