This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
While his accomplishments at Louisiana State University will surely remain embedded in our minds for decades to come, "Pistol" Pete Maravich's NBA superstardom made him an even surer lock for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Records show that Maravich scored 15,948 points to place in the top 25 NBA all-time in scoring, but "Pistol Pete" was the kind of player whose appeal transcended statistical measures. Maravich was a crowd-pleaser above all, claiming, "If I have a choice whether to do the show or throw a straight pass, and if we're going to get the basket either way, I'm going to do the show." Teammates and opponents could only watch and shake their heads in disbelief as Pete dribbled behind his back and through his legs at will, and Maravich's fellow Atlanta Hawk Lou Hudson called him "the greatest raw talent ever." After the greatest three years in college basketball history and a ten-year NBA career that included countless memorable feats and well-deserved acclaim, Maravich was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1996, he was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 50 greatest players ever to take the floor.
Offered here is the Basketball Hall of Fame ring presented to Maravich upon his 1987 induction. Along the top of the 10K gold ring are the words "Basketball Hall of Fame" with two stars and on the top is a CZ stone with an amethyst-color stone as its base. On the left shank is the induction year "1987" and below it are two basketball players. On the right shank is the player name "Pete Maravich" and below it is the "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame" logo. The ring is size 10 and in near mint condition. It is the only ring of its kind. It comes to us directly from Maravich's wife Jackie and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from her.