Pete Maravich’s 1970 College Player of the Year Trophy to be auctioned

SCOTTSDALE, Az. – Grey Flannel Auctions, one of the nation’s leading sports memorabilia auction houses, is thrilled to offer Pete Maravich’s coveted 1970 James A. Naismith College Player of the Year Trophy, a season in which he led the LSU Tigers to a 22-10 record while averaging a still-NCAA-record 44.5 points per game.

Pete Maravich’s 1970 LSU Tigers Naismith College Player of the Year Trophy 

Also featured in this sale are items consigned directly from the family of “Pistol Pete” Maravich. The Basketball Hall of Famer recorded a remarkable collegiate season for the LSU Tigers in 1970. Already well-known for his incredible scoring ability, Maravich took his game to even greater heights during the 1969-1970 season, when he established himself as one of the most exciting and dominant players in college. He led the NCAA in scoring that year with an incredible 44.5 points per game, which still stands as the highest single-season scoring average in Division I men’s basketball history. “Pistol Pete” averaged at least 43 points per game in each of his three seasons at LSU. What makes his scoring total even more ridiculous is he played before the introduction of the three-point line. Maravich was also known for his flashy style of play, including behind-the-back passes and other dazzling moves. His slick ball-handling and jaw-dropping shooting prowess made him a fan favorite and helped bring attention to college hoops. Maravich’s incredible 1970 season established him as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time and he was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 following a 10-year NBA career. Presented here is Maravich’s James A. Naismith College Player of the Year Trophy from that season, sourced directly from the Maravich family. The bidding on this historic award opens at $25,000. 

“We are thrilled to offer Pete Maravich’s Player of the Year award in this auction. This award is a rare and highly sought-after piece of basketball history that represents a pivotal moment in Maravich’s career,” said Russek. “As one of the most talented and influential players of his time, Maravich’s impact on the game cannot be overstated. This award is a testament to his incredible skill and talent, and its historical significance makes it a truly remarkable find. We are excited to share this rare item with collectors and fans worldwide and we look forward to seeing the excitement it generates at auction.”

The auction will open in Grey Flannel Auctions’ Summer Games catalog which is set to open on May 22. Bidding will be available online and interested buyers are encouraged to register early to ensure their participation. This is truly a unique opportunity for sports enthusiasts and collectors to own treasured pieces of sports history. Bidding will close on June 11.

About Grey Flannel Auctions 

Grey Flannel Auctions has been the Standard Of The Industry for over 30 years. Family owned and operated out of Scottsdale, Arizona, Grey Flannel Auctions specializes in vintage game-used jerseys and high-end autographs. The 60th edition of the fully illustrated catalog detailing all lots is now available for viewing at www.GreyFlannelAuctions.com.  * All images courtesy Grey Flannel Auctions