Bob Pettit

Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr., born on December 12, 1932, is a renowned American former professional basketball player who left an indelible mark on the NBA during his 11-season career. Pettit played exclusively for the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks from 1954 to 1965.
In 1956, Pettit made history by becoming the inaugural recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the game. He went on to win the MVP honor again in 1959, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier players. Additionally, Pettit earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP award four times, showcasing his dominance on the court during the league's showcase event.


Pettit's influence extended beyond individual accolades, as he played an integral role in shaping the success of the Hawks franchise. As of the end of the 2022-2023 regular season, he remains the sole recipient of the regular season MVP award in the history of the Hawks organization. Furthermore, Pettit holds the record for most career rebounds (12,849) and rebounds per game (16.2) in Hawks franchise history, underscoring his prowess on the boards.


A trailblazer in scoring, Pettit achieved the milestone of being the first NBA player to surpass 20,000 points, a testament to his scoring prowess and longevity in the league. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport, Pettit was rightfully enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Pettit's impact on the game is further exemplified by his inclusion in all four NBA anniversary teams, a distinction shared by only three other players. As of 2023, Pettit stands as one of only two living members, alongside Bob Cousy, underscoring his enduring significance in basketball history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game, Pettit's legacy continues to inspire generations of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.


Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr. was born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, marking the beginning of a remarkable basketball journey. Despite facing initial setbacks, Pettit's unwavering determination and dedication propelled him to greatness.
Pettit's early basketball endeavors were met with adversity, as he was initially cut from the varsity basketball team at Baton Rouge High School during his freshman and sophomore years. Undeterred, Pettit continued to hone his skills by participating in church league basketball as a sophomore. Remarkably, he experienced a significant growth spurt, adding five inches to his frame in less than a year.


Guided by his father, who served as the sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish from 1932 to 1936, Pettit embraced rigorous backyard practice sessions at the Kemmerly house to refine his game. Through relentless effort and perseverance, Pettit's skills flourished, earning him a spot as a starter and recognition on the All-City prep team during his junior year.
As a towering 6-foot-7 senior, Pettit emerged as a pivotal figure for Baton Rouge High, leading the team to its first state championship in over two decades. His stellar performance on the court caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts, culminating in his selection to play in a prestigious North-South all-star game held in Murray, Kentucky.
Pettit's journey from initial rejection to becoming a standout player exemplifies the transformative power of hard work and resilience. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his illustrious basketball career, setting the stage for his eventual ascent to basketball stardom.


After graduating from high school, Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr. had the opportunity to choose from among 14 university scholarship offers. Ultimately, he decided to stay close to home and accepted a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU). His collegiate basketball career at LSU was nothing short of remarkable, solidifying his status as one of the most talented players of his era.
Due to the rules at the time, freshmen were not permitted to play varsity basketball. Pettit made his varsity debut for LSU in 1952, immediately asserting himself as a dominant force on the court. He led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in scoring during his first season, averaging an impressive 25.5 points per game while also grabbing 13.1 rebounds per game. His stellar performance helped LSU achieve a 17-7 win-loss record, securing a second-place finish in the league. Pettit's contributions earned him a spot on the All-SEC team.


In his junior year, Pettit continued to elevate his game, guiding the Tigers to a remarkable season with only one loss in the regular 23-game season. This success culminated in LSU's second SEC Title and the school's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Pettit's averages of 24.9 points and 13.9 rebounds per game further solidified his reputation as one of the nation's premier collegiate basketball players.
Pettit's senior year saw him reach even greater heights, averaging an astounding 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds per game. Once again, he led LSU to an SEC Championship while earning All-SEC and All-American honors. He set numerous records during his collegiate career, including a then-SEC scoring record of 60 points in a single game against Louisiana College. Additionally, Pettit became only the second player in major-college basketball history to average over 30 points per game.


In recognition of his outstanding contributions to LSU basketball, Pettit's jersey number 50 was retired by the university in 1954, marking the first time a Tiger athlete in any sport received such an honor. His legacy at LSU was further honored in 1999 when he was named a Living Legend for LSU at the SEC Basketball Tournament. Pettit's impact on LSU basketball is commemorated by Bob Pettit Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest players in LSU history.

References

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