Bob Pettit (Basketball Biographies)
Bob Pettit (b. 1932; player - forward) Depending on who's doing the talking, Bob Pettit is considered either the very best or one of the top five forwards, and players, ever to play the game. Out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, came a 6'9" man with a shooting touch of a guided missile, the rebounding skills of a Bill Russell, and the leadership qualities of a Magic Johnson. Bob won as many honors and awards as any player alive or dead. A 1954 first-round draft choice by the Milwaukee Hawks was that city's best acquisition since their first brewery. The smooth scorer had averaged 27.4 points and 14.6 rebounds at LSU , where he became an all-American. He averaged 31 points a game in his senior season and led his Tigers to the final four of the NCAA that season as well. He never averaged under 20 points a game in his all-too-short eleven-year pro career. He did not earn his greatness and legendary status through pure longevity like some other "stars." Bob scored o...