Maravich - Caitlin Clark
Maravich
Clark
Games
83
129
Points
3667
3650
Three Points
0
503
Average
44.2
28.3
Maravich's long-standing collegiate
scoring record is particularly notable when three factors are taken into
account:
First, because of the NCAA rules that prohibited him from
taking part in varsity competition during his first year as a student, Maravich
was prevented from adding to his career record for a full quarter of his time at
LSU. During this first year, Maravich scored 741 points in freshman competition.
Second, Maravich played before the advent of the three-point
line. This significant difference has raised speculation regarding just how much
higher his records would be, given his long-range shooting ability and how such
a component might have altered his play. Writing for ESPN.com, Bob Carter
stated, "Though Maravich played before [...] the 3-point shot was established,
he loved gunning from long range." It has been reported that former LSU coach
Dale Brown charted every shot Maravich scored and concluded that, if his shots
from three-point range had been counted as three points, Maravich's average
would have totaled 57 points per game and 12 three-pointers per game.
Third, the shot clock had also not yet been instituted in
NCAA play during Maravich's college career. (A time limit on ball possession
speeds up play, mandates an additional number of field goal attempts, eliminates
stalling, and increases the number of possessions throughout the game, all
resulting in higher overall scoring.)
Pete Maravich
Caitlin Clark