re: Pistol Pete Maravich died 27 years ago today.

Not my story, but my Uncle's.

Apparently back in the day you could go wait at the Cow Palace until tipoff and if there were any empty seats at tipoff, they'd sell those seats. You stood in line for a chance to buy those tickets--often my Uncle would go and wait in line to see if he could get a ticket after school.

One day, he's standing in the driving rain, first in line--right before tipoff. And Governor Jimmie Davis walks by with his entourage. He turns and asks my uncle and his friend, "You boys wanna watch the game?" They said "yes sir". He gives them his tickets and starts to walk off. Then he turns around and asks for the tickets, scribbles something on the back, and says, "If anyone asks why you're in my seats, just hand them the ticket."

Sure enough, they hadn't been seated more than 2 minutes when someone asked. They presented the ticket and were allowed to stay. My Uncle didnt remember what game it was, but he said Pete was always magical to watch and that night was no different.