“Pistol Pete” Maravich game-used memorabilia cards to return in upcoming Panini America products

Pete Maravich has just 53 game-used memorabilia cards and none since 2009-10. Panini America announced Monday that it will be making more mem cards of the legend in its future products.

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By Chris Olds | Beckett Basketball Editor

“Pistol Pete” will be a hit once again.

Panini America will be creating its first game-used memorabilia cards for former LSU and Atlanta Hawks star Pete Maravich in NBA brands coming later this year, the company announced on Monday.

“We have obtained a Pete Maravich jersey that will be appearing in product,” said brand manager Keith Hower in a company box break video released Monday. “We’ve got to plan it out and schedule where it’s going to appear, but Pete Maravich memorabilia is coming to Panini basketball.”

Maravich, known for his eccentric style of play and floppy socks, still holds the NCAA scoring record with an average of 44.2 points a game for his entire three-year LSU career along with other marks. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987 and named to the NBA at 50 team in 1996.

Maravich, who appears on just 410 cards valued at more than $11,000 (click here for a checklist and Online Price Guide), previously appeared on 53 different game-used cards made through the years. He had 30 game-used cards released by Upper Deck, 19 by Topps and three from Fleer.

The first game-used card for Maravich was a 2001-02 Upper Deck Legends Legendary Floor card, which typically sells for $60 or less. His most-recent cards were in 2009-10 products from Topps and Upper Deck. Of all Maravich memorabilia cards that have announced print runs, none have more than 199 serial-numbered copies. (Click here to see how Maravich is selling on eBay.)

Maravich’s true rarity in the hobby is his certified autograph as he died unexpectedly at age 40 in 1988. He has just 15 certified autographs — all cuts — with six of those being 1/1 cards.

Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Basketball magazine. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.