The NCAA Division I record for most career points in basketball is held by Pete Maravich, also known as “Pistol Pete.” He scored a staggering 3,667 points during his college career at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1967 to 1970.
It’s interesting to note that while Caitlin Clark recently became the all-time leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball, her total of 3,617 points falls just short of Maravich’s record, which encompasses both men’s and women’s basketball.
Pete Maravich, the iconic basketball player nicknamed “Pistol Pete,” still reigns supreme as the holder of the NCAA Division I record for most career points. His remarkable feat of amassing 3,667 points in just 83 games for Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1967 to 1970 continues to stand as a testament to his unmatched offensive prowess.
Maravich’s path to this record was paved with exceptional skills and an electrifying playing style. His dazzling ball handling, no-look passes, and unguardable shooting made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. He averaged an astonishing 44.2 points per game throughout his college career, a mark that remains unmatched in both men’s and women’s Division I basketball.
It’s important to acknowledge that the game has evolved since Maravich’s era. Freshmen weren’t allowed to play varsity at the time, and the game operated without the three-point line, which has become a significant scoring factor in modern basketball. However, even when taking these factors into account, Maravich’s scoring prowess remains awe-inspiring. He held the record for most points in a single season for 38 years, a testament to his consistent dominance.
While Caitlin Clark recently became the all-time leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball with 3,617 points, she narrowly falls short of dethroning Maravich from the overall record. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of young players, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of college basketball history as the undisputed scoring king.