Bob Pettit, an 11-time All-Star and the NBA's inaugural MVP, has died. He was 93.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was selected No. 2 overall by the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1954 NBA Draft. No cause of death has been revealed.
On Thursday, his alma mater, LSU,
"One of the legends of the hardwood, Bob Pettit, who helped lead the LSU Tigers to its first NCAA Final Four in 1953 and then became a generational star in the National Basketball Association, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93," the school wrote.
Pettit led the SEC in scoring in 1952, 1953 and 1954 before turning pro.
The NBA also honored the Hawks legend on social media.
"The NBA family mourns the passing of Naismith Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, a two-time NBA MVP and a member of all four NBA Anniversary Teams," the NBA
"His iconic 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 1958 NBA Finals clinched the championship for the St. Louis Hawks. Beyond those accomplishments, Bob helped transform the power forward position. Our thoughts are with Bob's family and friends and the entire Hawks organization."
Pettit, a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, was a two-time NBA MVP, a two-time scoring champion and a four-time All-Star Game MVP during his 11 seasons.
He ranks second in Hawks franchise history in points, field goals and also minutes played. Pettit is the franchise leader in rebounds, free throws and free throws attempted.
The former LSU standout was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
Off the court, his family remembered him as a loving father.
"Dad passed away very peacefully at his home in Metairie, on Wednesday, September 23," the Pettit family said in a statement. "He was the most amazing father. The most kind, humble and gentle soul. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and we will miss him dearly."
Pettit is survived by his wife, Alma Pettit, and three children.
