Pete Perry (basketball) facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 24, 1948 Utica, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College |
|
| NBA Draft | 1973 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34th overall |
| Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers | |
John "Pete" Perry was a talented American basketball player. He was born on March 24, 1948. Pete Perry played as a center during his career. He is best known for his amazing skills in blocking shots.
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College Basketball Star
Pete Perry started his college basketball journey in Mississippi. He played his first two years at Utica Junior College. This school is now known as Hinds Community College.
After that, he moved to Pan American College. Today, this school is called the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. It was there that Pete Perry truly shined.
Setting Records
During his junior year, Pete Perry became a record-breaker. He set a new school record with 96 total blocked shots in one season! He also blocked 8 shots in a single game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Later, he broke his own record by blocking an incredible 11 shots in one game against the Lamar Cardinals.
In his senior year, Pete Perry continued to impress. He played in 26 games. He averaged over 20 points and nearly 15 rebounds per game. He also set another school record with 120 blocked shots in that season.
A Shot-Blocking Legend
Pete Perry was known as a fantastic shot blocker. He holds the school record for the most career blocks. He blocked a total of 216 shots during his time at Pan American. This is more than double the blocks of the player in second place! He also ranks among the top players for career rebounds, with 670 rebounds.
Professional Basketball Dreams
After his successful college career, Pete Perry hoped to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1973, the Los Angeles Lakers chose him in the NBA draft. Another league, the ABA, also drafted him.
Pete Perry signed with the Lakers in July 1973. However, he did not get to play for the team. In 1974, he signed with the New York Knicks. But he was released before the season began. Pete Perry never played in an official NBA game.
Pete Perry's Life
Pete Perry grew up in a large family. He was one of 14 children! His father was a reverend. Pete Perry also had a stutter.
He married Jacqui, who he met in college. Their son, Makeba, also played college basketball for the Tulane Green Wave.
