Bob Pettit, the LSU basketball icon and pioneering NBA superstar, has died at the age of 93, bringing an end to the life of one of the most influential players of professional basketball’s early era.
Pettit died peacefully at his home in Metairie, Louisiana, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, according to his family. His family described him as a kind, humble and gentle man and said they were deeply blessed to have had him in their lives. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Born in Baton Rouge, Pettit became a standout at LSU from 1951 through 1954, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in the school’s history. His No. 50 jersey was later retired by LSU, and he was inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Pettit entered the NBA after being selected second overall in the 1954 draft by the Milwaukee Hawks. He spent his entire 11-year NBA career with the franchise, which later became the St. Louis Hawks, and was selected as an All-Star in every season he played.
He became the first recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award in the 1955-56 season and won the honor again in 1958-59. He also earned four All-Star Game MVP awards and led the Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship.
Pettit retired following the 1964-65 season with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
His death has prompted tributes across the basketball community, particularly in Louisiana and among LSU supporters. For generations of basketball fans, Pettit represented an important chapter in the development of the NBA and helped establish the power-forward position as a major force in the game.
He leaves behind a lasting basketball legacy and a family, community and generation of fans now mourning his passing.
