Bob Pettit, a pioneering figure in professional basketball and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, died on September 23 at the age of 93, according to an announcement from Louisiana State University, his alma mater. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Pettit was a defining presence in the NBA during the 1950s and early 1960s, establishing the power forward position through his impressive scoring and rebounding abilities. He played his entire 11-season career with the St. Louis Hawks, leading the franchise to its only NBA championship in 1958.

Throughout his career, Pettit was selected as an NBA All-Star every year, from his rookie season through retirement. He earned the league’s first-ever MVP award in 1956 and secured the honor again in 1959. He also became the first NBA player to surpass 20,000 career points, setting a milestone for future generations.

One of Pettit’s most notable performances came during Game 6 of the 1958 NBA Finals, when he scored 50 points to clinch the championship for the Hawks. This feat remained a Finals scoring record until it was matched decades later by Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Born on December 12, 1932, Pettit overcame early challenges in high school athletics before rising to prominence at LSU, where he became a national star. After being drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks, he developed a formidable physical presence by adding 30 pounds of muscle to compete against some of the league’s dominant centers of the era.

Following his basketball career, Pettit transitioned into banking in his hometown of Baton Rouge, reflecting the era’s financial realities when professional athletes often needed additional employment.

His impact on the sport was formally recognized with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971. Further honors include being named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and inclusion on the 75th anniversary team in 2021. In 2016, LSU commemorated his contributions to basketball with a statue on campus.

Teammates and rivals alike praised Pettit’s tenacity and competitive spirit. Bill Russell, a Celtics legend and contemporary, highlighted Pettit’s unyielding effort and dominance on the boards.

Pettit is survived by his children. Additional information regarding his family has not been released.