Maravich Sr. also served in the United States Naval Air Corps during World War II.

Press Maravich was born to Serb immigrants Vojo and Sara (née Radulović) from Drežnica, a village near Ogulin in modern-day Croatia.

Maravich took over the head coaching duties when health problems, primarily cancer, forced Case to retire early in the 1964–1965 season.

Pete originally wanted to go to West Virginia University but finally agreed to go to LSU if his dad bought him a car.

Press eventually was persuaded to receive proper treatment for his condition at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, but he canceled before being admitted.

Press Maravich lived his last days in Highland Park Hospital in Covington, Louisiana, where he died on April 15, 1987.