Pettit was a three-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection at Louisiana State University where he average 27.8 points per game. A tireless worker and a lean, tough and graceful competitor, Pettit led the LSU Tigers to the NCAA Final Four in 1953. Pettit had an 11-year NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks and guided them to the NBA Championship in 1958. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and was named the All-Star game MVP more times than any other player. His NBA career totals include over 20,000 points and over 12,000 rebounds. He was selected for NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Owns a financial consulting company in New Orleans.