Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: Peter `` Pistol Pete '' Press Maravich ( June 22 , 1947 -- January 5 , 1988 ) was an American professional basketball player .
Simplified: Pete Maravich ( June 22 , 1947 - January 5 , 1988 ) , also known as `` Pistol Pete '' Maravich , was an American basketball player .