June 12, 2012
By Stephen Trembley and & Jennifer Jory
strembley@csufresno.edu & jjory@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. -- Two years ago, then Fresno State sophomore Paul George became the Bulldogs' highest draft pick in program history when the Indiana Pacers selected the Palmdale native with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.
In his two seasons with the Pacers, George helped spark Indiana to the playoffs in both seasons and Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2012 as a long, athletic and shutdown defender that often squared up against the opponents' top offensive threats.
George took time on Tuesday morning to talk with GoBulldogs.com about his life since leaving Fresno State and touched on his offseason expectations to continue his development as one of the league's top young players.
GoBulldogs.com: You've been in the playoffs in each of the two years since you were at Fresno State. What's been your most memorable moment so far?
Paul George: A great moment was going up 2-1 against Miami this year. The most memorable moment from last year was guarding Derrick Rose and the most memorable from this year was guarding LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
GB: How did having one year under your belt help prepare you for this year's playoff games?
PG: It put me in a better mindset having been there last year. I knew how tough I had to be this year and how to prepare better going into this year's playoff games.
GB: The NBA Finals start tonight. We know you would love to be playing in them, but what's it going to take for the Thunder or Heat to win a ring?
PG: It is definitely going to take hard work for one of those teams to win. Both of those teams know each other so well and if they want to win, they are going to have to play 125 percent because playing 100 percent just won't cut it against those great teams.
GB: What is your mindset going into the off season and as you begin your third year as an NBA player?
PG: My goal is to not come back as the same player. I want to come back better. Playing on Team USA is going to help me improve during this offseason and to come back stronger next year.
GB: What has it been like to get to know Coach Terry and watch your Bulldogs since you left?
PG: It has been amazing. Seeing the steps Coach Terry has taken and the players he gets is great. He is doing an amazing job. It is fun to say I went to Fresno State and I am proud to represent the Bulldogs. It is great to see the program growing and coming back under Coach Terry.
GB: How have you grown as a player since your days at the Save Mart Center and what advice do you have to your former teammates and the rest of the Bulldogs?
PG: I have grown a lot as far as understanding the game. You really have to take it one possession at a time. I was lucky to have veterans take me under their wings and really help me grow a lot over the past two years. My advice to the current Bulldogs is you are in college, pursue it, both your dreams of getting your degree and your dream of being in the NBA and don't forget to enjoy your time at Fresno State and have fun!
"Discover Fresno State Athletics!" - You can follow Paul George on Twitter @King24George. Vote for @Pacers @King24George using #GeorgeSLAM or at http://www.nba.com/sma to win Social Slam Award! #NBASMA
