Paul George (Part 1)

Paul George, often referred to as "PG-13," has established himself as one of the premier players in the NBA with his versatile skill set and defensive prowess.
Born on May 2, 1990, George rose to prominence playing high school basketball for Knight High School before moving on to college basketball at Fresno State Bulldogs. His talent caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft.
George wasted no time making an impact in the NBA, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in his debut season. He quickly developed into a star player for the Pacers, showcasing his scoring ability, defensive skills, and athleticism.


In 2013, George's breakout season earned him the NBA Most Improved Player award, along with his first All-Star selection. However, his career faced a setback in 2014 when he suffered a gruesome leg injury while competing for a spot on the United States national team. Despite the injury, George showed resilience and determination in his recovery.
After missing most of the 2014–15 season, George returned to the court and reclaimed his status as one of the league's top players. He earned multiple All-Star selections and helped lead the Indiana Pacers to playoff success.
In 2017, George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he continued to excel on both ends of the floor. He remained a key contributor for the Thunder before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019.
Since joining the Clippers, George has continued to showcase his scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and leadership on the court. He has earned multiple All-Star selections and solidified his reputation as one of the league's elite players.
With his combination of scoring, defense, and leadership, Paul George remains a key figure in the NBA and a vital piece for the Los Angeles Clippers as they pursue championship success.


Paul George, born and raised in Palmdale, California, hails from an athletic family. His parents, Paul and Paulette George, instilled a love for sports in him from an early age. George grew up alongside his two older sisters, Teiosha and Portala, both of whom excelled in their respective sports of basketball and volleyball.
From his childhood, George looked up to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, idolizing his game and emulating his style on the court. He was a passionate fan of both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, finding inspiration in the local basketball scene.
George's formative years were spent honing his skills on the basketball court, often competing against his older sister Teiosha in intense one-on-one matchups. He attended Knight High School, where he continued to develop his game and caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional talent.
During his high school years, George also played for Pump and Run, a prominent Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. It was during this time that he formed a bond with fellow basketball standout Jrue Holiday, laying the groundwork for their future success in the sport.
With his dedication, talent, and passion for the game evident from a young age, Paul George's journey from Palmdale to becoming an NBA star is a testament to his hard work and determination.


Paul George's rise to prominence began during his high school years at Knight High School in Palmdale. Initially starting his sophomore season on the junior varsity team, George quickly proved himself and earned a promotion to the varsity squad. His talent didn't go unnoticed, as recruiters began to take notice of his skills during AAU tournaments in the summer of 2007.
Recognizing George's potential, his coach entrusted him with a leading role in his senior season. George seized the opportunity and led Knight High School to the Golden League championship, leaving a lasting impact on the court. His stellar performance earned him accolades such as the Golden League Most Valuable Player, the Antelope Valley Press Player of the Year, and a spot on the prestigious Daily News 2007–08 All-Area Boys' basketball team. He finished his senior year with impressive averages of 23.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.


Despite his standout achievements, George initially flew under the radar of major college recruiters. Rivals.com rated him as a three-star recruit and ranked him 20th among California prospects, overshadowed by players like Jrue Holiday and DeMar DeRozan. George initially committed to Santa Clara, but later retracted his commitment to explore other options at the advice of his high school coach.
Following an encouraging visit to Pepperdine University, where he attended his sister Teiosha's Midnight Madness event, George committed to Pepperdine on August 9, 2007. However, he later de-committed from Pepperdine midway through his senior season after the resignation of coach Vance Walberg. Ultimately, George chose Fresno State over offers from prestigious schools like Georgetown and Penn State, citing its proximity to home, allowing his family to support him, and his affinity for the campus.

References

1.  "Paul George | LA Clippers". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
2. "Paul George Bio". GoBulldogs.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2019. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
3. ^ "Paul George Copied Kobe Bryant's Work Ethic to Become a Star". Slam Online. March 18, 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
4. ^ "Paul George grew up a Clippers fan, wanted to be drafted by them". clutchpoints.com. July 15, 2017. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
5. ^ "DraftExpress – Paul George DraftExpress Profile: Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook". DraftExpress. Archived from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
6. ^ "Paul George's sister will kick your butt". ESPN.com. April 25, 2013. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
7. a b "The Other Side of the Mountain | by Paul George". The Players' Tribune. November 14, 2019. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
8. ^ Daniels, Evan (August 11, 2016). "How USA Basketball players were recruited in HS". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
9. Mark Montieth (February 16, 2013). "No Limits: George's rising star could surpass Miller's (Part I)". nba.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
10. ^ Gutierrez, Israel (April 23, 2013). "Paul George growing into Indy's star". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
11. ^ "Paul George, 2008 Small Forward, Fresno State". rivals.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
12. ^ Hicks, Greg (August 9, 2007). "Paul George reaches decision". Scout.com. Fox Sports. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
13. ^ Hicks, Greg (March 6, 2008). "George gets release from Pepperdine". Scout.com. Fox Sports. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
14. ^ "The Loyal Legacy by Fresno State". Exposure. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
15. a b c d "Paul George – Fresno State Bulldogs – Game Log". Rivals.com. Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2013.