George becomes highest draft pick in school history
Paul George became the highest draft pick in Fresno State history on Thursday, after the Indiana Pacers selected the forward with the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. George, whose draft stock skyrocketed since the end of the 2009-2010 season, averaged 16.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs this past season.
At 6′8 and possessing elite athleticism and shooting touch, George went from a potential late-first round selection to a lock for the lottery in a matter of months. Despite an inconsistent season for Fresno State against perceived inferior opponents, George nevertheless wowed scouts with his raw tools and had NBA teams sold on his upside. For a player of his size, George is an uncanny shooter, evidenced by his 93 percent line at the free throw stripe. Still, he was unable to lead the Bulldogs to a successful season, as the team finished 15-18 and 7-9 in the WAC. George’s questionable motor and basketball IQ have been partly blamed for those results, and cited as reasons for why George was thought by some to be a high-risk pick.
Still, there’s no denying his potential. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called him “tantalizing” and said, “His potential is undeniable,” during the NBA Draft show.
Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 9:11 pm by Raj Sethi
Tags: Fresno State Bulldogs news, Fresno State Bulldogs schedule, Fresno State Bulldogs tickets, indiana pacers, nba draft, paul george
