George defending a player at a clinic in Beijing. (Photo: Holick Lee/ChinaPacers.com)
Paul George has flown to Asia for his annual Nike Basketball trip across the world. He’s trying to inspire others through basketball and sharing some of his knowledge for the game.
The first stop on his tour took him to Beijing, where he answered questions and then actively led a clinic. George reiterated to the group that, just shy of one-year from his gruesome leg injury, he is 100 percent.
Holick Lee, a longtime Pacers fan in China and the co-founder of ChinaPacers.com, shared some of George’s comments with VigilantSports.com. (Lee’s site is celebrating its 15th anniversary — and George surprised them all with a visit.)
On battling through adversity…
I thrive under pressure and I love it. It pushes you to go even further. Without it, you miss the “it” factor and can’t do as well.
I was an All-Star reserve at my third season, so I knew that in order to get to that spot again or even become the starter I needed to work even harder.
On goal setting…
In life, you change your mind so much you don’t know exactly whatever you wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to play basketball but had questions of whether I should make this choice — this over that. But whatever choice you end up making, you got to give it one hundred and ten percent. It’s also important that you got to start with small goals then work your way up.
On assuming a leadership role this upcoming season…
I have been out a year and coming back to a new team, building chemistry and being a leader is what I am ready to do. But being the undisputed leader comes a long way and you got to earn it and cant take it for granted. Working extra hard, first come last to leave, being the best player on the practice floor.
(Sidenote: Sounds like George heard what Bird had to say.)
On the addition of Monta Ellis…
I love this move. Monta Ellis isn’t well known for his defensive ability but he can score the ball consistently, and that’s something this team needs. He can also get a couple steals each game, created space and opportunities with his great passing abilities.
@Yg_Trece says hello from beijing. He said it will be a RISE year for him in the next season. pic.twitter.com/GVPtTjtPo8
— Holick Lee (@ChinaPacers) July 16, 2015
@Yg_Trece taichi at temple of heaven, beijing. pic.twitter.com/jk4art68xF
— Holick Lee (@ChinaPacers) July 17, 2015