George returns home to play for Clippers

LOS ANGELES --- Former Fresno State men's basketball student-athlete Paul George has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, the organization announced on Wednesday.

George, a native of Palmdale, Calif., has become a bonafide NBA superstar after shining for two seasons at Fresno State before being drafted No. 10 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. George spent his first seven seasons (2010-17) in the NBA with the Pacers and the last two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-19).

"Paul George is one of the greatest two-way players in our game," L.A. Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said. "He is both an elite scorer and a relentless defender whose versatility elevates any team. When you have the opportunity to acquire a contributor of his caliber, you do what it takes to bring him home. Paul is a native of the Los Angeles area and an ideal fit for the Clippers, thanks to his selflessness and drive. Following the lead of Steve Ballmer, we have plotted an aggressive course to build a championship contender, and acquiring Paul is a critical step."

George averaged career highs with 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals over 77 games during the 2018-19 season for the Thunder. He averaged 4.0 deflections per game and recovered 2.7 loose balls per game, tied for third and fourth in the league, respectively. George holds a 101.59 career defensive rating, which ranks fourth among all active players.

George has appeared in 604 career games, averaging 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists with the Thunder and Indiana Pacers. George is a five-time All-NBA selection, who made his first All-NBA First Team in 2018-19, and has been named to the All-Defensive Team four times. He was also a finalist this past season for the NBA's Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. George is a six-time NBA All-Star and 2016 Olympic Gold medalist.

George is one of 30 former Bulldogs to play in the NBA and one of two currently on NBA rosters (Tyler Johnson – Phoenix Suns). The move to the Clippers teams up George with two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard, who Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson successfully recruited to San Diego State in 2009 when Hutson was assistant coach at SDSU.

Throughout his Fresno State career, George showcased his elite athleticism and passion for the game of basketball. At Fresno State, he averaged 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 63 games.

As a sophomore at Fresno State, George delivered the program's most efficient season at the free throw line (120-132, 90.9 percent), ranked as one of the top 20 sophomore NCAA scorers, and averaged 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 42.4 percent (154-363) from the field and 35.3 percent (122-308) on 3-point attempts. He scored a career-high 30 points in his first game back from an ankle injury in early February 2010.

During that sophomore season, George and Leonard faced off in a non-conference match-up at the Save Mart Center. George posted 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals for the Bulldogs, while Leonard, who was a freshman, had five points, seven rebounds, three steals and a block for the Aztecs. SDSU, who later that season won the 2010 MW Tournament championship for the first of six straight NCAA Tournament appearances, edged Fresno State 62-58 in that West Coast Classic meeting on Nov. 23, 2009.

Meanwhile as a freshman, George quickly made national waves with the No. 1 play of the day on ESPN's Sportscenter after dunking on a pair of Saint Mary's defenders in November 2008 and finished the season as one of the top 15 freshmen scorers in the country. Sports Illustrated tabbed George as the Most Entertaining Player in the West in Fall 2009.

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

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George returns home to play for Clippers

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