Indiana Pacers All-Star swingman Paul George has developed into one of the NBA’s best all-around players. But according to George he used to be scared to play defense. Huh? the same Paul George who was assigned to cover former MVP point guard Derrick Rose in the first round of the playoffs during his rookie season?

Yes, that same Paul George.

“Defense wasn’t something I was always good at,” he said. “We had a drill in high school where we used to have to roll the ball to the offensive guy and guard him full court one-on-one. I used to hate the drill because I couldn’t keep the guy in front me.

George gives credit to former Head Coach Jim O’Brien.

O’Brien told George that he would have to become a better defender if he expected to get any minutes during his rookie season. The tactic worked, as George is now one of the top defensive players in the league with his ability to not only lock down the opposing team’s best player, but also having the ability to guard three positions.

via Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star