13 WTHR IndianapolisPacers introduce George Hill

INDIANAPOLIS - A few hundred fans cheered as George Hill walked into the entry pavilion at Conseco Fieldhouse, as the Pacers introduced their newest player. A draft night trade brought the former Broad Ripple and IUPUI basketball star back home.

"I'm super excited," says Hill. "It's always been a dream of mine to play for my hometown team. I'm going to do the best I can and continue to work hard to help this city win basketball games."

Hill joins the Pacers after three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, a veteran, perennial playoff team on which he was the young player. Hill was asked at a Monday news conference about his new role as a leader with postseason experience.

"You're making me feel old," said Hill, which brought a laugh from the crowd. "I'm only 25 years old. I think it's going to be a great experience. I've been on the Spurs for three years. I've learned a lot from guys like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. So I just try to bring a little leadership out of the things I learned to help win games."

Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird and General Manager David Morway have worked on a deal to bring Hill to Indianapolis for a couple of years.

"We're going to continue to build the franchise with young men like him," says Bird. "Going forward, our players will watch and listen and learn from him because he has played on teams that have won multiple championships. He has played with players that do things the right way. Maybe we can all learn something from him."

Hill joked that he will need many season tickets for all his friends and family. He says he's not concerned about whether he starts or not and can play both guard positions.