Pacer Myles Turner practices as a professional

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) –  Myles Turner had his first day as a professional with the Pacers summer league as the team prepared for their  five game schedule in Florida.

“It went well man,” said Turner. “I’m just glad to be here in a good spot. Coach Bird, Mr. Bird, Coach Vogel are happy to have me, so I know I’m in a good spot.”

It should come as no surprise that he was nervous. “Yeah, a little bit. First NBA workout in a real live setting going up and down but after I start going, they were alleviated.”

The 6 foot 11 inch tall man already impressed one of the veterans. Solomon Hill likes what he sees from the rookie.

“He’s a freak athlete,”  said Hill. “He has a soft shot, soft touch around the basket, he can also dunk and finish on guys and block shots. I think he’ll be a great asset to the team.”

Solomon Hill and Shayne Whittington are the only current members of the Pacers on the summer league team.

While Turner is impressive physically, the mental part of the game will be his biggest hurdle to overcome and adjust to.

“When I’m out here, a million things run through my head, racing through. It’s kinda hard just to stay focused like when you have all these new plays coming at you, concepts, defensive rotations, but it’s all good, I know I’m going to be all right.”

He said there’s no pressure and that he just wants to compete now on the next level.

“Oh man, it’s a whirlwind but it’s a lot of fun, my family’s excited, I’m excited just to be out here ready to compete, it’s what I live for,” said Turner.

Before Turner and his summer team are able to play at Conseco Fieldhouse, they will need to prove they belong. Their first game is on Saturday morning in Orlando.