Pacers draft pick has ties to Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Myles Turner was formally introduced Friday afternoon in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Pacers selected Myles Turner from Texas Thursday night, making the center the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Turner says his mom grew up in Fort Wayne.

His chosen number with the Pacers is a tribute to a childhood friend who died from leukemia.

Pacers head coach Frank Vogel, who met Turner when the team brought him in for a workout a few weeks ago likes his game and his attitude.

“First and foremost, he’s a high-character guy, said Vogel Thursday night. He’s a great worker, very intelligent and has a good basketball I.Q. and you know, that’s what we’ve sort of build this thing around over the last few years. He’s definitely someone we feel like can contribute right away but has maybe more upside of potential because he’s so young, because he’s got such a great body and because he’s such a hard worker.”

Watch the entire press conference with Turner in the video player above.