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Myles Turner is Texas pride personified in the 2025 NBA Finals

Indiana Pacers Center Myles Turner is the only lone Longhorn playing in the NBA Finals
ByKenneth Ball|
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers center, Mylers Turner, is the last Longhorn standing in the 2025 NBA Finals, and he's giving his all to put the Pacers in a position to win a title.

As Game 3 of the NBA Finals kicks off on Wednesday night, with the series level at 1-1, the Indiana Pacers are set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Both squads boast an impressive array of talent, from their starting players to those on the bench.

The Pacers feature star Guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has consistently demonstrated his playmaking and scoring prowess throughout the NBA playoffs. Forward Pascal Siakam plays a crucial role in the offense and makes a significant defensive impact.

Additionally, Center Myles Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer since 2015, brings a strong defensive presence and is a formidable scorer both in the paint and from the perimeter.

Myles Turner's Journey from Trinity HS(TX) to the NBA

Emerging from Trinity High School in Euless, TX, Turner was recognized as the second-best center in the nation, just behind Duke commit and future NBA star Jahlil Okafor in the 2014 class. During his senior year with the Trinity Trojans, he averaged 18.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 6.8 blocks per game, guiding the Trojans to an impressive 24–7 record.

On April 30, 2014, in a live segment on ESPNU's Recruiting Insider, Turner officially announced his commitment to the University of Texas.

During Turner's lone season with the Longhorns, he recorded an average of 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, which earned him the 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. Contributing to the Horns in their final season under former Head Coach Rick Barnes, the team concluded with a record of 20-14 (8-10) and secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they were defeated by the Butler Bulldogs.

Following that, Turner announced his entry into the 2015 NBA Draft, where he was picked 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers. Since joining the league, Turner has consistently scored in double digits. He is also a two-time NBA block leader, having achieved this in 2019 and 2021.

Over his ten years with the Pacers, he has participated in the playoffs for six seasons, starting 40 out of 43 playoff games. He has remained a dominant presence as a defender, shot blocker, and a key player in pick-and-roll situations and as a floor spacer during this year's playoffs and finals. Turner has proven to be an underrated and consistent force for the Pacers.

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