As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off, the city of Indianapolis is buzzing with anticipation—and so is Austin, Texas. That’s because former Texas Longhorns standout Myles Turner has emerged not just as the defensive anchor of the Indiana Pacers but as the lone University of Texas representative in this year’s championship series. While the Finals often serve as a showcase for marquee names from blueblood college programs, this year’s spotlight includes a towering reminder of the Longhorns’ continued influence on basketball’s biggest stage.
Turner’s journey to this moment has been long, deliberate, and in many ways, emblematic of both perseverance and loyalty. For a franchise that has spent the last several years rebuilding and reconfiguring, Turner has remained the heartbeat of the Pacers’ frontcourt. Now, in his ninth NBA season, the 6-foot-11 center finds himself poised to chase a title—bringing pride not only to Indiana but also to the Forty Acres of Texas.
A Longhorn on the Rise
Myles Turner spent just one season in Austin, but his impact was significant. The 2014–15 Texas Longhorns were anchored by Turner’s shot-blocking ability, agility, and stretch-big skillset, which made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2015 NBA Draft. Averaging 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in his lone collegiate season, Turner left an indelible mark under then-head coach Rick Barnes.
Despite Texas falling short in the NCAA Tournament that season, Turner’s raw talent and defensive instincts vaulted him into the NBA lottery. Selected 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers, he was seen as a long-term project with immense upside—and the franchise’s belief in him has paid off in spades.
Over the past nine seasons, Turner has steadily evolved from a promising young rim protector into one of the league’s most consistent two-way big men. With averages of 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game during the 2024–25 regular season, he’s not only been productive but also durable and dependable.
Loyalty in an Age of Movement
One of the most remarkable aspects of Turner’s story is his loyalty. In an NBA landscape dominated by player movement and constant trade rumors, Myles Turner has remained a Pacers stalwart. Over the years, he was often mentioned in trade scenarios—especially as Indiana flirted with various roster reshuffles. Yet, time and again, he stayed put.
That decision has finally borne fruit.
Turner’s loyalty and patience were rewarded this season as the Pacers surged through the Eastern Conference playoffs. With dynamic point guard Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense and a collection of young wings and veteran contributors stepping up, Indiana defied expectations to reach the Finals for the first time since 2000.
But make no mistake—Turner has been their anchor.
In a postseason where defense, rim protection, and physicality often make the difference between victory and defeat, Turner has delivered in every category. He has averaged 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in the playoffs, frequently tasked with guarding the opposition’s best frontcourt player.
Representing Texas with Pride
While other blueblood programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas often boast multiple alumni in the NBA Finals, Turner stands alone as Texas’ sole representative this year. That fact hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Texas basketball community.
Chris Ogden, now part of Rodney Terry’s staff in Austin, praised Turner’s development.
“Myles has always had that quiet work ethic,” Ogden said in a recent interview. “He was never the flashiest player, but his consistency and commitment to the game are what made him special—even at Texas.”
Turner himself has never forgotten his roots. In press conferences and interviews, he has often cited his year in Austin as formative—not only for his basketball development but also for his maturity as a young man.
“Texas gave me a foundation,” Turner said during the Eastern Conference Finals. “It was where I learned how to be a professional, how to handle expectations, and how to take care of my body and my game. I still talk to Coach Barnes from time to time. That program means a lot to me.”
Defensive Anchor in the Finals
Turner’s presence in the Finals is far from symbolic. He is a critical piece in Indiana’s attempt to slow down a high-powered Western Conference champion—likely led by an elite forward or stretch-five. Whether he’s matching up with a Nikola Jokić, Anthony Davis, or another skilled big, Turner’s mobility and timing will be pivotal.
One of the things that set Turner apart is his combination of rim protection and three-point shooting. This season, he shot 37% from beyond the arc, forcing opposing bigs to respect his shot and thereby creating space for Haliburton and the rest of the offense to operate. On defense, Turner’s 7-foot-4 wingspan makes him one of the most imposing interior defenders in the league.
NBA analysts have compared his postseason impact to that of early-2010s Roy Hibbert—a fellow Pacer—but with a modern twist. Turner isn’t just clogging the paint; he’s switching onto guards, contesting corner threes, and making timely rotations that don’t always show up in the box score.
A Narrative of Underdogs
In many ways, Turner’s presence in the Finals mirrors the Pacers’ broader narrative this season: a team that was often overlooked, doubted, and dismissed. Indiana entered the season without much fanfare, expected to hover around the play-in. But through a combination of chemistry, unselfish play, and defensive grit, they ascended.
The same is true for Turner. He’s rarely been in the All-Star conversation, often overshadowed by flashier names. But those inside the league—players, coaches, scouts—know the value he brings. He’s been the Pacers’ spiritual compass, the guy who weathered the hard seasons and remained optimistic.
And now, in the brightest spotlight of his career, he’s playing the best basketball of his life.
What It Means for Texas Basketball
Turner’s Finals run also arrives at a symbolic time for Texas men’s basketball. Under Rodney Terry, the Longhorns are looking to sustain a new era of national competitiveness. With top recruits, state-of-the-art facilities, and a renewed identity in the SEC looming, Turner’s presence on this stage offers a recruiting boost by example.
His success signals to high school prospects that Texas isn’t just a football school—it’s a place where basketball dreams can be realized. And for alumni, Turner serves as a bridge between eras: the Barnes years, the Shaka Smart transition, and now Terry’s upward climb.
Expect to see more orange in the stands than usual during the Finals—especially if Indiana steals a road win. Former Longhorns like Kevin Durant and Tristan Thompson have been mainstays in Finals past, but now Turner carries that torch.
Bigger Than Basketball
Beyond the court, Turner has become known for his philanthropic work, fashion sense, and social justice advocacy. He’s been active in Indianapolis’ community efforts, particularly focusing on youth mentorship and educational programming. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Turner personally donated resources to frontline workers and families in need.
He’s also a vocal advocate for mental health, often speaking candidly about the pressures of professional sports. In 2023, he was honored with the NBA Cares Community Assist Award—a recognition of his leadership off the court.
In that sense, Turner isn’t just representing Texas basketball. He’s embodying the values of a well-rounded ambassador for the sport.
What’s Next?
As the Finals progress, all eyes will be on how Turner handles the pressure. If Indiana manages to capture its first-ever NBA title, it will be in large part because Turner did what he’s always done—defend, space the floor, and lead by example.
If that happens, he’ll etch his name in both Pacers and Longhorns lore. A banner in Indianapolis could be joined one day by a retired jersey in Austin.
But even if the Pacers fall short, Turner’s impact is already secure. He’s proven that staying loyal, putting in the work, and embracing your role can lead to greatness. In a Finals series full of stars and narratives, one stands tall—proudly draped in burnt orange legacy.
