Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert Gets Training from Hall of Famer

Larry Bird isn’t only focusing on adding new players to the Pacers lineup this season, but also trying to develop the ones he has into legitimate playoff contending troops. Few young centers in the NBA have shown the potential that Indiana’s third year, 7’2" Roy Hibbert has in the past two seasons.

It looks as if Bird is committed to turning him into an elite center, giving the Pacers some of the experience, size, and post presence that they’ve been missing for the better part of four years. This summer, Hibbert has been training with none other than former Hall Of Fame inductee center (and former Bird teammate) Bill Walton. Walton has just the right knowledge and experience in winning to get the 23 year old’s head into the game, and helping him reach his full potential as a seven footer.

“Roy Hibbert is a very exciting package of personality, skill, talent, potential, and now its a matter of how hard he’s willing to work, not just physically, but mentally as well,” says Walton regarding Hibbert on a training collaboration video found on www.nba.com/pacers .

Walton has been helping Hibbert hit the gym to not only strengthen his upper body and legs, but also to tighten up his defense and improve his rebounding. At 7’2", Hibbert is only grabbing 5.7 rebounds per game, and with the departure of Troy Murphy and the training of Walton, that average is sure to skyrocket with the start of next season.

While working with Hibbert on turn around hook shots and interior paint defense, Walton told interviewers “That’s what he needs to do for this franchise. He needs to control the paint. It’s my job to give Roy the tools he needs to learn, give him the ability to learn how to compete and then transpose that into the body, mind, spirit, and soul at only 23 years old.” Wise words from a two-time champion and two-time all-star.

Hibbert averaged 11.7 points per game last season, and must improve offensively to make-up for lost points with Troy Murphy being shipped to New Jersey and sophomore Tyler Hansbrough still getting his NBA legs ready. Having a legend like Bill Walton around can certainly do much more help than harm.  It also gives Indiana fans one more thing to be excited about in the 2010-2011 season.

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