Good Sports: Paul George

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When former Bulldog basketball star Paul George suffered a badly broken leg a week ago, the news rocked the entire nation -- from his adopted home in Indiana to his college home of Fresno.

"A lot of the teammates we talked about it and we pray for him," said Bulldogs guard Marvelle Harris. "Besides this, it's a lot of things that we're talking about doing. We want to get together and write him a letter. I'd do anything that can help him in his recovery and just know he has support."

That's why the entire team showed up to the Bulldog Shop earlier this week as one unit to sign a life-sized get-well card for George.

"I don't think it was just basketball. I think the whole community, I think the whole city of Fresno, I think the whole university and the entire athletic department felt it and we just happened to be the basketball team where he was so prominent," said Bulldogs associate head coach Michael Schwartz.

"I've talked to him and his family and reached out, and you know, just wanting to send support and showing Fresno State Bulldog alumni stick together. And trying to help him through this tough process," said former Bulldog forward Tremaine Fowlkes.

The current Bulldogs bond with the NBA superstar has been tested more than ever in the last week. George plays pick-up basketball games with the current team when he's in town. He also bought every ticket for last season's sold-out home opener.

"He had very fond memories of being here and I think it'll bring a smile to his face. And it's a great token of our appreciation for what he was able to do while he was here," said Bulldogs men's basketball head coach Rodney Terry.

"We're obviously really rooting for him. We're really proud of his success in recent years, so it was really, really tough to see him go through that," said Bulldogs forward Braeden Anderson.

If anyone knows the road to recovery it's Anderson. The forward broke his neck in a car accident last September and spent almost a week in the intensive care unit. He's got a pretty poignant message for Paul George.

"Don't feel sorry for yourself. That's the biggest thing. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Don't dwell on the injury and what happened in the past. Just try and continue to keep yourself looking forward," said Anderson.

And they all can't wait to see George back on the court, representing a little piece of themselves. Bulldog born, bulldog bred, they'll all be Bulldogs until the day they're dead.