Reggie Miller: Final Four, Paul George, Steve Alford's shadow

No introduction needed, really. Reggie Miller called. We chatted.

Enlightening. Funny. Bittersweet.

Yep Reggie, Indy still misses you.

Miller is in town this weekend for the Final Four, doing analysis for TBS. Of course, we talked far beyond Final Four predictions, though Miller did want to point out one thing:

"I have been telling people all along, 'You can have the field. I'll take Kentucky,'" he said. "So far, I've been looking like a genius."

Hard feelings for Steve Alford?

When Miller was drafted with the 11th pick in the 1987 NBA draft, Indiana fans were not happy. At all. They wanted hometown hero Steve Alford, who had just led the Hoosiers to a national championship. Fans booed Donnie Walsh for the selection, booed Miller on the court. Yet, Miller quickly endeared himself to Indiana. He would play his entire 18-year career with the Pacers, leading the team to the playoffs 15 times, including a trip to the the NBA Finals in 2000. Now, Alford is coaching Miller's college alma mater, UCLA.

"I know UCLA is in good hands. I know what type of pedigree he has having grown up against Steve. This is a guy that cares extremely about winning. And I knew UCLA was going to be in good hands when he decided to go this route. He prepared hard as a player and he hasn't changed as a coach."

Paul George's return...

Minutes, mere seconds, really after Miller hung up the phone, the announcement came. Paul George would return to play Sunday against the Miami Heat. When asked what he thought before the announcement, Miller was liking the idea of a George return this season.

"As long as he's healthy, I think it would be good for him to come back. Get a couple games in. Get that over with so he doesn't have to deal with that fanfare next season."

How the 3-point shot changed NCAA basketball...

Three-pointers will fly in the Final Four games. Less than three decades ago, they weren't allowed. Well, a long range shot was allowed, but it counted for two points. Miller was in his final year at UCLA in 1986 when the NCAA instituted the 3-pointer.

"It always gives teams a chance to, if they are down 10-plus points, the 3-point line has always been a great equalizer because it gives them the chance to shoot themselves back into the game. On the flip side, they can shoot you back out of the game, too."

How he became so darn good at those 3-pointers…

After all, Miller didn't grow up at a time when the trey was a thing.

"As a kid, I tried to shoot as far as possible from the basket. Because whenever I tried to drive against my older sister I got my shot blocked." That sister, Cheryl Miller, went on to become one of the greatest women to ever play the sport. It has been said that the one rivalry Reggie just couldn't win was Reggie vs. Cheryl.

His favorite memory of being a Pacer…

"There is nothing like running out of the tunnel for pregame warmup and hearing the roar of the crowd of the Indiana faithful. "I'll never get over that. It's the best. Indiana fans are so faithful. The Indiana faithful rising to their feet as we were preparing."

Surely there is that same electricity with other NBA fans inside other NBA arenas?

"I can only speak for Indiana because I only know 18 years of awesomeness there."

Must have food in Indianapolis...

"Bella Vita on Geist Reservoir is my go-to restaurant. I have had it already since I landed. The chicken marsala is to die for. In the spring and summer, you just come up on your boat and get off your boat half baked and you come in and get more half baked with the drinks and food."

Favorite catchphrase...

"I think I say a lot of 'Are you kidding me?' as well as 'The same thing that will make you laugh will make you cry.'"

That last one sounds like an old man, like something a grandpa might say...

"Well, I am an old man." He turns 50 in August.

Final Four prediction...

Kentucky and Duke win Saturday. Kentucky wins the championship.

"They have two more hurdles. I just think Kentucky was built for this."

Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.