Before Tip-Off: Pacers’ Hill returns to San Antonio

  Driving into the AT&T Center, there was the usual array of fans dawning the silver and black jerseys tonight. Although instead of some of the number three jerseys showing the last name “Jackson,” tonight a few said “Hill.” George Hill, who was drafted and began his career in San Antonio, is back in the Alamo City as the Indiana Pacers (2-1) prepare to face the Spurs (3-0). It was known that Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich once called Hill his “favorite” player, but today Hill’s current coach, Frank Vogel, appreciates having Hill in the Pacer blue. “I love George as much as Pop does, probably more,” said Vogel, “if that’s possible. He’s a great team first guy, a great leader. I love that he plays both ends at such a high level, (yet) he’s one of the best defensive point guards in the league as well.” When Hill took over in Indiana as the starting point guard late last season to relieve the injured Darren Collison, Vogel said Hill being a starter transforme