From Oshkosh to the NBA: The Rise of Tyrese Haliburton
Born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Tyrese Haliburton's journey to becoming an NBA star and Olympian has been anything but conventional. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the kind of determination that only a true champion possesses.
Haliburton’s path took an unexpected detour during his freshman year of high school. He was essentially let go from the Playground Warriors AAU team. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Haliburton said, "They never said that I was cut, but my parents told me that it was essentially like, 'He can come if he wants to.'" Although the dismissal was unceremonious, it became a turning point for the promising young athlete.
The setback led Haliburton to join Wisconsin United, a Milwaukee-based team. This decision required a significant commitment, as Haliburton faced a three-hour round trip from Oshkosh for practices and games. Despite the grueling travel schedule, Haliburton embraced the challenge. His dedication did not go unnoticed by his new coach, Bryan Johnikin.
During one practice session, Johnikin used his 3-year-old grandson as a defender to highlight a critical flaw in Haliburton's shooting mechanics—his low release point. This unconventional drill underscored just how unique Haliburton's shot was, starting with the ball in front of his chest and ending with a catapult-like motion that generated significant sidespin.
Despite its atypical form, Haliburton's shot became a hallmark of his game. "To the average fan, or anybody who plays, obviously it isn't textbook. But there's no denying how effective it is. It's straight cash, is the best way I can put it," remarked Pacers guard TJ McConnell. Indeed, Haliburton has only shot below 40% from behind the arc once in six seasons between college and the NBA. The lone dip occurred last season when he rushed back from a hamstring injury.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 185 pounds, Haliburton cuts an imposing figure on the court. His performance at Iowa State caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA Draft. His subsequent trade to the Indiana Pacers has proven to be a boon for both Haliburton and the franchise.
Now a prominent figure in the NBA, Haliburton hasn’t forgotten the moments that shaped him. "I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on," he recalled about his dismissal from the Playground Warriors. These experiences have fueled his drive to succeed. "Because I don't ever want to get back to a place like that," he explained.
Today, Haliburton not only stars for the Indiana Pacers but also represents Team USA on the global stage. His journey from Oshkosh to international acclaim stands as a powerful narrative of perseverance and triumph. Haliburton's story is a reminder that adversity can be a catalyst for greatness, and sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the grandest destinations.
Reflecting on his career, it’s clear that Tyrese Haliburton has transformed every obstacle into an opportunity. His unique shooting form, once a subject of critique, is now celebrated for its effectiveness. His high school setbacks have been re-cast as foundational experiences that built his character and resilience.
As Haliburton continues to shine both in the NBA and on the international stage, there’s no doubt that his story has only just begun. The young man from Oshkosh, who once faced the prospect of being sidelined, is now a key player in one of the world’s most competitive sports. And for Haliburton, the drive to excel is as strong as ever.