From Oshkosh to the NBA: The Rise of Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton's journey from a determined high school freshman in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to a prestigious position with Team USA, stands as a testament to his resilience and talent. This Indiana Pacers star and now Olympian faced numerous challenges early in his career, including a significant setback during his high school years.
As a freshman, Haliburton was a member of the Playground Warriors, an AAU team. However, that relationship came to an ambiguous end. "They never said that I was cut, but my parents told me that it was essentially like, 'He can come if he wants to,'” Haliburton recalls. This experience left an indelible mark on the young athlete. “I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on,” he admitted.
This departure, however, led to a pivotal move. Haliburton joined Wisconsin United, a Milwaukee-based team, determined to continue pursuing his basketball dreams. The drive to train with Wisconsin United entailed a demanding three-hour round trip from his home in Oshkosh, a testament to the dedication of both Haliburton and his support system.
Under the guidance of Coach Bryan Johnikin at Wisconsin United, Haliburton refined his skills, including his distinctive shooting technique. During one memorable practice session, Johnikin used his 3-year-old grandson as a defender to highlight Haliburton’s unusually low release point. This unconventional approach proved beneficial in honing a shot that experts would later view as unconventional yet effective.
Haliburton’s shooting form features a catapult-like motion that starts from his chest and results in significant sidespin. Despite its unorthodox nature, Haliburton has only shot below 40% from behind the arc once in six seasons, spanning his time at Iowa State and the NBA. The lone dip in his shooting percentage occurred last season when he hastily returned from a hamstring injury.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 185 pounds, Haliburton's physical attributes complement his unique skills on the court. His shooting prowess and playmaking ability have made him a prominent figure in the NBA. Pacers guard TJ McConnell praised Haliburton’s technique, saying, “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.”
Haliburton's drive and determination have been evident throughout his career. Reflecting on his early struggles, he stated, "Because I don't ever want to get back to a place like that." His resilience has paid off, as he now embraces the global stage with Team USA.
Originally from Oshkosh, Haliburton embodies the spirit of an athlete who has overcome adversity to reach the pinnacle of his profession. As he continues to excel with the Pacers and Team USA, his story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.