Rising Star Tyrese Haliburton’s Unconventional Journey to NBA Prominence
Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers' latest shining star and a current Olympian with Team USA, has climbed to prominence through an unconventional and inspiring journey. This journey began back in his hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where his basketball dream faced an early set back.
As a high school freshman, Haliburton found himself on the bench, largely overlooked by the Playground Warriors, a well-known AAU team. Reflecting on that time, Haliburton noted, "They never said that I was cut, but my parents told me that it was essentially like, 'He can come if he wants to.'" The mixed messages and lack of assurance led Haliburton to seek opportunities elsewhere. He eventually joined Wisconsin United, a team based out of Milwaukee.
Joining Wisconsin United was no small feat; it required a three-hour round trip from Oshkosh. Despite the arduous commute, Haliburton’s determination never wavered. Under the coaching of Bryan Johnikin, who creatively illustrated Haliburton’s unique shooting form by using his 3-year-old grandson as a defender, Haliburton honed a shot that would become his signature in the NBA. "I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on," Haliburton admits, recounting the early challenges he faced with his shooting form.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 185 pounds, Haliburton boasts a distinctive shooting technique. His shot, which begins with the ball in front of his chest before launching it in a catapult-like motion, often produces significant sidespin. "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," says Pacers guard TJ McConnell.
The effectiveness of Haliburton’s shot cannot be understated. Throughout six seasons split between Iowa State and his NBA career, he has shot below 40% from behind the arc only once. The sole exception occurred last season when he hurried back to the court too soon after a hamstring injury.
Despite these hurdles, Haliburton has risen to become a prominent figure in the NBA. His journey from a teenager essentially let go by his AAU team, to a player taking on the world stage with Team USA, is a testament to his perseverance and skill.
Reflecting on his journey and the lessons learned, Haliburton shares, "Because I don't ever want to get back to a place like that." His dedication to never revisit the uncertainty and insignificance he felt in his early years fuels his continuous growth and success.
As Haliburton continues to make waves with the Indiana Pacers and represents his country on the global stage, his story serves as an inspiration to many young athletes. From the tears and long car rides to the pride and success on an international platform, Tyrese Haliburton’s journey underscores the power of resilience and innovative thinking in the face of adversity.