From Oshkosh to the NBA: Tyrese Haliburton’s Unlikely Journey
As he stands tall at 6-foot-5 and weighs 185 pounds, Tyrese Haliburton’s presence on the court is undeniable. The Indiana Pacers star and current Olympian with Team USA has come a long way from his early days in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It's a journey rooted in resilience, determination, and an unorthodox shooting technique that has proven critics wrong time and again.
Flashback to Haliburton's freshman year in high school, and the young basketball enthusiast faced a subtle but impactful setback. Playing for the Playground Warriors AAU team, Haliburton was essentially released, although formal words of dismissal were never spoken. "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. Battling courage and disappointment, Haliburton left in tears, admitting, “I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on.”
Rather than letting this moment define him, Haliburton found an opportunity in adversity. He joined Wisconsin United, an AAU team based in Milwaukee, necessitating a three-hour round trip from his home in Oshkosh. It was a commitment that would test the resolve of any teenager, but it was one Haliburton embraced wholeheartedly. Under the guidance of coach Bryan Johnikin, Haliburton began refining his skills, though not without unique challenges.
During one particular practice, Johnikin used his three-year-old grandson as a defender to expose Haliburton’s low release point. This exercise was instrumental in shaping Haliburton's distinctive shooting style. Starting with the ball in front of his chest and ending with a catapult-like motion, Haliburton’s shot generates significant sidespin—a technique far from textbook but undeniably effective.
“To the average fan, or anybody who plays, obviously it isn't textbook,” says Pacers guard TJ McConnell, “But there's no denying how effective it is. It's straight cash, is the best way I can put it.” Haliburton’s shooting has indeed been consistently impressive, as he has shot below 40% from behind the arc only once in six seasons, a testament to his proficiency and resilience. The lone dip in his shooting percentage occurred last season, primarily due to him rushing back from a hamstring injury.
Haliburton's journey from Oshkosh to the NBA spotlight is a narrative of overcoming obstacles and proving doubters wrong. His time at Iowa State further honed his skills, preparing him for the professional stage where he has now become a significant figure. "Because I don't ever want to get back to a place like that," Haliburton reflects, highlighting the drive that fuels his performance.
Now an Olympian with Team USA, Haliburton stands on the global stage as a symbol of perseverance and unwavering dedication. His journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing that setbacks can be disguised as opportunities waiting to be seized. The once overlooked high school freshman from Oshkosh now shines brightly in the limelight, representing both the Indiana Pacers and his country with pride.
In the world of professional sports, stories like Haliburton’s remind us that success is often built on a foundation of resilience, determination, and unconventional techniques. As Haliburton continues to make waves in the NBA and on the international stage, his journey from Oshkosh remains a powerful testament to the belief that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.