From Ames to All-Star: Haliburton Takes the NBA by Storm

The NBA Finals begin tonight, and a former Iowa State star is among the players in the spotlight.

Former Cyclone Tyrese Haliburton is the starting point guard for the Indiana Pacers, who take on the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in game one of the NBA Finals. Haliburton has become one of the top young stars in the NBA and was a big reason the Pacers are four wins away from an NBA title.

Where is Tyrese Haliburton From?

Tyrese Haliburton grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and went to Oshkosh North High School, where he was a three-star basketball recruit. He was named the Gatorade Wisconsin High School Player of the Year and committed to play his college basketball at Iowa State in September 2017.

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How long did Tyrese Haliburton Play at Iowa State?

Haliburton made his Iowa State debut on November 6, 2018. He led the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio as a freshman and was the only true freshman other than Zion Williamson from Duke to post at least 50 steals and 30 blocks on the season. His sophomore year, he averaged over 15 points and over 6 assists per game and was named 2nd team All Big 12. After the season, he announced he would enter his name into the NBA Draft.

Which NBA Team Drafted Tyrses Haliburton?

Haliburton was the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the First Team All-NBA Rookie team.

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In February of 2022, Haliburton was part of a multi-player trade that saw the guard head back to the Midwest and the Indiana Pacers. His game really blossomed under the guidance of new head coach Rick Carlisle.

Haliburton was elected to his first All-Star team with the Pacers during the 2022-2023 season. The following year, he was selected as a member of the United States National Team. He was also named Third Team All-NBA and guided the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics.

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This season, Haliburton led the Pacers back to the Eastern Conference Finals and helped Indiana top the New York Knicks and advance to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton was once again selected for the Third Team All-NBA.

What Makes Tyrese Haliburton a Star?

Haliburton's game is fun to watch! He can score from inside and outside, and is a fantastic passer. Sounds like another point guard who plays in Indiana! Tyrese is also very outgoing, interacts with fans, and yes, has his own shoe deal with Puma.

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You could also say that Haliburton's salary makes him a star. He signed a five-year deal worth up to $260 million with the Pacers in 2023. Indiana clearly knows a star when they see one. Now the rest of the NBA is seeing it too!

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Gallery Credit: Sophia Crisafulli