From Oshkosh to Olympian: The Rise of Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton's journey from a high school freshman in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to becoming an Indiana Pacers star and current Olympian with Team USA is a story of resilience and unique talent.
Haliburton's path into professional basketball wasn't always smooth. As a freshman, he faced a critical setback when he was essentially pushed out from the Playground Warriors AAU team. "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 recalled. This uncertainty left a mark on the young athlete, who later admitted, “I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on.”
The departure from Playground Warriors proved to be a pivotal moment. Haliburton joined Wisconsin United, based in Milwaukee. This move was not without its challenges, requiring a three-hour round trip from his home in Oshkosh. The distance may have been long, but it was within this environment that Haliburton began to refine his game.
Under the guidance of Wisconsin United's coach, Bryan Johnikin, Haliburton's distinctive shooting style started taking form. Johnikin once used his 3-year-old grandson as a defender during a practice session to highlight Haliburton's low release point. Rather than changing his form to meet traditional standards, Haliburton embraced his unique style. His shot, starting with the ball in front of his chest and ending with a catapult-like motion, often results in a noticeable sidespin.
Despite its unconventional appearance, this shooting form has proven highly effective. Haliburton has consistently performed impressively from behind the arc. Only once in six seasons, spanning his time at Iowa State and in the NBA, has he shot below 40% from three-point range. This dip came last season when he rushed back from a hamstring injury, a clear indication of his determination to return to the court.
Teammate TJ McConnell acknowledges the effectiveness of Haliburton’s unorthodox shot. "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," McConnell said.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 185 pounds, Haliburton's physical attributes mesh well with his skill set, helping him become a prominent figure in the NBA. But it's not just his physicality or shooting that sets him apart—it's his inner drive and determination born out of early career challenges.
Reflecting on his past struggles, Haliburton emphasized, "Because I don't ever want to get back to a place like that." This motivation has propelled him onto the global stage with Team USA, where he now showcases his talent among the world's best.
Originating from Oshkosh, Haliburton’s story stands as a testament to the importance of perseverance and self-belief. His evolution from a young player, almost sidelined in his early career, to a celebrated NBA star and Olympian is truly inspiring. Haliburton's unique shooting form, combined with unwavering determination, exemplifies the narrative of an athlete who turned potential discouragement into extraordinary success.