From Oshkosh to Olympian: Tyrese Haliburton’s Remarkable Journey
Tyrese Haliburton’s path to NBA prominence and the global stage with Team USA is a story of resilience, determination, and an unconventional shooting style that defies traditional basketball wisdom.
Early Challenges
As a high school freshman in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Haliburton faced a significant setback. He was essentially let go 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 recalls. The experience left a lasting impression on the young athlete. “I left in tears because I was so embarrassed of what was going on,” he adds, highlighting the emotional toll it took.
This departure, however, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Haliburton joined Wisconsin United, a team based in Milwaukee. This decision required a substantial commitment — a three-hour round trip from his home in Oshkosh for every practice and game. It was during this period that Wisconsin United’s coach, Bryan Johnikin, employed a unique training method to address Haliburton’s shooting form, using his 3-year-old grandson as a defender to demonstrate the low release point in Haliburton’s shot. This unorthodox training approach set the stage for the development of his distinctive shooting style.
Distinctive Shooting Form
Haliburton’s shot is anything but textbook. Starting with the ball in front of his chest and ending with a catapult-like motion, it produces significant sidespin. Despite its unconventional nature, the shot has proven to be highly effective. Pacers guard TJ McConnell put it succinctly: “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.” This effectiveness is underscored by Haliburton’s shooting statistics. In six seasons spanning his time at Iowa State and the NBA, he has shot above 40% from behind the arc in all but one season. That lone exception occurred last season when Haliburton rushed back from a hamstring injury.
Rising Above
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 185 pounds, Haliburton is now a prominent figure in the NBA, representing the Indiana Pacers with distinction. His journey from the emotional low of being let go from his first AAU team to achieving success at the highest levels of basketball is a testament to his perseverance. Haliburton’s unique shot, early adversities, and unwavering determination have all contributed to his rise.
As Haliburton himself has stated, the difficult experiences of his past continuously fuel his drive: “Because I don’t ever want to get back to a place like that.” These words reflect the mindset of an athlete who has not only overcome setbacks but has also used them as motivation to reach greater heights.
On the Global Stage
Now an Olympian with Team USA, Haliburton’s story continues to inspire. Representing his country on the global stage marks another significant milestone in a career that began in the small town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The journey from local leagues to international competitions underscores the remarkable progression of his basketball career.
Haliburton’s path is a vivid illustration of the idea that success is not always linear. Despite the unconventional elements in his story — from being cut from an AAU team to developing a unique shooting form — Tyrese Haliburton has proven that dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace and refine one’s own style can lead to extraordinary achievements. As he continues to shine both in the NBA and on the international stage, Haliburton’s narrative remains a compelling example of triumph against the odds.