Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton began his journey to professional basketball during high school, leading Oshkosh North to a state championship in his senior season and being named the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year. His talents on the court didn't go unnoticed, and he was soon representing the United States in international competitions. In 2019, Haliburton played a key role in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, helping the team secure a gold medal. His college career at Iowa State was marked by stellar performances, such as the most assists by an Iowa State player in a single game, with 17 assists in a win over Southern. He was named Big 12 Player of the Week during his sophomore season and averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

Haliburton transitioned into the NBA as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, initially playing for the Sacramento Kings. His rookie season was highlighted by an inclusion in the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2021 and a career-high 38 points against the Philadelphia 76ers. His journey continued with the Indiana Pacers, where he was traded in 2022. Haliburton's performances remained consistent, earning him a spot in the NBA All-Star team in 2023 and 2024. He also won the 2022 Clorox Clutch Challenge and became the first player in Pacers history to score at least 40+ points and 10+ assists in a game.

Haliburton's success persisted in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he represented the United States Men's National Team. His skills in steals and assists played a pivotal role in qualifying the United States for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where the team won a gold medal. His consistent high-scoring games and low turnover rates have placed him in the company of legendary players like LeBron James and Michael Jordan, becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to achieve 25 points, 17 assists, and 0 turnovers in a game. Now, with a max contract extension with the Pacers, Haliburton continues to be a significant player in the NBA, showcasing his skills in the All-Star games and the NBA Three-Point Contest. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2024, the first of his career.