Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton has decided to give back to his alma mater with a generous gesture for students ahead of an upcoming preseason game. The basketball player fully paid for tickets for the student body for a high-profile matchup taking place at his home university arena, Iowa State.
Returning to His Home Arena After Years
The upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves holds massive significance for both the team and Haliburton personally. The match will take place at Hilton Coliseum, where the point guard played during his college years from 2018 to 2020 before being selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Haliburton purchased all available tickets for the student section, after which the university held a special lottery among students.
Overcoming a Severe Injury and Long-Awaited Return
This game will mark Tyrese’s first official appearance in more than 16 months. The last time the athlete took the floor was in the dramatic Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where he suffered a severe Achilles tendon tear. The recovery process was long and difficult, but the player is finally ready to return to action and hopes to play at least the first half of the game.
Personal History and Student Traditions
Haliburton shares not only athletic memories with Iowa State University but also vital milestones in his personal life. It was here that he met his future wife, Jade, and later proposed to her right on the university court. The idea to host a Pacers preseason game at this arena was conceived by the player years ago, and after a forced delay due to injury, this grand event is finally coming to life.
