Tyrese Haliburton Marks Return to NBA By Purchasing Tickets for Alma Mater Iowa State Students

Tyrese Haliburton made his long-awaited return to basketball in Ames, where he played two seasons for Iowa State.

Tyrese Haliburton Marks Return to NBA By Purchasing Tickets for Alma Mater Iowa State Students

Tyrese Haliburton (Image credits - BasketNews)

Tyrese Haliburton is back in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers after 472 days out injured. It has been a long road to recovery after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last year.

The Pacers ended up being one of the worst performing teams last season as their star guard missed the entire campaign. They finished at 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 19-63 record. It was the second worst record in the league after the Washington Wizards.

Haliburton returned to court for the Pacers’ first preseason game ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. His comeback came in a special setting, as he played against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum, home of his alma mater, Iowa State University.

Before tip-off, Haliburton was given a microphone to address the crowd and he was treated to some loud cheers. He said,

Cyclones! Hey guys, we’re so thankful that you guys came. It’s been 472 days since I played a game of basketball. I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else, it’s like my second home. I love you guys so much. Iowa State is so special to me.

Tyrese Haliburton addressing the crowd

The past one year has been full of ups and downs for Haliburton. As he worked on his Achilles tendon recovery, he suffered some health setbacks along the way. It has not been easy but he is finally back to doing what he does best.

Things have remained very promising for him in the past few months. His rehab has gone well to an extent that he can do everything pain-free and he remains locked in for the new season.

The star guard is also coming off a joyous moment in his personal life after tying the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, in the summer.

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Tyrese Haliburton was delighted to return to the Hilton Coliseum arena

Haliburton has had a lot going on in the last few months. Nevertheless, he looked fresh and healthy on Wednesday night against the Wolves.

The arena erupted when he scored his first points in the paint. In the end, the Pacers recorded a 123-112 victory. The Pacers guard ended his night with seven points and six assists in 16 minutes.

It was a happy and an emotional night for Haliburton. Playing after 472 days and returning to the court where he spent two years of college basketball.

While speaking to reporters court side, he called his return to Ames “poetic.”

Iowa State holds a special place in my heart. I kind of pitched this a couple of years ago and we were trying to find a team willing to come to Ames. It’s kind of poetic as I haven’t played an organized game of basketball in a year and a half, there’s no way I’d rather come back to.

Tyrese Haliburton to reporters

Haliburton ensured that it had a college-like feel by purchasing all of the tickets for the students. The students were seen sitting in their traditional sections behind both baskets and cheered for their alumni on his return.

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Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers can make some noise in the East

Traditionally, the Eastern Conference was always viewed as inferior compared to the Western Conference. However, there seems to have been a shift as a number of teams have stacked up their rosters in the offseason.

Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton (Image credits – NBA)

Tyrese Haliburton is undoubtedly one of the best traditional point-guards in the league. The last time he played for the Pacers, they made it to Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

ESPN senior writer Vincent Goodwill discussed the Pacers’ chance in the East next season.

The last time we saw this kid [Tyrese Haliburton] and the Pacers, they knocked out the Knicks. They knocked out the Knicks twice in the last two years in the playoffs. There is no fear. I like the fact that he is coming back and you got the bones of a team that went to Game 7 of the NBA Finals two years ago.

With all the attention on the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, the Pacers could benefit from the less noise surrounding them.

To capitalize, they have made some good additions to their roster and will look to make some noise in a stacked Eastern Conference next season.

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