Hometown Hero Immortalized: Indiana Pacers Unveil Tyrese Haliburton Statue in Oshkosh to Honor His Unmatched Dedication and Impact
In an inspiring homecoming tribute, the Indiana Pacers recently unveiled a bronze statue of Tyrese Haliburton in his birthplace of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The statue, standing prominently outside the Oshkosh North High School gymnasium where Haliburton first developed his basketball prowess, celebrates the guard’s astute leadership, electrifying play, and unwavering loyalty to the franchise.
The commemorative ceremony attracted hundreds of fans, local officials, and family members on a crisp Saturday morning. Mayor David Schwoegler hailed Haliburton as “Oshkosh’s proudest ambassador—a testament to what talent and humility can achieve.” Haliburton, visibly moved, thanked the community that nurtured him. “Every dribble, every late‑night practice, started right here,” he reflected. “This statue is as much yours as it is mine.”
Haliburton’s ascent has been meteoric: a standout at Oshkosh North and Iowa State, the point guard was drafted 12th overall in 2020 before joining the Pacers via a blockbuster 2022 trade . Since then, he’s blossomed into a two‑time All‑Star, led the NBA in assists, and—most recently—catalyzed Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years . Throughout, his signature combination of precision passing, clutch scoring, and emotional intelligence has made him a fan favorite and franchise cornerstone.
The statue captures Haliburton in mid‑pass, his athletic form frozen in motion—symbolic of his constant playmaking presence. The base features an inscription reading: “From Oshkosh to the spotlight—your heart guided our rise.” It’s a nod not just to his hometown roots, but also to the optimism and tenacity he’s brought to Indiana.
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard noted, “This isn’t just a tribute to Tyrese’s performance. It’s a celebration of his character—his commitment to community, his leadership on and off the court.” The event also included youth basketball clinics led by Haliburton, reinforcing his dedication to empowering aspiring players in Oshkosh.
Local residents expressed pride and excitement. One attendee commented, “Seeing Tyrese’s statue here validates everything we’ve believed in—we raised this kid, and now he’s showing the world what he’s capable of.”
As the bronze figure watches over familiar streets, Tyrese Haliburton’s legacy is indelibly etched into Oshkosh’s landscape—and the hearts of Pacers fans.