NBA Immortalized: Tyrese Haliburton Honored with Hometown Statue as Indiana Pacers Salute Their Legendary Point Guard
From Oshkosh to Indianapolis: A Legacy Cast in Bronze
In a historic celebration that echoed through the streets of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and reverberated all the way back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Tyrese Haliburton, the electrifying and beloved point guard of the Indiana Pacers, was immortalized with a bronze statue in his hometown.
The moment, full of tears, joy, and applause, was a testament to a player whose impact on and off the court has elevated him into NBA lore. Surrounded by friends, family, fans, Pacers executives, and local leaders, Haliburton unveiled the monument that marks his ascension from small-town prodigy to national icon.
As the curtain dropped to reveal the statue—depicting Haliburton mid-dribble, head up, eyes scanning the court—the crowd erupted into chants of “MVP! MVP!” It was a moment that transcended sports, highlighting the bond between a hometown hero and the community that raised him.
The Ceremony: A Day of Reflection and Triumph
The statue unveiling took place at the newly renamed Haliburton Plaza, located just outside Oshkosh North High School, where Tyrese first dazzled local fans as a prep phenom. Attendees included Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon, head coach Rick Carlisle, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
“Tyrese Haliburton is more than a basketball star—he’s a leader, a role model, and a beacon of humility,” said Silver during his speech. “The NBA is proud to have him among our ranks.”
Haliburton, now 25 and in the prime of his career, addressed the crowd with emotion and gratitude. “This is the town that shaped me,” he said, pausing to collect himself. “This statue isn’t just for me—it’s for every kid who’s ever dribbled a ball in the snow, every family who believed in a dream, and every fan who never gave up.”
The Statue: A Symbol of Vision and Grit
Sculpted by Annabelle Royce, a renowned sports artist based in Milwaukee, the statue captures Haliburton’s unique style—effortless yet controlled, innovative yet grounded. With his trademark goggles, a gentle smile, and a poised handle, the image is both heroic and human.
Etched into the statue’s marble base are Haliburton’s personal motto, “Lead With Joy,” and his career-defining accomplishments, including:
2× NBA All-Star (2024, 2025)
2024 NBA Assist Leader
First player in Pacers history to average 20+ points and 10+ assists in a season
Led Indiana to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in over a decade
The statue’s unveiling capped off a weekend full of events in Oshkosh, including youth clinics, panel discussions on leadership, and a charity gala benefiting underserved schools in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Haliburton’s Journey: From Oshkosh North to All-NBA
Tyrese Haliburton’s path to NBA stardom was anything but traditional. A three-star recruit out of Oshkosh North, many scouts underestimated him. But Iowa State saw what others missed: a floor general with unmatched IQ, court vision, and charisma.
At Iowa State, Haliburton blossomed into a college standout before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, where he was selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the league’s brightest young guards.
But it was his 2022 midseason trade to Indiana that changed everything.
“When we got Tyrese, we knew we had something special,” said Rick Carlisle. “But we didn’t know we had the cornerstone of our franchise. He’s the total package—leader, worker, unifier, and winner.”
Indiana’s Love Affair with Haliburton
Since joining the Pacers, Haliburton has not only elevated his game but has completely reinvigorated a franchise in need of direction. His chemistry with teammates, clutch performances, and humility off the court have made him a fan favorite.
The 2024-2025 season cemented his status. Haliburton led the league in assists, earned All-NBA Second Team honors, and guided the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they pushed the heavily favored New York Knicks to a dramatic seven-game series.
“Tyrese is Indiana’s heartbeat,” said teammate Myles Turner. “You see it in the way we play. You see it in the way fans show up. He’s brought back the joy of Pacers basketball.”
A Voice Off the Court
Beyond basketball, Haliburton has emerged as one of the league’s most articulate and thoughtful voices. He’s been a staunch advocate for mental health awareness, educational equity, and youth empowerment.
Through his “Court Vision Foundation,” Haliburton funds after-school programs in both Indianapolis and Oshkosh, focusing on mentorship, reading literacy, and STEM education.
“He never forgot where he came from,” said Oshkosh North principal Angela Rogers. “He visits every summer, talks to our students, and shows them what’s possible when you dream big but stay grounded.”
Community Reactions: A Hometown Hero Returns
Local reactions to the statue and the ceremony were filled with pride and affection.
“I’ve known Tyrese since he was in middle school,” said Ken Moore, his former youth coach. “Even then, he had that spark—always asking questions, always working, always helping the younger kids.”
Fans of all ages attended the unveiling, many wearing custom jerseys and holding signs that read “Oshkosh’s Finest” and “#0 = Our Hero.”
One 10-year-old fan, Jordan Martinez, who traveled from Indiana with his family, said, “I want to be like Tyrese—not just how he plays, but how he treats people.”
Pacers’ Salute: A Franchise Statement
The Indiana Pacers made their appreciation known not just in attendance, but in action. Team owner Herb Simon announced that the franchise would sponsor a new Haliburton Youth Center in Indianapolis, a facility designed to provide tutoring, sports, and community outreach programs.
Additionally, the Pacers plan to retire Haliburton’s jersey when his career concludes and are rumored to be preparing a documentary chronicling his impact on the franchise and community.
“This is a generational talent,” said Pacers GM Chad Buchanan. “But more than that, Tyrese is a generational human being.”
Looking Forward: Haliburton’s Ongoing Legacy
While the statue represents a milestone, Haliburton made it clear that his journey is far from over.
“I’ve got more to prove, more to win, and more to give,” he said. “This statue is not an endpoint—it’s a reminder of where I started and where we’re going. Let’s bring a title to Indiana.”
As the Pacers build around him, with rising stars and a loyal fanbase, the future looks bright. Haliburton’s combination of elite playmaking, infectious positivity, and community leadership has set a gold standard for what a franchise player can be.
Conclusion: A Monument That Tells a Story
Tyrese Haliburton’s statue in Oshkosh is more than metal and marble—it’s a living symbol of determination, vision, and love. It tells the story of a kid who dared to lead with kindness, played with joy, and lifted entire communities along the way.
As the sun set over Haliburton Plaza, fans lingered, taking selfies with the statue and trading stories of their first time seeing Tyrese play. One older man, a lifelong Pacers fan, summed it up best:
“This isn’t just for Oshkosh. This is for Indiana. This is for the game. And this is just the beginning.”
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