OSHKOSH — Former Oshkosh North star and now Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton made his way through the gym he once made highlight plays in.
He bounced from station to station and gave some instruction at his second annual camp at Oshkosh North on Friday, Aug. 15, CareSource Tyrese Haliburton Impact Camp, put together by ProCamp.
“Anytime I get to come back to Oshkosh is a lot of fun for me so to not only just be here, but to be around the kids and get to give back means a lot for me,” Haliburton said. “It’s an exciting day and I’m happy to be home.”
As he walked around and interacted with campers in grades 1-8, he brought his smile and matched the excitement of those who seemed just as excited to see him. He sported his signature shoe, the PUMA Hali 1 and a walking boot as he rehabs from a right Achilles tear that occurred during Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton stopped and talked with Oshkosh North coach Brad Weber as highlights from the 2018 state championship game played on the new videoboard above.
“I’m always going to be an alumni of this school of course and the relationship that I have with the people here always means the world to me,” Haliburton said. “Not only coach Weber, Zay (Xzavion Mitchell), but also my former teachers and stuff. Whenever I’m in town I like to go get breakfast or lunch or dinner with some of my former teachers or some staff members from when I was in high school. So this place will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Of the places he frequents, one is a Wisconsin staple.
“Two Brothers is usually my breakfast spot. I don’t know if I’m supposed to say this, but I love Kwik Trip. That’s like my late night spot, I know it’s a gas station, but it’s where I spend a lot of time,” Haliburton said. “Then, Players Pizza… I have a good sandwich there that I like to enjoy every time I’m in town.”
Campers were decked out in white PUMA shirts that read “Tyrese Haliburton” and featured a cartoon version of Haliburton himself. They took pictures with Haliburton and showed off their own style with different color shoes, just like Haliburton continues to do.
Around the gym, the PUMA logo and Haliburton’s signature logo were side by side on signs throughout, along with the logo for CareSource.
When the camp was wrapping up, there were games of lightning leading up to the winners from each group facing off against each other in front of the entire camp. Haliburton looked on with excitement and fascination just like everyone else, waiting to see who would win.
After the games of lightning completed, campers had the chance to ask him questions about basketball and he took them all in stride as he would guiding a fastbreak at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
It was evident that he was at home, back where he grew up as someone who was once in the campers’ shoes.
“The idea of community has always meant a lot to me, starting with my parents and how I was brought up. You see my dad is out here running around as well because giving back is very important,” Haliburton said. “I’m wise enough to understand that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people that I’ve had behind me.”