Where did Tyrese Haliburton go to college?

Where did Tyrese Haliburton go to college? While his sharp basketball IQ and leadership are well-known in the NBA, his college background often goes under the radar.

Haliburton played two seasons of college basketball at Iowa State University, where he quickly emerged as one of the Big 12’s top guards.

In this post, we cover his decision to choose Iowa State, his standout performance there, and how his education on and off the court shaped his pro career.

Key takeaways

• Tyrese Haliburton played college basketball at Iowa State University
• He enrolled at ISU in 2018 after graduating from Oshkosh North High School
• His time at Iowa State was pivotal to his development both athletically and academically

Early life and prep school

Tyrese Haliburton was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and starred at Oshkosh North High School, where he was named the 2018 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year.

Despite his early success, he was considered a mid-level recruit—lightly recruited compared to higher-profile prospects—but his basketball IQ and court vision stood out to scouts.

Choosing Iowa State University

In 2018, Haliburton accepted a scholarship from Iowa State University, drawn by the Cyclones’ strong player development program and consistent coaching staff. He chose ISU over offers from Nebraska, Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Northern Iowa.

Collegiate performance and achievements

Haliburton made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he averaged 6.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game across 35 games, including a school-record 17 assists in one game.

His sophomore year saw further growth (15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds per game), earning him All-Big 12 Second Team honors despite a season-ending wrist injury in early 2020.

TuitionHero Fun Fact

Haliburton broke the Iowa State single-game assist record as a freshman and became a Big 12 standout by his second year.

Decision to enter the NBA draft

After his sophomore season, Haliburton declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. Despite suffering a fractured wrist, his on-court leadership and statistical output had secured his status as a top prospect, ultimately selected 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings.

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Role of academics and personal growth

At Iowa State, Haliburton majored in business, and he earned Academic All‑Big 12 recognition during his tenure. Off the court, he maintained a grounded approach to education and personal development, traits that have been credited with helping him transition smoothly to life in the NBA.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Did Tyrese Haliburton go to college?

Yes. He played two seasons for Iowa State University before declaring for the NBA Draft.

Why did Haliburton choose Iowa State?

He valued their player development system and consistent coaching staff, and received offers from other programs.

How did he perform in college?

He averaged 10.1 points and 4.7 assists per game across two seasons, set a school assist record, and earned All-Big 12 honors.

What did he study at Iowa State?

He was a business major and earned Academic All‑Big 12 accolades during his time at college.

Final thoughts

Tyrese Haliburton’s time at Iowa State University laid a strong foundation for his basketball and professional growth. His rapid maturation from an under-recruited high school player to an NBA All-Star demonstrates how the right college environment can accelerate development both on the court and off.

Source

• Which College Did Tyrese Haliburton Go? College Stats, GPA & Other Details - EssentiallySports
• "ESPN had my name spelled wrong for the first two weeks of the season" - Tyrese Haliburton talks about being overlooked in college - Basketball Network
• Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton enjoys fuel provided by doubters | Reuters
• Tyrese Haliburton - Wikipedia