Tyrese Haliburton has only been in Indianapolis for half a year, but the Pacers star guard has already made a significant impact on the local community.
After teaming up with Bennedict Mathurin to surprise fans at Indianapolis parks in July, Haliburton hosted another community event last weekend. On Saturday, the 22-year-old put on Training Camp with Tyrese Haliburton, a free basketball clinic for local children, at Riverside Park.
When he was traded to the Pacers from Sacramento in February, Haliburton immediately expressed a desire to get involved in Indianapolis. Haliburton is particularly passionate about working with kids and it was important to him that Saturday's clinic was free, allowing children from underserved communities the opportunity to meet and learn from an NBA star.
Haliburton was all smiles on Saturday, joking with the kids and participating with them in drills, working up a full sweat by the end of the camp.
“It was a lot of fun," Haliburton said. "Just being around kids, hearing some of the things they say, hear them challenge me, just falling in love with the game. It was a lot of fun.”
Haliburton has been back in Indianapolis for the past few weeks, working out alongside many of his teammates at the Ascension St. Vincent Center and preparing for the start of training camp. On Thursday, he mentioned to his teammates that he was holding a camp that weekend and invited anyone interested to tag along.
Seven teammates and all four Pacers assistant coaches wound up taking him up on the offer. Campers not only had the chance to meet and interact with Haliburton, but also players Oshae Brissett, Kendall Brown, Chris Duarte, Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Deividas Sirvydis, and Terry Taylor, plus coaches Jenny Boucek, Ronald Nored, Lloyd Pierce, and Mike Weinar.
“It meant everything," Haliburton said of having that support. "Not only my teammates, but the coaching staff. Just a lot of people from our organization showing love and that means the world.”
For his teammates and coaches, supporting Haliburton was a no-brainer. In his short time in Indiana, the point guard has taken on an active leadership role on and off the court.
“He just got here and he’s making a huge impact on the kids and the community and the fans," Brissett said. "These things go a long way. These kids are going to remember this for the rest of their lives. I’m glad that I was able to be here and show some love."
"He’s all in," Boucek added. "His heart is all in. He’s here from start to finish and he’s genuinely enjoying giving back and getting to know these kids and making as much impact as he can. It’s a refreshing thing to see."