Tyrese Haliburton didn't just "attend" college. He basically took over the campus. If you've ever wondered where did Tyrese Haliburton go to college, the answer is Iowa State University, but that only scratches the surface.
Honestly, the journey from Oshkosh North High School to Ames, Iowa, is one of those "how did everyone miss this guy?" stories that makes recruiting experts look kinda silly in hindsight.
The Decision: Why a Three-Star Kid Chose the Cyclones
Back in 2018, Tyrese wasn't the household name he is today. He was a skinny kid from Wisconsin with a funky jumpshot and a high basketball IQ that most scouts just didn't appreciate yet. Most of the major recruiting sites had him ranked way outside the top 150. We're talking about a three-star recruit who was largely overlooked by the blue-blood programs.
He had offers from schools like Nebraska, Cincinnati, and Northern Illinois. But Iowa State felt different. Haliburton has gone on record saying the "family feel" in Ames was the clincher. It wasn't about the flashiest facilities or the biggest brand; it was about where he felt he could actually play and grow.
Freshman Year: The Stat Sheet Stuffer
When he stepped onto the court at Hilton Coliseum, he wasn't expected to be the guy right away. But he made it impossible to keep him off the floor.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
He started 34 of 35 games as a true freshman. That’s rare. What’s even crazier is how he played. He wasn't hunting shots. He was hunting the right play. He actually led the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio (4.5), which is a preposterous number for a teenager.
One night against Southern University, he dropped 17 assists. Seventeen! That broke the Iowa State single-game record. He finished that first year averaging:
- 6.8 points per game
- 3.6 assists
- 1.5 steals
But here is the kicker: he and Zion Williamson were the only two true freshmen in the entire country that year to rack up at least 50 steals and 30 blocks. Talk about elite company.
Where Did Tyrese Haliburton Go to College and Become a Star?
Sophomore year was when the world finally woke up. Tyrese didn't just improve; he exploded. He went from a "glue guy" to a legitimate NBA lottery prospect.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
He was averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.9 rebounds. He was shooting over 40% from three with that same weird, low-release shot that everyone told him to change. Thank goodness he didn't.
The Brock Purdy Connection
Here is a fun bit of trivia most people miss. While Tyrese was running the point at Hilton, a guy named Brock Purdy was throwing touchdowns at Jack Trice Stadium.
The two were actually in the same accounting class. Imagine being a regular student at Iowa State in 2018, just trying to pass your midterms, and you're sitting between a future NBA All-Star and a Super Bowl quarterback. They used to ride the campus bus together. Just two "under-the-radar" kids before the world knew their names.
The Injury That Ended the Iowa State Chapter
The college story didn't have a fairytale ending on the court. On February 8, 2020, during a game against Kansas State, Tyrese fractured his left wrist. Just like that, his college career was over.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
He had to watch from the sidelines as the season wound down, but his draft stock was already cemented. He officially declared for the 2020 NBA Draft in March. He didn't want to leave, though. He’s been very vocal about how much he loved Ames. He even said if there was a rule making him stay three years like in football, he would have been "ecstatic" to come back.
What Most People Get Wrong About His College Days
A lot of people think he was a "late bloomer" who suddenly found a jumpshot in the pros. That’s not true. He shot 42.6% from deep over his two years at Iowa State. He was always efficient. The only thing that changed was his usage rate.
He also wasn't just a passer. In his sophomore year, he put up a triple-double against TCU (22 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists). It was only the sixth triple-double in the history of Iowa State basketball.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Students
If you're a fan of Tyrese or a student looking at Iowa State, here is what you should take away from his time in Ames:
- Fit over Fame: Tyrese chose a school where he could play immediately and fit the culture. If you're an athlete, don't just chase the biggest name; chase the best system for your skills.
- Bet on Your Form: Every shooting coach tried to "fix" Tyrese. He stuck to what worked for him and became one of the best shooters in the world.
- The Power of Versatility: He didn't just score. He defended, rebounded, and led. Being a "Swiss Army Knife" is what got NBA scouts to notice him when he was a low-scoring freshman.
If you ever find yourself in Ames, head over to Hilton Coliseum. You can still feel the "Hilton Magic" that Tyrese helped keep alive during those two special years.
To keep up with Tyrese's current journey, you can follow his recovery and return to the court by tracking the Indiana Pacers' official injury reports and team updates for the 2025-2026 season. Keeping an eye on his shooting percentages and assist-to-turnover ratios will show you that the same traits he polished at Iowa State are exactly what make him an elite floor general today.