NBA draft: Oshkosh native Tyrese Haliburton selected by Sacramento Kings, becomes city's first NBA player

OSHKOSH – Former Oshkosh North star Tyrese Haliburton became Oshkosh's first NBA player when the Sacramento Kings selected him with the 12th overall pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night.

The once under-recruited 2018 Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year is now a highly touted lottery pick in the world's best basketball league.

Haliburton, a 6-foot-5 guard, led Oshkosh North to the 2018 state championship and had a great sophomore year at Iowa State this past season.

"Sacramento is a perfect spot for me. First I want to thank God, but these two right here, they’re my rocks," Haliburton told ESPN while hugging his parents, Brenda and John, during the virtual draft. “I love these guys to death. I’m just glad I got to experience this with them.”

Haliburton, 20, made big leaps in 2019 after his freshman season at Iowa State and led Team USA to the U-19 FIBA World Cup championship. He then began garnering even more interest as an NBA prospect.

This is the second consecutive year Wisconsin has had an NBA draft lottery selection after the Miami Heat's Tyler Herro was picked 13th overall in 2019. Herro played at Whitnall High School.

Haliburton, arguably the best-dressed draftee, let the ESPN cameras get a close look at the inside of his floral suit. One side read “920 to the League,” shouting Oshkosh’s area code, and the other side read “Black Lives Matter.”

The belief scouts had on Haliburton entering the draft is that he could contribute on any team because of his diverse, mature skillset and mindset.

Haliburton averaged 15.2 points, 6.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 steals before his second season with the Cyclones ended with a left wrist fracture in February.

In the 2020 draft class, the Oshkosh native is regarded as one of the best spot-up shooters, passers and smartest players. He's also a selfless player who ran the offense as the primary distributor and scorer as a sophomore. He's disruptive on defense with a high basketball IQ and energy.

"I’m just ready to get to work right away, ready to create relationships with these guys and bring Sacramento back and get to winning games," Haliburton said.

Haliburton dominated Fox Valley Association teams at Oshkosh North during his 2017-18 senior season, averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 steals on 67% shooting from the field and 49% on 3-pointers.

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His steady career trajectory may have moved him past Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Milwaukee Bucks league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as Oshkosh's the most popular athlete.

"I hope I can inspire kids in Oshkosh and the whole Fox Valley area to kind of chase their dreams, chase what they love and don’t be satisfied," Haliburton said on a Zoom call with local media.

"There was a lot of people who told me and told their friends that I wouldn’t be able to play at Iowa State, I wouldn’t get in the game. So obviously those people were wrong, and I’m sure there were people who said I would never make the NBA.

"Here I am today. It means the world to me. I hope I just inspire kids and people in general to chase what they love, and the sky’s the limit."

Oshkosh North coach Brad Weber has always said that as good of a basketball player as Haliburton is, he's a better person.

"What I’m super excited about is the world learning about him," Weber said. "When you hear these analysts talk about what a great interview he is and what a great energy and person he is, I’m super excited for Sacramento to get to know him and know that personality."

Haliburton always felt like he belonged in the upper echelon whether it was high school or college basketball, but few expected he'd become a top NBA prospect.

He has the talent, but not the rare athleticism like his new teammate guard De'Aaron Fox. Haliburton's leadership, work ethic, ability to make teammates better and laser focus on details at practice and in games are key for him.

Who Haliburton is as a person translates on the court.

"I really hope people take that and understand that that is a separator (from the pack)," Weber said. "Yes, you’ve got to be an elite player to get into that conversation and get your name called in a draft.

"But the difference probably between a first-round and second-round selection for him is his personality, is who he is as a person, and that matters. It doesn't just matter in sports. It matters in life."

Haliburton thinks he's a perfect fit with Sacramento's talented guards and young team and can't wait to get started. NBA training camps are set to open Dec. 1 and games begin Dec. 22.

Fox is arguably the fastest player in the NBA and averaged 21.1 points last season. Buddy Hield is a 39.4% 3-pointer for Sacramento and averaged over 19 per points game.

"I think I excel best with other great guards," Haliburton said. "Obviously a quicker guard, a freak athlete in De’Aaron. I think he's kind of the perfect guy for me in terms of what I lack, he has. I think we’re going to be perfect together. I can’t wait to get started."

Contact Jerell Rushin at 920-279-4974 or jrushin@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jerellrushin_.