Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Oshkosh With $3 Million Commitment to Renovate His Former High School and Inspire Future Generations
Tyrese Haliburton has always carried Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with him no matter how far basketball has taken him. From rising as a young standout at Oshkosh North High School to becoming an NBA All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, he has made a name for himself as one of the league’s brightest young point guards. But this past weekend, Haliburton proved once again that he hasn’t forgotten where it all started. Returning to his hometown, he not only hosted his annual youth basketball camp, but he also surprised many by announcing a monumental $3 million commitment to refurbish the facilities at Oshkosh North High School, the very place where his journey began.
The renovations will completely transform the school’s athletic infrastructure. Among the upgrades, a brand new state-of-the-art video board and scoreboard will be installed to bring game-day experiences into the modern era. Just as impactful, the school’s weight room will undergo a full update, giving future generations of student-athletes the chance to train with the same level of resources that Haliburton himself has experienced at the highest levels of basketball. For Haliburton, this is not just an investment in sports facilities, but an investment in young people and their dreams.
When Haliburton stepped back into Oshkosh North, it wasn’t just as a professional athlete, but as a hometown hero who had never stopped giving back. His basketball camp brought hundreds of kids from the community together, eager to learn from someone who had once stood in their shoes. The kids got to dribble, pass, and shoot alongside one of the NBA’s most exciting playmakers, but more importantly, they got to see firsthand what hard work and dedication can accomplish. To many of the campers, Haliburton’s presence wasn’t just about basketball—it was about inspiration, a reminder that big dreams can begin in small gyms.
Haliburton’s connection to Oshkosh has always been strong. Long before he became a star at Iowa State and eventually the leader of the Pacers, he was a lanky, determined teenager who helped bring Oshkosh North its first state championship in basketball back in 2018. That championship remains one of the proudest moments in the school’s history, and Haliburton never misses an opportunity to reflect on how much those formative years meant to him. By giving back now, he’s ensuring that future Oshkosh North athletes won’t just dream about success—they’ll be equipped to chase it.
The $3 million commitment is one of the largest donations ever made by an active NBA player to their high school alma mater, and it underscores how deeply Haliburton values his roots. In an era where professional athletes often move from city to city chasing contracts and championships, Haliburton stands out for his loyalty and his desire to create lasting impact where it matters most. This gift is not about recognition or headlines; it’s about creating a foundation for young athletes to thrive, both on and off the court.
For Oshkosh North, the renovations will be transformative. The new video board and scoreboard will turn basketball games and other school events into unforgettable experiences for students and the community alike. The weight room upgrades will not only benefit the basketball team but also every athlete across sports—football, track, volleyball, and more. Haliburton knows firsthand the importance of having the right training environment, and by providing it for Oshkosh North, he’s opening the door for countless athletes to grow stronger, faster, and more confident in their abilities.
The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement and gratitude from the community. Teachers, coaches, and students alike expressed how much Haliburton’s generosity means to them. It’s not just about the facilities—it’s about the pride of knowing that one of their own has risen to incredible heights yet continues to invest in the place that made him who he is. For the parents of young athletes in Oshkosh, Haliburton is more than an NBA star; he’s a role model who demonstrates the value of humility, perseverance, and giving back.
At his camp, Haliburton spoke to the kids not only about basketball fundamentals but about the importance of education, discipline, and believing in themselves. He made it clear that his path to the NBA was not without challenges, and that setbacks are simply opportunities to grow stronger. The campers listened closely, their eyes wide, many of them dreaming of following in his footsteps. For some, his words may plant the seed that leads to future athletic success; for others, the lessons of resilience and hard work will translate into their own life paths outside of sports.
This moment also reflects the broader role athletes can play in shaping their communities. Haliburton’s commitment mirrors a tradition of players using their platforms to create positive change at home. From LeBron James opening the “I PROMISE School” in Akron to Kevin Durant’s donations in Prince George’s County, stars have increasingly looked at giving back as part of their legacy. Haliburton’s decision to focus on Oshkosh North is a personal and powerful choice, one that connects directly with the gymnasiums, hallways, and classrooms that shaped his character.
For Indiana Pacers fans, this announcement comes on the heels of a season that saw Haliburton cement himself as a leader and face of the franchise. The Pacers’ surprising run to the NBA Finals last season reminded the basketball world of Haliburton’s brilliance as both a playmaker and a competitor. His ability to balance professional excellence with personal responsibility makes him one of the league’s most respected young stars. By giving back to Oshkosh, he’s reinforcing the values that Pacers fans already admire—teamwork, humility, and community.
The impact of this donation will ripple far beyond the walls of Oshkosh North. Younger students in the community, even those who may never step onto a varsity basketball court, will see what’s possible when one of their own invests in them. Alumni of Oshkosh North will take pride in knowing that their school continues to grow stronger, supported by one of the brightest athletes it has ever produced. And the town of Oshkosh itself will forever be tied to Haliburton’s story, not just as the place where he grew up, but as the place he continues to nurture.
There’s a poetic symmetry to Haliburton returning home to give back. The same gym where he first dazzled fans with his court vision will soon be home to a brand new video board celebrating the next generation’s highlights. The same weight room where he put in countless hours will now be reborn, preparing young athletes for their own journeys. It’s a cycle of inspiration and generosity that ensures the story of Oshkosh basketball doesn’t just rest on Haliburton’s shoulders, but grows even stronger with each new class of athletes.
For Tyrese Haliburton, success has never been only about personal accolades or achievements. It’s about lifting others up along the way. His $3 million donation to Oshkosh North is not just a gift—it’s a symbol of gratitude, loyalty, and vision for the future. In time, the new facilities will serve as a living legacy of his commitment to his community, but perhaps more importantly, the young athletes who walk through those doors will carry with them the reminder that greatness begins with giving back.
In returning to Oshkosh this weekend, Tyrese Haliburton did more than host a camp or announce a donation. He reconnected the past, present, and future of his journey. From the kids dribbling on the hardwood, to the coaches who guided him, to the parents who cheered from the stands, everyone in that gym was part of something bigger—a celebration of what’s possible when talent, hard work, and generosity come together. For Oshkosh North, the best is yet to come, and thanks to Haliburton, the future is brighter than ever.
