Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court on Wednesday night, playing in an NBA game for the first times since he tore his Achilles in June of 2025.
While it was just a preseason game, the moment was important for Haliburton as he hopes to return to his old self for the Indiana Pacers. The star guard took his return to another level, though, when he invited the Iowa State student section to come to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch his return.
“I think it’ll be fun for everybody,” Haliburton said. “I know there’s nobody as passionate about Iowa State as the current students.”
Cyclone Hali 🌪️ Thanks to Tyrese Haliburton, we’re bringing the GOLD OUT to Ames. The student section is ready to go for tomorrow’s preseason game against the Timberwolves in Ames. https://t.co/GgtHI4cXh8
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 7, 2026
If that wasn’t great by itself, Haliburton and the Cyclones’ student section shared a special moment during the game when Haliburton sung along with the students mid-game. The camera caught Haliburton on the bench having the time of his life in a measly preseason game.
Here’s a look at Haliburton’s shared moment with Iowa State students.
Tyrese Haliburton sings with Iowa State student section
During the third quarter of the Pacers preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Iowa State students in attendance sang “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, which those students frequently sing during sporting events. Cameras then caught Haliburton singing along with the students, was they ended the song with an Iowa State twist.
After singing the hole chorus, Iowa State students then closed out the performance by screaming “F*** KU!” which was a dig at their rivals in the Big 12, Kansas. Haliburton, meanwhile, enjoyed every part of the moment.
Tyrese Haliburton singing Mr. Brightside and chanting “FUCK KU” with the Cyclone students lol so happy to see him happy again! https://t.co/UKTAvDq6Y2
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 8, 2026
Haliburton spent two seasons at Iowa State, and while his second season was cut short due to COVID, he still clearly has a connection to the Cyclones fanbase. After a brutal season last, when Haliburton was sidelined entirely while recovering from his torn Achilles, the point guard appears to be in a much happier position this season.
MORE: Tyrese Haliburton sends Iowa State fans heartfelt message
