Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is spending this March with plenty of eyes on the college hardwood – not for what he’s doing on the court, but for what he’s saying about how fans should enjoy the NCAA Tournament this year.
Haliburton, an All-Star point guard, hasn’t played a single game for the Pacers this season due to a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him before the campaign even began. His absence has left a noticeable void in Indiana’s lineup, and the team’s offensive struggles underscore just how pivotal he is to their overall performance.
The Pacers currently rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, proving that Haliburton is more than just a rising star – he is the linchpin of the team’s success.
Even as he continues his rigorous rehabilitation, Haliburton has been keeping a close eye on basketball at all levels. After recently returning to team activities following a bout with shingles, he’s been soaking in both NBA and college games, perhaps preparing for a strong comeback next season.
While he won’t see action on the court this year, his insights and observations remain highly valued by fans and commentators alike.
This March, Haliburton made headlines for a different reason: his bold advice on filling out NCAA Tournament brackets. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he encouraged fans to pick just one bracket and stick with it, rather than creating multiple entries to hedge their bets – a common practice in office pools and social competitions.
His message was simple: embrace the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness rather than trying to game the system.
Why Haliburton’s take resonates
The advice resonates because it goes against the grain of how millions approach bracket season. Every year, fans attempt to predict the outcomes of 67 games, often filling out multiple brackets to increase their chances of winning various pools. Haliburton‘s philosophy is refreshing in its simplicity: commit to one bracket and enjoy the tournament as it unfolds.
There may also be a personal motivation behind his stance. Haliburton played two standout seasons at Iowa State University, where he left a lasting impression before declaring for the NBA Draft. As a result, he remains closely invested in the Cyclones’ performance.
This year, Iowa State earned a high seed, giving Haliburton reason to feel excited about their potential run in the tournament. His love for the game and connection to his alma mater add weight to his advice, making it more than just a passing comment from an NBA player.
While Haliburton won’t be contributing to the Pacers’ scoreboard this season, his passion for basketball shines through in his commentary.
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