Tyrese Haliburton's 10 Essentials

Inspiration has a mind of its own. It doesn't follow rules; it disobeys deadlines. I have yet to find inspiration or creativity on demand—when, where and how it unfolds is a mystery. So when it comes, seize the day, hour or minute. And that explains why, I am outlining the introductory assignment for the Fall 2025 semester of Sports and Spirituality here and now.

With the league MVP and a strong bench, the Oklahoma City Thunder were heavily favored to win the NBA title and succeeded. However, the Indiana Pacers put up a fight—and an exciting one at that. The Pacers beat the odds on their journey to the championship—both in Vegas and winning games with buzzer beaters, while overcoming ten, twelve and even 2o point deficits. They played with so much heart and the beat of it can be attributed to third year player, Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Haliburton has quickly risen to become one of the NBA’s premier young point guards.Standing at 6'5" and 185 pounds, Haliburton is known for his exceptional court vision, playmaking, and efficient scoring. A recent injury, a torn Achilles in Game 7 only raises the questions of "What if?" No doubt this  is a major setback, but his talent and character suggest he could return even stronger. I get the sense that he will utilize one of his ten essentials: the Bible to help along the way.

In fact, Haliburton said that the Good Book is his number one on his list of ten essentials. This is because 

Over the past two years, religion has become very important in my life—just understanding that I'm made in the image of God in a world where if you have a bad game or they're killing you on social media or confidence goes up and down— you can always come right here. This is my peace. I understand that I am made in His image and that He is the only one who can judge me. 

Growing up, the verse that everybody got. tattooed was Philippians 4:13 I can do all do through Christ who strengthens me and I always believed in that, but I never read a Bible, so it's been important to me last two years. 

I didn't go to church growing up so when I got the NBA, they do chapel before every game. So when sixty in on the clock there's always a meeting where both teams, coaches, everybody's welcome to come in and do like a 15 minute service. Harrison Barnes was my vet, so I used to always go with him and then when I got traded, I started going with Buddy (Hield) and now Buddy's gone, so it's really just me most of the time and it's been really good for me,

I was surprised to learn that the NBA holds chapel services so close to game time. Tyrese Haliburton’s testimony about the peace he finds in God’s Word was deeply moving. It made me wonder how many other players turn to prayer as a way to center themselves and find focus before stepping onto the court. I always thought "what if any religious article might be listed in my own 10 Essentials." 

This is a question I will be inviting my seniors to consider. I realized I don't even have ten items. What might yours be? So far I have included:

1. My grandfather's All-Ireland medal.
2. Golf clubs, but most especially my 9-wood. 
3. a deck of cards
4. lap top
5. car keys
6. green Masters hat
7. —10. TBD!
   

I came across this video because one of my students asked me if I had heard Haliburton talk. She said his voice is "not what you expect." I responded, "Do you mean it is unique, like Pat Mahomes?" That conversation prompted me to learn more. I happened upon this interview and just two minutes in—inspiration or was in the Holy Spirit led me to something new. 

I will be asking my students to create a video of their own so that I can get to know them and what they value. What I find interesting and surprising is that Haliburton, a pro basketball player didn't include anything related to basketball. No stones however have been thrown here. Please see my list. I'm a theology teacher and work in the office of adult spirituality, and I'm without a spiritual resource or religious relic. There is however, plenty of inspiration, creative, Sports and Spirituality between the two of us. Amen.

Photo Credits
Tyrese with Scripture