Tyrese Haliburton’s Heartfelt Proposal Steals the Show at Iowa State
In a moment that transcended the hardwood, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton turned Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University into the stage for a life-changing play. On July 28, 2025, the two-time NBA All-Star, sidelined by a season-ending Achilles injury, proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Jade Jones, in a scene straight out of a Hollywood romance. With rose petals scattered across the court and a glowing sign spelling out “Will you marry me?” Haliburton, despite his therapeutic boot and mobility scooter, dropped to one knee to ask the question that sparked joy across the basketball world.
The setting was no coincidence. Hilton Coliseum is where Haliburton and Jones first met in 2019 as Iowa State students—he a rising basketball phenom, she a spirited cheerleader. Their six-year love story began on this very parquet, making it the perfect backdrop for their next chapter. “The place where our story started, and where our next chapter begins,” Haliburton captioned a heartfelt Instagram post, capturing the couple’s emotional embrace against the iconic Iowa State court.
Haliburton, fresh off leading the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years, has had a whirlwind 2025. Despite the heartbreak of a Game 7 Achilles tear against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his off-court moves are proving just as clutch. The proposal, complete with red balloons and a meticulously planned photo shoot around campus, showcased Haliburton’s flair for the dramatic—rivaling his game-winning shots in the 2025 playoffs, where he became the first player to hit four go-ahead or game-tying shots in a single postseason.
Jade Jones, a Davenport West High School graduate and constant presence at Pacers games, beamed with joy, commenting, “Future Mrs. What the Hali 😭” on the couple’s joint Instagram post. The NBA community erupted in celebration, with WNBA star and close friend Caitlin Clark chiming in, “WEDDING TIMEEEEE. LOVE YALL,” alongside congratulations from teammate Lexie Hull and countless fans. The couple’s mini goldendoodle, Ames—named after their Iowa State roots—adds a furry touch of charm to their journey together.
As Haliburton faces a challenging recovery, missing the entire 2025-2026 season, this moment of love and commitment offers a bright spot. From setting Iowa State’s single-game assist record to becoming a $260 million franchise cornerstone, Haliburton’s path from a three-star recruit to NBA stardom has been remarkable. Now, with Jones by his side, he’s poised to conquer his next challenge: wedding planning. The basketball world eagerly awaits the day “the Haliban” and his future bride say “I do,” proving once again that his biggest plays happen both on and off the court.
Sources: ESPN, Des Moines Register, USA Today, Instagram posts