Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after suffering an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Ex-K-State Forward Coleman Hawkins Strongly Reacts To Tyrese Haliburton Injury

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Jayden Armant | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 10:30 AM ET

Tyrese Haliburton's injury in the Indiana Pacers' Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder had the basketball world in a chokehold.

So it's not a surprise that former Kansas State star Coleman Hawkins weighed in as well. Hawkins, a vocal figure in college basketball, shared the same empathy so many athletes had toward the brimming superstar.

"Prayers up to Halliburton, man," Hawkins tweeted. "People don’t understand the risk you’re taking by playing through injuries…SMH."

Prayers up to Halliburton man. People don’t understand the risk you’re taking by playing through injuries… SMH ‍♂️
— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) June 23, 2025

Haliburton's electric postseason was highlighted by several game-winners and star performances that elevated his player status in the course of just a few months. To come up short in the most crucial game of the season, especially with the caliber of injury he suffered, was borderline unwatchable for many.

Haliburton expressed his frustration with the timing and nature of the injury, but remained grateful for the heights the Pacers reached in this Finals run.

"At 25, I’ve already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle," Haliburton said in his emotional tweet Monday night. "I know I’ll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special."

Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.

Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the… pic.twitter.com/UyY0iFEp6Z
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 24, 2025