On July 28, Tyrese Haliburton, fresh off an electrifying NBA Finals run and currently recovering from an Achilles injury, returned to Iowa State University’s Hilton Coliseum to stage a cinematic proposal for girlfriend Jade Jones.

The sentimental location was no coincidence; Haliburton and Jones first crossed paths as undergrads in Ames, with Haliburton starring on the court and Jones cheering from the sidelines.

The scene was set perfectly: Haliburton, still wearing a protective boot and accompanied by a scooter, dropped to one knee at center court amid a sea of rose petals and a glowing “Will You Marry Me?” sign.

Friends, family, and fans got a front-row view thanks to a carousel of photos and a video Haliburton shared via Instagram. “The place where our story started, and where our next chapter begins,” he captioned the post.

Jones replied in kind: “Future Mrs. What the Hali,” referencing the Rob49 song playing at their celebration.

A Union Years in the Making

Haliburton and Jones’ romance has spanned six years since their Iowa State days, grounding both through the demands of NBA stardom and the crucible of a Finals run that ended in heartbreak for Indiana.

For Haliburton, the engagement was more than a headline: it was a moment to prioritize love and home over professional glory, even while sidelined by an injury that will cost him the entire 2025-26 season.

Jones, too, has made her mark beyond supporting Haliburton’s ascent, cheering loudly from the stands and even playfully taunting rivals during Indiana’s playoff battles. Their bond—rooted in college, solidified in the pressure cooker of pro sports—was celebrated online, with friends, fans, and WNBA standout Caitlin Clark offering congratulatory messages.

Celebrating Love Through Adversity

In a sport often defined by rings, Haliburton’s summer saw him give and receive perhaps his most meaningful one yet. Even as he continues his recovery, this moment of joy has united the NBA community and Cyclone Nation, proof that heartfelt gestures off the court can resonate every bit as powerfully as heroics on it.

For Haliburton and Jones, the Hilton Coliseum will be more than just a venue for basketball memories, but the first chapter of their life together.