Jade Jones and Tyrese Haliburton’s relationship began long before Indiana. Both attended Iowa State—Tyrese as a star guard, Jade on the cheer team. Their bond dates back to April 2019, evolving through college into a strong, supportive partnership over six years . Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark became a household name at the University of Iowa, drawing national attention with her prolific scoring and passing acumen.
These Midwestern roots cemented early mutual appreciation: Jade, as an Iowa alum and Haliburton’s girlfriend, watched Clark shatter records; Tyrese, initially hesitant to root for a Hawkeye, soon embraced Caitlin’s brilliance, especially as the Indiana Fever selected her No. 1 in the WNBA Draft .
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Indiana Arrives: Shared Courts, Shared Families
Tyrese joined the Indiana Pacers in early 2022. He also began supporting the Fever, sitting courtside at games—even during their tough 5‑31 season. As energy surged with Caitlin’s arrival, fan presence exploded from around 4,000 to over 17,000 per game .
Soon enough, Caitlin became a familiar, enthusiastic presence at Pacers contests. Courtside visuals of Haliburton and Clark—often animatedly cheering each other on—solidified their status as Indiana’s basketball royalty .
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The Core: A 24/7 Circle of Support
What truly defines their bond is the 24/7 group chat that includes Haliburton, Clark, Jade, and Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery . Far from perfunctory coordination, it’s a hub of connection—covering game calls, film clips, life updates, basket strategies, and heartfelt encouragement. Haliburton told ESPN, “We’re talking 24/7 … the four of us hang out all the time” .
This group doubles as both social circle and strategic think tank. Clark recently texted Tyrese mid-series for advice after struggling through a tough defensive strategy in Atlanta—bringing up full-court pressure that mirrored what Tyrese faces in the NBA . Mutual mentorship is at the heart of it.
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Bonding Over Pressure and Playstyles
Clark’s sudden fame comes with intense scrutiny. Haliburton, in his own right, feels the weight of leading a small-market team poised for its first Finals in 25 years . Their support system is invaluable: Tyrese praises Clark’s composure—calling her “amazing”—while Caitlin admires his assist‑to‑turnover excellence and top‑tier playmaking .
Their playing styles align, too—rapid tempo, aggressive attack, high basketball IQ. Coaches on both squads note their teams share a philosophy: up‑tempo play, full‑court pressure, deep benches, and a “we over me” ethos . Conversations in the group chat echo these shared tactical DNA elements.
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Jade’s Entrance: Style, Spirit, Support
Jade isn’t just Haliburton’s anchor; she’s also Indiana’s fan favorite. Throughout the NBA Finals, she’s been visible at Pacers games—turning heads in custom Pacers outfits, including denim ensembles and team-themed boots . She’s not afraid to defend her man, even amid heated fan moments .
Caitlin has publicly recognized the quartet’s bond. She’s shared posts like “Love you guys” aimed at Jade and Tyrese, reinforcing that Jade is fully embraced into their circle .
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Double Dates and Full Lives in Indiana
As their friendship deepened, the four have prioritized in-person time in indy—going on double dates and attending each other’s games together . They celebrated Halloween as a foursome, and appear frequently in social media posts and interviews expressing genuine mutual admiration .
These shared moments—whether courtside high-fives, group dinners, or real-time game pep talks—reflect how intertwined their lives have become around Indiana’s basketball community.
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Collective Symbolism: A New Indiana Era
Clark and Haliburton stand atop an Indiana renaissance. The Fever, revitalized by Caitlin’s rookie season, surged into the playoffs for the first time since 2016 . The Pacers broke a 25-year NBA Finals drought . These parallel success stories are united by their emotional and competitive chemistry—and reinforced by the support of Jade and Connor.
For many fans, the quartet is more than just public figures; they are emblematic of a deeper basketball culture—one that stays, supports, builds community, and represents true Indiana pride .
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What It All Means
1. Mentorship & Learning – The group chat: ongoing basketball insights, shared wisdom, tactical advice.
2. Emotional Anchors – Navigating pressure together, offloading stress, celebrating wins.
3. Community Building – Their presence fuels ticket sales, energizes fanbases, and underlines Indiana’s basketball revival.
4. Cultural Visibility – Off‑court style, social media synergy, and friendship make them relatable public faces.
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In Summary
Caitlin Clark and Jade Jones developed a genuine — yet strategic — bond via the Indiana basketball environment, one deeply rooted in their shared relationships with Tyrese Haliburton and Connor McCaffery. It’s a friendship shaped by mutual admiration, basketball intellect, and an authentic social circle rooted in mutual support.
At its core, the narrative isn’t just about athletes and their partners—it’s about how individual journeys coalesce into community forces, uniting a team’s heart and soul both on and off the court. The interconnectedness of Haliburton, Clark, Jade, and Connor encapsulates how basketball in Indiana has transcended game lines
to create lasting friendships, mentorship, and statewide pride.
