The world wide web is throwing out conspiracy theories. Did Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Halliburton really tear his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals earlier this year? Or did he fake it, so he could join the Ole Miss men’s basketball team?
Of course, that’s not true, but people are losing their minds over Ilias Kamardine, a 6-5, 185-pound guard at Ole Miss who looks uncannily like Haliburton, also 6-5, 185 pounds, per the Pacers roster.
“We’re convinced Tyrese Haliburton faked his Achilles injury & has assumed a new identity at Ole Miss for the NIL money,” posted College Sports Only on X.
We’re convinced Tyrese Haliburton faked his Achilles injury & has assumed a new identity at Ole Miss for the NIL money. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/7P3hj7fmeV
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) November 15, 2025
Kamardine played last season with JDA Dijon in France, a professional basketball club, according to Ole Miss. He averaged 8 points and 18.2 minutes in 48 games.
In his rookie season for the Rebels, he is averaging 18 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5 assists, a 65.6% shooting average and 53.8% from 3-point range.
Ole Miss has a Tyrese Haliburton clone. Literally. 😭 https://t.co/C9FYKViktRpic.twitter.com/Pu4KcqdJJ2
— Recruits News (@recruitsnews) November 15, 2025
“(He is) crafty, plays with an understanding and pace that’s already showing out in college,” Arman Jovic posted on X. “The jump to college has been effortless. Star already.”
Ole Miss is really running with Tyrese Haliburton 2.0
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) November 15, 2025
This player in college is literally just a French Tyrese Haliburton 😳 pic.twitter.com/pSVaZR72AF
— Corner Three Media (@Corner3Media) November 15, 2025
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tyrese Haliburton ‘clone’ playing at Ole Miss, 54% 3-point ace
