Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin, better known as Bennedict Mathurin, is a highly skilled professional basketball player, born on June 19, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His exceptional proficiency in the sport has led him to an admirable career with the Indiana Pacers, a top team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his commitment and thirst for achievement, Mathurin’s ascendancy in basketball has marked him as not only a role model but also a figure of inspiration.

Growing up in Quebec’s bustling city of Montreal, Mathurin nurtured his athletic inclination from a young age, engaged in various sports like ice hockey and football. Playing quarterback in his youth, Mathurin’s first love was football, but he made the switch to basketball, a decision that would lay the foundation for his future success. His skillset quickly attracted attention, and Mathurin eventually joined the Quebec provincial basketball team.

In a significant step forward in his budding basketball career, Mathurin became the first Canadian-born player to join the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City in 2018. His ambition to play college basketball was realized when he committed to the Arizona Wildcats, choosing the team over Baylor. This decision was applauded by North Pole Hoops, which considered Mathurin the best Canadian prospect in his class.

Within the Wildcats, Mathurin demonstrated his talent as a formidable player. With high scores and remarkable performances, Mathurin secured his place among the top players of the team. For instance, in January 2021, he posted 24 points and 11 rebounds in an 86-82 win over Washington State, and later, 31 points and eight rebounds in a 98-64 victory over Oregon State. Mathurin’s consistent stellar performances earned him acknowledgment as a second-team All-American and the Pac-12 Player of the Year by the end of his sophomore season.

In 2022, Mathurin won the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player title, justifying his decision to return for his sophomore season. His performance also steered the Wildcats to their eighth conference tournament title. Mathurin was eventually placed in the school’s prestigious Ring of Honor, a testament to his outstanding contribution to the team’s performance.

On April 14, 2022, Mathurin declared for the 2022 NBA draft, bypassing his remaining college eligibility. He was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the sixth overall pick, becoming the first player from Montreal to be selected as a lottery pick. This selection was a pivotal point in Mathurin’s career, propelling him into the limelight of the professional basketball world.

Mathurin’s career with the Pacers kicked off on a high note, with stellar performances in the NBA Summer League and the regular season. Despite being a rookie, he delivered impressive results, earning the honor of being named the Eastern Conference Kia Rookie of the Month in December. His scoring record, including an unforgettable 32-point game against the Brooklyn Nets and his scoring achievements of 26, 27, and 21 points against notable teams, made headlines.

Mathurin’s accelerated progress in the NBA was recognized and he was named a 2023 NBA Rising Star, finishing the season fourth in the NBA Rookie of the Year award voting. Mathurin also broke records, becoming the first Pacer to score over 100 points in their first five career games and the fastest Pacer rookie to reach 1,000 career points. His skill, agility, and performance made him a preferred choice for the starting shooting guard position in the 2023-24 season.

Despite his professional success, Mathurin maintained ties with his home country, representing Canada at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He led the team to a bronze medal while scoring an average of 16.1 points and four rebounds per game.

Off the court, Mathurin is a man of diverse culture, fluently speaking English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. His family heritage originates from Haiti, and he regards his older sister, Jennifer, a former NC State college basketball player, as one of his inspirers. The tragic death of his older brother in a bicycle accident when Mathurin was only 12 further fuels his motivation to succeed, transforming personal loss into professional triumph.

Mathurin is more than just a basketball player; he is a symbol of moving beyond obstacles, persevering, and championing the spirit of sportsmanship. His story continues to inspire aspiring athletes, underscoring the potential for success when talent is coupled with hard work and dedication.