Bennedict Mathurin
Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin (born June 19, 2002) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats and was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
Mathurin was born in Montreal, Quebec, and moved to the United States to attend North Pole High School in Alaska. He later played for the NBA Global Academy in Australia before committing to the University of Arizona. In his sophomore season with the Wildcats, he averaged 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, earning First Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft after being named a consensus second-team All-American.
In his rookie NBA season, Mathurin made an immediate impact off the bench, averaging 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Known for his aggressive drives to the basket and pull-up shooting, he quickly became a key rotation player for the Pacers.
On the international stage, Mathurin has represented Canada at the youth level, helping the national team win a bronze medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. He is considered a rising prospect in Canadian basketball and is expected to contribute to the senior national team in future events.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Mathurin possesses the physical tools to become a capable two-way player. His combination of scoring versatility, athleticism, and competitive fire makes him a cornerstone piece for the Pacers as they continue to rebuild. With continued development in his playmaking and defensive consistency, he has the potential to develop into a perennial All-Star.