Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin Bio
Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin is a Canadian professional basketball player who has made a significant impact in the NBA since being selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA draft. The Montreal native played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, where he earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and recognition as a consensus second-team All-American. Mathurin was selected by the Indiana Pacers and became the first player from Montreal to be chosen in the NBA draft lottery. He received NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2023 and has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young scorers.
Early Life and Background
Bennedict Mathurin was born on June 19, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Growing up in Montreal, he developed his athletic skills through multiple sports including ice hockey and Canadian football, where he played quarterback. His diverse sporting background helped him develop the athleticism and coordination that would later serve him well on the basketball court. Mathurin represented the Quebec provincial basketball team during his youth career, gaining valuable competitive experience against top prospects from across Canada.
In 2018, Mathurin joined the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, becoming the first Canadian-born player to participate in the program. This elite training environment allowed him to refine his skills against other top prospects from Latin America and develop under professional coaching. His performance at the academy elevated his national profile, and he was considered the best Canadian prospect in his class by North Pole Hoops. Mathurin ultimately chose to continue his basketball career at the University of Arizona, selecting the Wildcats over other major programs including Baylor.
Path to Basketball
Mathurin’s progression through youth basketball in Quebec and his participation in NBA Academy Latin America positioned him as a top collegiate prospect. His commitment to Arizona in 2020 marked the beginning of his ascent toward professional basketball. The NBA Academy experience proved instrumental in his development, providing him with exposure to professional training methods and competition at an international level. This foundation set the stage for his successful college career and eventual transition to the NBA.
Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin Career
Arizona Wildcats Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Mathurin arrived at the University of Arizona in 2020 and quickly demonstrated his potential as a scoring guard. During his freshman season, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 41.8 percent from three-point range. His performance earned him Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors, establishing him as a player to watch in the conference. Despite generating interest from NBA scouts, Mathurin made the decision to return for his sophomore season to further develop his game.
His sophomore year in 2021-22 proved to be a breakthrough campaign. On December 11, 2021, Mathurin scored 30 points in a closely contested win against Illinois. He continued his dominant play throughout the conference season and won the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Wildcats to their eighth conference tournament title. Mathurin was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, becoming the ninth player in Arizona Wildcats history to earn that distinction. Following his sophomore season, he was voted a consensus second-team All-American, the fifth in Wildcat history to achieve that honor. Mathurin declared for the 2022 NBA draft on April 14, 2022, ending his collegiate career having made the school’s Ring of Honor.
Indiana Pacers (2022–2026)
Mathurin was selected with the sixth overall pick by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA draft, making history as the first player from Montreal to be selected in the lottery. The Pacers had not selected this high in the draft since choosing Rik Smits second overall in 1988. On July 3, 2022, Mathurin signed his rookie contract and made his NBA Summer League debut nine days later, recording 23 points and four rebounds in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He was later named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team after averaging 19.3 points per game during the exhibition series.
Mathurin made his regular season debut on October 19, 2022, scoring 19 points off the bench against the Washington Wizards. He followed with 26 points against the San Antonio Spurs and 27 points versus the Detroit Pistons. His 72 points through the first three games marked the most by a rookie since Jerry Stackhouse scored 76 to begin the 1995-96 season. On October 26, he became the first Pacer to score 100 or more points through his first five career games. On October 29, Mathurin set a career high with 32 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Throughout his rookie season, Mathurin continued to flash his scoring ability. On January 31, 2023, he was named a 2023 NBA Rising Star alongside teammate Andrew Nembhard. On February 13, he became the fastest Pacer rookie since Chuck Person in 1986-87 to reach 1,000 career points. At the season’s end, he finished fourth in the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
During the 2023-24 season, Mathurin recorded 22 points and 9 rebounds against the Utah Jazz on November 8, 2023, and followed with 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks the next day. On February 17, 2024, he was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge played in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He scored 22 total points in the Rising Stars tournament and helped lead Team Jalen to the championship. Unfortunately, Mathurin was diagnosed with a torn labrum in his right shoulder on March 9, 2024, an injury that required surgery and ended his season. Despite his absence, the Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals that postseason.
Mathurin returned for the 2024-25 season with renewed energy. On November 10, 2024, he recorded a career-high 38 points with 7-of-8 three-point shooting in a win over the New York Knicks. He and Tyrese Haliburton became only the second duo in Pacers franchise history to each score at least 35 points in a game, joining Jalen Rose and Reggie Miller from the 2000 playoffs. On March 20, 2025, Mathurin scored 28 points and collected a career-high 16 rebounds in an overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets. In the Eastern Conference Finals, he recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds in Game 5 against the Knicks, helping the Pacers win the series and advance to the 2025 NBA Finals. In Game 3 of the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mathurin scored a playoff career-high 27 points in only 22 minutes off the bench, helping the Pacers take a 2-1 series lead.
Los Angeles Clippers (2026–present)
On February 5, 2026, Mathurin was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a multi-player deal along with Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick. In exchange, the Pacers received Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown. The trade marked a new chapter in Mathurin’s career as he joined a Western Conference franchise. In his Clippers home debut on February 19, 2026, Mathurin scored a career-high-tying 38 points off the bench in a narrow 115-114 win over the Denver Nuggets. During the 2025-26 season, Mathurin appeared in 28 games including 24 starts, averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mathurin has established himself as a dynamic scoring guard with exceptional three-point shooting ability and impressive athleticism. His shooting range extends well beyond the arc, and he demonstrates consistent accuracy from deep while also being capable of finishing powerfully at the rim. His offensive versatility allows him to play both guard positions, and his ability to create his own shot makes him a constant threat. His scoring instincts and basketball IQ have enabled him to make immediate impacts at every level of competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his young career, Mathurin has accumulated several notable achievements and milestones. He became the first player from Montreal to be selected in the NBA lottery when chosen sixth overall in 2022. His historic start to his NBA career saw him score 72 points in his first three games, the most by a rookie since 1995-96. He earned NBA Rising Stars Challenge MVP honors in 2024 and helped lead the Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, where he scored a playoff career-high 27 points in a Game 3 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin Career Wins
Mathurin has accumulated significant achievements throughout his basketball career at both the collegiate and professional levels. His individual honors and championship performances demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest levels of competition.
Arizona Wildcats Highlights
During his two seasons at Arizona, Mathurin helped lead the Wildcats to the 2022 Pac-12 Tournament championship. He earned Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors following that title run. His collegiate career also included Pac-12 Player of the Year recognition and consensus second-team All-American honors.
Professional Highlights
At the professional level, Mathurin earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors following the 2022-23 season. He was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.
International Competition
Mathurin represented Canada at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He scored 30 points in a group-stage win over Japan and followed with 31 points in a third-place game victory against Serbia, helping Canada capture the bronze medal. He averaged 16.1 points and 4 rebounds per game throughout the tournament.
Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin Family
Family Background and Heritage
Mathurin is of Haitian descent through his family background. His older sister, Jennifer Mathurin, played college basketball at North Carolina State University, following a basketball pathway similar to her brother’s. The Mathurin family has strong athletic traditions, with both siblings pursuing basketball at the collegiate level in the United States.
Personal Life
Mathurin experienced significant personal tragedy when he was 12 years old and his 15-year-old brother died in a bicycle accident. Despite this loss, Mathurin has demonstrated resilience and determination throughout his basketball career. He is multilingual, speaking English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Mathurin maintains an active presence on social media with verified accounts on X and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season represented Mathurin’s most complete professional campaign to that point. He emerged as one of the Pacers’ most reliable scoring options alongside point guard Tyrese Haliburton, forming a dynamic backcourt partnership that powered Indiana’s offense throughout the regular season. His performance on November 10 against the New York Knicks, where he scored a career-high 38 points, demonstrated his ability to take over games and deliver in crucial moments. The Pacers’ run to the 2025 NBA Finals marked the franchise’s first Finals appearance since 2000, and Mathurin’s contributions were instrumental throughout the playoff run.
Mathurin’s ability to impact games extended beyond scoring, as shown by his 28-point, 16-rebound performance against the Brooklyn Nets in March 2025. In the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, he recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds in Game 5, helping seal the series victory. During the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his 27-point performance off the bench in Game 3 highlighted his instant-offense ability and underscored his value as a sixth man capable of shifting momentum in critical playoff moments. His partnership with Haliburton continued to flourish, and the young core gave the Pacers a foundation for future success in the Eastern Conference.