Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bennedict Mathurin

How Bennedict Mathurin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bennedict Mathurin is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, earning consensus second-team All-American honors and Pac-12 Player of the Year. Drafted sixth overall by the Pacers in 2022, Mathurin was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023 and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. He is a rising star in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Fastest Pacer rookie to reach 1,000 points since Chuck Person

On February 13, 2023, after scoring 21 points against the Utah Jazz, Mathurin became the fastest Pacer rookie since Chuck Person in the 1986–87 season to reach 1,000 career points.

1988: Highest Pacers pick since Rik Smits

In the 2022 NBA draft, Mathurin was the Pacers' highest pick the franchise has owned since selecting Rik Smits second overall in the 1988 NBA draft.

2018: Joined NBA Academy Latin America

In 2018, Mathurin joined the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, becoming its first Canadian-born player, which marked a significant step in his basketball career.

April 14, 2022: Declared for the 2022 NBA draft

On April 14, 2022, Mathurin officially declared for the 2022 NBA draft, thus forgoing his remaining college eligibility to pursue a professional basketball career.

July 3, 2022: Signed rookie contract with the Pacers

On July 3, 2022, Mathurin signed his rookie contract with the Indiana Pacers, marking the official start of his NBA career.

2022: Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player

In 2022, Mathurin won the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Arizona Wildcats to their eighth conference tournament title and was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, making him the ninth player in Arizona Wildcats history to receive this honor.

2022: Started over the last 10 games of his rookie season

With the Pacers dropping out of playoff contention, Mathurin became a starter over the last 10 games of his rookie season, in 2022.

January 31, 2023: Named NBA Rising Star

On January 31, 2023, Mathurin was named a 2023 NBA Rising Star alongside his teammate Andrew Nembhard.

2023: NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2023, Bennedict Mathurin was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished fourth in voting for the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

February 17, 2024: Named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge

On February 17, 2024, Mathurin was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge, part of NBA All-Star Weekend, played in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, after scoring 22 points and leading Team Jalen to a Rising Stars championship.