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 at the University of Arizona, earning consensus second-team All-American honors and being named Pac-12 Player of the Year during his sophomore season. Mathurin was drafted sixth overall by the Pacers in the 2022 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023 and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Sections (3)

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 1988, the Pacers selected Rik Smits second overall, making Mathurin the highest pick since then.

1995: Most points in first three games since Jerry Stackhouse

Through the first three games of the season, Mathurin scored 72 points, the most by a rookie since Jerry Stackhouse scored 76 to start off the 1995–96 NBA season.

2018: Joined NBA Academy Latin America

In 2018, Bennedict Mathurin joined the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City, becoming the first Canadian-born player at the academy.

April 14, 2022: Declared for the 2022 NBA draft

On April 14, 2022, Bennedict Mathurin declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

July 3, 2022: Signed rookie contract with the Pacers

On July 3, 2022, Bennedict Mathurin signed his rookie contract with the Indiana Pacers.

2022: Passing Chris Duarte for most three-pointers

At the end of the 2022-23 season, while starting against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 28, 2023, Mathurin recorded 29 points and a career-high 9 rebounds, while passing teammate Chris Duarte for most three-pointers made as a rookie in Pacers franchise history.

2022: NBA Draft and All-American Honors

In 2022, Bennedict Mathurin was drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the sixth overall pick. He was also named a consensus second-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year after his sophomore season with the Arizona Wildcats.

2022: Pac-12 Tournament MVP and Pac-12 Player of the Year

In 2022, Mathurin won the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player award after leading the Arizona Wildcats to the conference title. He was also named Pac-12 Player of the Year and voted a consensus second-team All-American.

January 31, 2023: Named NBA Rising Star

On January 31, 2023, Bennedict Mathurin was named a 2023 NBA Rising Star, along with teammate Andrew Nembhard.

2023: NBA All-Rookie First Team

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

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

On February 17, 2024, Bennedict Mathurin was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge, scoring 22 total points and leading Team Jalen to a championship.

November 10, 2024: Career-high 38 points against New York Knicks

On November 10, 2024, Bennedict Mathurin scored a career-high 38 points with 7-of-8 three-pointers made in a 132–121 win over the New York Knicks. He and Tyrese Haliburton became the first duo to each score at least 35 points in a game in Pacers franchise history.