From Montreal's hockey rinks to the NBA's brightest stage
In short: Before becoming a professional basketball star, Bennedict Mathurin was a quarterback and an ice hockey player in Montreal. Today, he is a cornerstone of the NBA, known for rapid scoring bursts and a resilient career that has seen him rise from a college standout to a high-stakes professional.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, on June 19, 2002, Mathurin's athletic journey began with a diverse foundation in ice hockey and Canadian football. This multi-sport background likely contributed to the versatility seen during his collegiate years at the University of Arizona. There, he emerged as a dominant force, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and becoming the ninth player in Wildcats history to achieve that distinction. His performance was so impactful that he was named a consensus second-team All-American, becoming the fifth player in school history to receive that specific honor.
Mathurin's transition to the professional ranks was swift. After being taken sixth overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 NBA draft, he turned into the inaugural lottery pick from Montreal. His debut year showed instant scoring prowess; he hit 1,000 career points faster than any Pacers rookie since Chuck Person during 1986–87. His ability to score was highlighted when he became the first Pacer to record over 100 points through their first five career games.
Despite setbacks, such as a torn labrum in his right shoulder in March 2024 that sidelined him for the remainder of that season, Mathurin has continued to reach new heights. He has demonstrated remarkable scoring ceilings, including a 38-point performance against the New York Knicks in November 2024. Following a February 2026 trade from the Pacers to the Los Angeles Clippers, he joined the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year, $16 million deal in September 2026.
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