Bennedict Mathurin on the rise | -

Bennedict Mathurin has found his ease in Indiana. Making progress after taking a step back, the Pacers guard had the best moments of his young NBA career during the first third of the season.

The 22-year-old appears to be thriving now that he is fully recovered from a serious injury suffered in March. The page is turned on a painful episode which forced him to cut short his second campaign in the professional ranks, as well as his Olympic ambitions.

A lesion in the labrum of his right shoulder had sent him under the knife a few months before the Paris Games, where he was conspicuous by his absence in the Canadian team which finished 5th after dropping the flag in the quarter-finals in France .

Shortly before falling in combat, the guard had also received the title of MVP of the NBA’s rising stars. A success that added to his nomination to the first all-rookie team in 2023.

Recovered from this tear which made him miss the last 19 games on the calendar, as well as the Pacers’ 17-game playoff run which ended in the final four, he took over at the start of this season.

A smooth return to competition, with a greater contribution than in the past, in various sectors. Bennedict Mathurin is enjoying his rebirth this fall and leaving behind the memory of a restrictive rehabilitation.

It was a no-brainer for me to come back and be better than before. It was a really difficult moment not being able to play, seeing my teammates having a lot of fun, playing, and going far to the association final.

The 6th pick in the 2022 draft, the earliest selection of a Quebecer in NBA history, is fulfilling his promises in his third season in the Silver circuit. He is among the most employed players on his team, and that pays off for the Pacers, while performance indicators are on the rise.

My defense has improved a lot, it was an aspect where I needed to improveproudly affirms Bennedict Mathurin, who adds in passing that it comes with natural progression of his skills.

He is delighted to share the floor with Pascal Siakam, holder of an NBA championship ring with the Raptors. The veteran arrived in Indiana, from Toronto, for the second half of the last campaign.

It’s good that we were able to gain experience with him in training camp, to be able to have him for a certain time before starting the season. He’s a good player and a good person too, so it’s good to have him in the team, creating good moments on and off the courtmentions the University of Arizona Wildcats product.

Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam have joined forces since the start of the calendar, with the contribution of Tyrese Haliburton, to give the Pacers a record of 12 wins against 15 losses which gives them 8th place in the East.

The season is going well, there are many high moments and some lower ones. We’re starting to find our rhythm as the season progressesindicates the Montrealer.

Unlimited generosity among young people

Recently, the athlete who is heavily involved in Montreal North spread the joy by offering some 700 toys to all the children at his former elementary school. He also donated winter coats and seasonal essentials to more than 250 participants in the One Itinerary for All program.

Open in full screen mode

As the end-of-year celebrations approach, the opportunity was ideal, says Bennedict Mathurin, to reach out to young people in his community and, in a way, return the favor. Not so long ago, he himself found himself in this situation.

The connection with his North Montreal community is strong and important to him.

It gives me a lot of pleasure to be able to give young people what they don’t have the opportunity to have. I remember when I was a student at [l’école] Adélard-Desrosiers that many people were trying to do what they could so that we could have a good holiday season. I just try to give back when I can.

It’s easy for me because I grew up with little, so I know what it’s like not to have muchexplains the man involved in a number of projects intended to improve the conditions of future generations.

Trying to make a difference is clearly at the heart of the Mathurin family values.

His sister Jennifer, who accompanied him to Indianapolis by acting as an advisor to him, strived to contribute to the development of women’s sport. The former NCAA basketball player notably worked to set up the Women In Sports event which was held in Montreal.

I find it really good. Everything happens for a reason. It came at the right time. My sister always wanted to be involved in what I was doing, in a positive way, and that she could have her own image and have an impact on the women’s side because we don’t really have any female role models in Quebec in basketball. This is a project that will only continue to grow. I’m really proud of her.