For Bennedict Mathurin, an accelerating talent in the NBA, confidence prevails even at larger, life-altering hurdles. The aspiring pro athlete was initially diagnosed with a torn labrum in his right shoulder in early March 2024. Today, he focuses on recapturing that form and pushing his current team, the Indiana Pacers, two wins away from an improbable playoff run. Mathurin’s path has not only been a story of basketball success. He’s fiercely determined to return the favor to his homeland of Haiti, the country his family immigrated from.
On October 17, 2023, Mathurin was all over the news. He gifted Adidas athletic apparel to 300 young people at The Barbancourt Foundation’s community center in Haiti. He’s passionate about raising voices from his community. He has a fervent dream to go back to Haiti and set up courts and schools to inspire young people. This initiative reflects his pride in his Haitian descent and his aspiration to contribute positively to a country facing numerous challenges.
I continued trying to explain to my friend that you can’t “grow into” it. You can’t learn it, you have to be born with it to some degree. Combine that with my confidence and I feel as though I can be the best in the world. You can do anything you want. Mathurin continues, pointing out that self-belief is crucial for making your dreams a reality. His journey has not been without hardships. In fact, he remembers a period when his family was in such great need that they had “nothing to eat for days” during his early years in Nigeria.
Mathurin’s sister, Jennifer, an educator, is foundational to his philanthropic mission. She is the founder and chair of the board for The Mathurin Family Foundation (TMFF), a private foundation. Jennifer expressed her pride in Bennedict’s journey, stating, “When I think about Benn’s journey, I’m super proud.” She emphasized their shared mission: “We’re intentional about uplifting our community in Montreal. Had it not been for our mom taking a big leap of faith to immigrate to Canada, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Now, we wish to pay it forward, to encourage others and to guide them on the journey to improve their lives as well.
As the Pacers entered the NBA Finals as underdogs against the Oklahoma City Thunder and their star player, 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Mathurin proved his worth on the court. In a recent playoff game, he delivered an impressive performance, shooting 9-of-12 from the field, making two three-pointers, sinking seven free throws, and grabbing four rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.
And even with his recent injury that will require season-ending surgery, Mathurin seems to have a bright future ahead. He’s made an eye-popping $29 million over his 12-year NBA life. He was picked sixth overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 NBA draft. Most importantly, his desire to learn and do better and grow is evident. He’s laser-focused on where his career is going next, both on and off the court.
The dream for me was a job. That’s a blessing. I pray to God every day because I am able to have both my feet, both my arms and live life. Mathurin smiled as he considered how far along his journey he’s come from the days before he received his blessings.
TMFF is hosting a Women in Sports Summit, August 8-9 in Montreal. This event is just one example of their commitment to creating access to sports and empowering women through sports in their community.
Whether on or off the court, Mathurin’s passion for the game of basketball matches his fierce desire to elevate others. He often quotes his favorite artist Kanye West, singing lines such as “La, la, la la. Wait ’til I get my money right,” which encapsulates his mindset of perseverance and ambition.
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