Professional basketball player Bennedict Mathurin’s parents migrated from Haiti, and he is a proud Haitian-Canadian.
In Game 4 on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Bennedict Mathurin scored 20 points off the bench, shooting 5-for-8 and making 10 of 11 free throws in 12 minutes and 29 seconds to help Indiana to a crucial 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks.
He made an impact right away with the elite offensive skill set, entering the game for the first time with 1:04 on the clock in the first quarter and draining a basket four seconds later.
Mathurin then scored the Pacers’ final basket of the frame and another floater a minute into the second quarter for six points in his first two minutes of game action.
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton said,
“He settled in,” “Obviously he hasn’t probably played the way he wants to this series. We knew it would just take him to see one go in. He made that mid-range jumper right as soon as he got in the game…He’s a guy that we’ve preached we really missed last year in the playoffs. That spark off the bench, a guy like that comes in and gets 11 free throws, really aggressive for us, especially in his minutes, playing to the best of his ability.”
Tyrese Haliburton
Moving forward, Mathurin said he will continue to do whatever it takes to help his team win a championship. He added,
“I think the goal is pretty clear for us,” . “Everyone wants to win a championship, but you have to be willing to do the right things. I think tonight was a step in the right direction.”
Bennedict Mathurin
The Indiana Pacers can advance to the NBA Finals with a win on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
Indiana Pacers Guard Bennedict Mathurin Spoke About His Haitian Heritage In A Meet And Greet With Fans
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin’s parents migrated from Haiti to Canada.
Therefore, Mathurin and his parents hold Canadian nationality and Haitian-Canadian ethnicity.
Mathurin proudly embraces his Haitian heritage and uses his platform to honor his roots and build connections with fans who also share a Haitian background.
On Haitian Independence Day, Bennedict celebrated the pride of Haitian people during a postgame meet-and-greet with Haitian fans.
He spoke about the values instilled in him by his family and the unity that defines Haiti’s history.
During the event, he also reflected on the importance of January 1st, a day celebrating Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic in 1804.
He also shared personal stories of growing up in a Haitian household. He said,
“I carry my culture with me every day—on and off the court,” “Being Haitian means being proud of where you come from, no matter what challenges you face.”
Bennedict Mathurin
The event also featured traditional Haitian music and the waving of flags.
Bennedict Mathurin Was Raised By His Mother, Elvie, Following The Death Of His Father, Felix
Bennedict Mathurin was born on June 19, 2002, to his late father, Felix Mathurin, and his mother, Elvie Jeune.
Tragically, his father, Felix, passed away in 2013. Mathurin never had a good relationship with his father.
His mother, Elvie, worked long hours as a nurse to support her children, who grew up in the Montreal suburb of Montreal-Nord Est.
She always supported Bennedict to achieve his basketball dreams. In 2022, Elvie was among the 15,000 in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch Bennedict’s NBA debut match.
In addition, Bennedict grew up with her two siblings, Dominique and Jennifer Mathurin.
Dominique suffered a significant head injury on September 30, 2014, when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. He died the next day, 15.
On the other hand, Jennifer pursued her master’s degree from North Carolina State University. She played basketball for Galdstron Port City Power from May 2018 to August 2018.
She has been serving as the business manager at Hoops Vision LLC since January 2023.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bennedict Mathurin played for Canada at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Riga and Daugavpils, Latvia, after being cut from the Olympic team.
- In 2018, Mathurin joined the NBA Academy Latin American in Mexico City, becoming its first Canadian-born player. He committed to playing college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, choosing them over Baylor.
- He was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2023 and finished fourth in voting for the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
