Bennedict Mathurin could be primed for a potentially big season

As he prepares for this rookie season with the Indiana Pacers, former Wildcat Bennedict Mathurin could be primed for a potentially big season. 

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas may now be over at this point; however, the two-week-long off-season league provided a substantial preview of the 2022-23 NBA season, and in particular, of former Wildcat Bennedict Mathurin.

The 2022 No. 6 overall pick made his highly-anticipated debut with the Indiana Pacers a couple of weeks ago, scoring a game-high 23 points and four rebounds on 9-16 shooting, including 3-6 from three as he helped pace Indiana to the 96-84 win over Charlotte.

Unfortunately, Mathurin’s time in Summer League would be cut short as he was benched due to toe soreness. Appearing in just three games (out of five games possible) this Summer League, Bennedict didn’t disappoint as he dazzled fans in his limited action.

And coming into the 2022-23 season, Bennedict Mathurin could be primed for a potentially big year in the NBA.

Coming into the season, there are plenty of big names like Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Keegan Murray that are drawing preseason hype as rookies; however, one player that should not be overlooked is Mathurin.

A Canadian native, Bennedict is a lengthy and athletic guard with great size and explosiveness, and as we all saw during his time at Arizona, he can score at all three levels, whether it is off the dribble, or as a catch and shoot specialist.

Mathurin’s playmaking ability was certainly on display in Vegas these past couple of weeks.

Appearing in just three games, Bennedict finished the Summer League averaging 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He also shot 48.8 percent from the field, including 38.5 percent from three en route to becoming a Second Team All-Summer League selection.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1549119684808777734?s=20&t=EUYjSZxBodrcs_4V0rcNdQ

Should Mathurin replicate that sort of production in 2022-23, big things should be awaiting him, after all, he proved to be one of the best players in college basketball this past year!

Now, while the level of talent increases this year, we know Bennedict will be ready for it! His confidence and talent should allow him to succeed at the next level, and we are excited to follow his career!