The Indiana Pacers have selected Arizona wing Bennedict Mathurin with the No. 6 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Mathurin projects to be one of the most dynamic offensive threats up for selection in 2022. The reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year is an enticing mix of slashing, shooting, and athleticism - traits he honed during his second college season. As a sophomore, he developed into the Wildcats' best player and led the program to a 33-4 record and the Pac-12 Tournament title.
The Montreal-born wing had a modest freshman campaign under former Arizona head coach Sean Miller and didn't become a permanent starter until the second half of the year. However, under former Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd in Year 2, Mathurin almost immediately turned into a star, averaging 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, one steal, and a 36.9% mark from distance in 37 games. He torched UCLA in the Pac-12 Tournament final for 27 points, seven assists, and four rebounds while hitting 4-of-8 threes, helping the Wildcats win the competition for the first time since 2018.
Mathurin excels at getting to the rim, either establishing himself as a lob target off the ball or taking it himself on a fast break. But his long-range shooting also demands significant attention from defenders, who have to be cognizant of his ability to execute straight-line drives while simultaneously recognizing his 3-point stroke.
Bio
Position: Wing
School: Arizona
College experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 204.6 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max Vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Career 38.3% mark from deep at Arizona coupled with 78.9% free-throw shooting suggests he can maintain that efficiency as a pro
- Possesses explosive athleticism - loves playing above the rim and out in transition
- Pairs high-energy motor with athleticism on the glass - 5.6 rebounds per game ranked third on the Wildcats last season
- Has the confidence and talent to take over when his shot is falling
Weaknesses
- Has the physical tools to be a great defender but gets exposed on occasion due to perceived lack of focus
- Struggles to consistently find his own offense off the dribble
- Showed rare flashes of a talented passer but not enough yet to reliably create for others
