Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin interested in playing for Team Canada this summer

Indiana Pacers rookie sensation Bennedict Mathurin has turned heads this season with his impressive play in his freshman campaign, but it seems like the young guard is built different from the modern breed of “load manage when you can” players.

The season is still far from over for Mathurin and the Pacers, but the former is already poised to get into the offseason action before the following campaign even begins in the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin could suit up for Team Canada in the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Canada, led by current Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, had a poor showing in the 2019 iteration of the tournament after finishing 21st and will look to mount a more competitive bid to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris — something the nation failed to secure the last time around.

Now projected to be bannered by the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Luguentz Dort, among many others, Canada is angling to be a force to be reckoned with in the looming global tourney. Alas, Nurse himself said that Mathurin has expressed strong interest in suiting up for the club as another NBA-level reinforcement.

In addition, Ontario-born Andrew Nembhard, another rookie in Indiana, is also expected to be in the loop for Team Road Warriors’ roster.

Knowing Mathurin, his mindset likely remains undivided right now with the Pacers still trying to make a late push for the postseason, but the Canadians should definitely be thrilled about the prospect of him representing the Great White North.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup will be hosted by Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines from 25 August to 10 September this year and will also serve as qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Team USA has already booked its ticket in the tournament with a 9-3 slate in the recently concluded FIBA Americas qualifiers while Canada led the pool with an 11-1 record.