Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Bennedict Mathurin is a Canadian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin on June 19, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, he developed into one of Canada’s most promising basketball talents before attending the University of Arizona and entering the NBA. His journey from Montreal-Nord to professional basketball was shaped by his mother’s sacrifices, his sister’s guidance and the lasting memory of his late older brother.
Bennedict Mathurin’s parents are Elvie Jeune, also known as Elvie Mathurin, and the late Félix Mathurin. He grew up with two older siblings, Jennifer Mathurin and Dominique Jeune. His mother raised the family while working long hours as a nurse, and Jennifer became an important influence on his basketball development. Dominique died in a traffic accident in 2014, a tragedy that profoundly affected Bennedict and continues to motivate him. Although Mathurin has openly discussed his family background, he has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Does Bennedict Mathurin Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Bennedict Mathurin has not publicly confirmed that he is dating anyone. The New Orleans Pelicans guard has generally kept his romantic life private, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since emerging as a standout college basketball player at the University of Arizona, Mathurin has attracted considerable media attention for his athletic achievements, personality and inspiring family background.
However, his major interviews have primarily focused on his basketball development, childhood experiences and relationships with his mother and siblings.
Mathurin has also used his public platform to discuss his Haitian heritage, the challenges he experienced growing up in Montreal and his ambition to create opportunities for young athletes.
There is no reliable public announcement establishing that he is married or engaged.
Although some fans may be curious about his dating life, the absence of publicly available information does not necessarily mean he is single.
His current romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Bennedict Mathurin Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Bennedict Mathurin has children.
The Canadian basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most information about his personal life concerns his mother, siblings, childhood in Montreal and professional basketball career.
Mathurin has expressed a desire to help young people, particularly those growing up in disadvantaged communities in Montreal and Haiti.
However, his interest in youth development and community programs should not be confused with information about his own potential children.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Bennedict Mathurin has any children.
Who Are Bennedict Mathurin’s Parents?
Bennedict Mathurin was born to Haitian parents, Elvie Jeune and the late Félix Mathurin, in Montreal, Canada.
Although both parents were originally from Haiti, Bennedict was born and raised in Quebec, where he developed a strong connection to both Canadian and Haitian culture.
His father died during Bennedict’s childhood, while his mother played the central role in raising him and his two older siblings.
The family’s experiences were extensively documented in a December 2022 interview published by Andscape and in Mathurin’s September 2022 first-person article for The Players’ Tribune.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Father: Félix Mathurin
Félix Mathurin was the father of NBA basketball player Bennedict Mathurin.
He was originally from Haiti and later became part of Montreal’s Haitian immigrant community.
According to biographical reporting about the basketball player, Félix died in 2013, when Bennedict was approximately 11 years old.
However, Bennedict has explained that he did not have an established relationship with his father during childhood.
In a December 2022 interview with Andscape, Mathurin discussed growing up without his father’s involvement and explained how his older brother helped provide guidance during his early years.
His family’s household primarily consisted of Bennedict, his mother, his older sister Jennifer and his older brother Dominique.
During a September 2022 article published by The Players’ Tribune, Mathurin recalled the close relationships he developed with his siblings and the important role they played in his upbringing.
Although his father’s death was part of his early family history, Mathurin’s public interviews have generally focused more extensively on the influence of his mother and siblings.
Reliable sources provide limited information about Félix’s occupation, educational background or circumstances surrounding his death.
Consequently, those aspects of his father’s personal history remain largely undocumented.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Mother: Elvie Jeune
Elvie Jeune, also identified in some reporting as Elvie Mathurin, is the mother of NBA player Bennedict Mathurin.
Born in Haiti, she later settled in Montreal, Quebec, where she raised her three children.
Elvie worked as a nurse and frequently spent long hours away from home to provide financial support for her family.
According to Andscape’s December 2022 family profile, she raised Jennifer, Dominique and Bennedict in Montreal-Nord, a neighborhood with a large immigrant population.
The family faced financial difficulties, and Elvie often had to balance demanding work responsibilities with raising three children.
Because she spent considerable time working, Jennifer regularly helped look after her younger brothers.
Despite the family’s challenges, Elvie encouraged her children to develop their talents and pursue educational opportunities.
Her influence extended beyond material support.
In his September 2022 article for The Players’ Tribune, Bennedict described how his mother maintained their family’s connection to Haitian culture through traditional food, music and language.
He recalled growing up in an environment where Haitian traditions remained an important part of daily life.
Mathurin also spoke about his mother’s exceptional cooking, particularly her traditional Haitian meals.
Her commitment to maintaining those cultural connections helped shape his identity as a Haitian-Canadian athlete.
Elvie experienced a devastating personal tragedy in 2014 when her eldest son, Dominique, died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
The loss affected the entire family and created new challenges for Elvie as she continued raising Bennedict.
Following Dominique’s death, Elvie and Bennedict received additional support from basketball coach Michel Mettelus, whose family welcomed them into their home in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec.
The move provided a different environment for Bennedict during his teenage years.
Elvie continued supporting his basketball ambitions as he eventually moved to Mexico to attend the NBA Academy Latin America.
Although his departure meant spending extended periods away from his mother, she encouraged him to pursue opportunities that could improve his future.
Her sacrifices became particularly meaningful when Bennedict entered the NBA in 2022.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Emotional Reunion With His Mother
One of the most memorable public moments involving Bennedict Mathurin and his mother occurred in October 2022, shortly after his NBA debut with the Indiana Pacers.
According to an official Pacers article published on October 21, 2022, Elvie and Jennifer secretly prepared a traditional Haitian meal for Bennedict at the team’s training facility.
The surprise was organized with assistance from the Pacers staff and head coach Rick Carlisle.
Elvie prepared several Haitian dishes, including rice and beans, mushroom rice, chicken and griot.
After practice, Carlisle led Mathurin toward the team dining area, where his mother and sister revealed the surprise.
Mathurin reacted emotionally and embraced both women.
The occasion was especially meaningful because he had spent several years living away from his family while attending the NBA Academy in Mexico and playing college basketball in Arizona.
He explained that it had been approximately four years since he last enjoyed a home-cooked meal prepared by his mother.
The surprise highlighted the close bond between Bennedict, Elvie and Jennifer, as well as the importance of their Haitian heritage.
Who Are Bennedict Mathurin’s Siblings?
Bennedict Mathurin has two older siblings: Jennifer Mathurin and Dominique Jeune.
His sister Jennifer is a former college and professional basketball player who became one of his most important mentors.
His older brother Dominique died in 2014 at the age of 15 after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
In interviews with Andscape, Sportsnet and The Players’ Tribune, Mathurin has repeatedly emphasized the influence both siblings had on his childhood and basketball ambitions.
Jennifer Mathurin: Bennedict Mathurin’s Older Sister
Jennifer Mathurin, also known as Jenn Mathurin, is Bennedict Mathurin’s older sister and a former professional basketball player.
Like her younger brother, Jennifer was born and raised in Montreal within a family of Haitian heritage.
She developed an interest in basketball at an early age and eventually became a talented college athlete.
According to North Carolina State University’s official records, Jennifer joined the NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball team in 2013.
She played four seasons for the university between 2013 and 2017, developing into a regular contributor and experienced forward.
During her collegiate career, she became known for her rebounding, determination and leadership.
In 2017, she received recognition on the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic Team.
Jennifer also pursued higher education beyond her athletic responsibilities, earning a master’s degree in social work from NC State.
After college, she played professional basketball overseas, including opportunities in Finland and Australia.
Her basketball experience made her an important mentor for Bennedict.
In a March 2022 NCAA Tournament interview published by the University of Arizona, Bennedict revealed that Jennifer had inspired him to begin playing basketball.
He explained that watching his sister compete in college encouraged him to pursue the sport more seriously.
During childhood, Jennifer frequently challenged her younger brothers through basketball drills and competitive games.
Those experiences helped Bennedict develop his confidence and competitive mentality.
Jennifer also played an important role in maintaining family stability because their mother often worked long shifts.
According to Andscape, she sometimes considered leaving college to return home and help support the family financially.
However, she continued her education and basketball career while remaining involved in her younger brother’s development.
How Jennifer Mathurin Helped Her Brother’s NBA Career
Jennifer Mathurin’s influence became even more significant after Bennedict was selected in the 2022 NBA Draft.
According to a December 2022 Andscape interview, she left a job involving the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Bishop’s University in Quebec to help manage aspects of her younger brother’s professional life.
Jennifer wanted to ensure that Bennedict could concentrate on basketball while adjusting to the financial, business and personal responsibilities associated with becoming an NBA player.
She helped him evaluate potential representation before he selected his professional agents.
Her background as a college athlete, overseas professional player and social work graduate provided valuable experience.
Jennifer also maintained regular communication with Bennedict during his rookie season.
She frequently sent motivational messages before his games, encouraging him to enjoy basketball while remaining focused on improvement.
Bennedict explained that he usually avoided using his phone immediately before games, but he made an exception to read his sister’s messages.
Jennifer divided her time between Montreal and Indianapolis during his early NBA career.
She believed it was important to provide additional support while her younger brother adapted to his new professional environment.
Her contributions demonstrated the important role family members can play in helping young athletes manage the transition into professional sports.
Dominique Jeune: Bennedict Mathurin’s Late Older Brother
Dominique Jeune was Bennedict Mathurin’s older brother and one of the most influential figures in his childhood.
Born on December 2, 1999, Dominique was approximately three years older than Bennedict.
The brothers grew up together in Montreal-Nord, sharing a small bedroom and spending much of their free time playing basketball and video games.
In his September 2022 Players’ Tribune article, Bennedict recalled sleeping in bunk beds with Dominique and competing against him in video games.
Despite their age difference, Bennedict described their relationship as exceptionally close.
He regarded Dominique as both his best friend and a protective older brother.
Dominique frequently accompanied Bennedict to basketball courts, where they played against older children and teenagers.
Those experiences gave Bennedict opportunities to compete against stronger and more physically developed opponents.
He credited his brother with helping him develop confidence and believe that he could become a successful basketball player.
Dominique also helped guide Bennedict through the challenges of growing up in a neighborhood affected by crime and other social difficulties.
However, their childhood relationship ended tragically in 2014.
How Did Bennedict Mathurin’s Brother Dominique Die?
Dominique Jeune died at the age of 15 following a traffic accident in Montreal in September 2014.
According to a December 2022 investigation and family profile published by Andscape, Dominique suffered a serious head injury on September 30, 2014, after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle.
He died shortly afterward.
Bennedict was only 12 years old when he lost his older brother.
In his Players’ Tribune article, Mathurin recalled the shock of learning that Dominique had died.
The loss profoundly affected his understanding of family responsibility and his future ambitions.
He explained that he began approaching life more seriously because he wanted to support his mother and sister.
Basketball gradually became more than a personal ambition.
For Bennedict, succeeding in the sport also represented an opportunity to honor Dominique, who had shared his dream of playing at the highest level.
Mathurin frequently discusses his late brother when explaining his motivation to improve and succeed.
How Bennedict Mathurin Honors His Late Brother
Bennedict Mathurin has found several ways to honor Dominique’s memory throughout his basketball career.
One of the most visible tributes is a tattoo on his arm featuring his brother’s name and important dates associated with his life.
Mathurin also frequently uses the phrase DomixWorld, which has become a personal tribute to Dominique.
During the 2022 NBA Draft, he wore a custom red and black suit containing an image of himself with Jennifer and Dominique during childhood.
He also wore a necklace featuring the DomixWorld name.
According to a June 2022 interview with Fieldhouse Files, Mathurin explained that he felt his late brother was present with him during the draft ceremony.
The Indiana Pacers selected Bennedict with the sixth overall pick, making him one of the highest-drafted Canadian players in NBA history.
For Mathurin, the achievement represented the realization of a dream that he and Dominique once shared.
He has continued acknowledging his brother’s memory in interviews, social media posts and personal celebrations.
Dominique remains one of the most significant influences on Bennedict’s approach to basketball and family responsibility.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Haitian Family Background
Bennedict Mathurin was born in Montreal, Quebec, but his family originates from Haiti.
His Haitian heritage has remained an important part of his identity throughout his life.
In September 2022, Mathurin published a first-person article in The Players’ Tribune describing his childhood and cultural background.
He explained that his mother maintained strong connections to Haitian culture through food, music and family traditions.
Growing up in Montreal also exposed him to a multicultural environment where different languages and cultural communities interacted regularly.
Mathurin learned to communicate in French, English and Haitian Creole, and later developed his Spanish while attending the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico.
His language abilities reflect the international experiences that shaped his childhood and basketball development.
Although Mathurin was born in Canada, he has frequently expressed pride in his Haitian ancestry.
He has also discussed his desire to support educational and sporting opportunities for young people in Haiti.
According to his 2022 interview with Andscape, he hopes to contribute to initiatives that improve access to basketball and education.
His family background has therefore influenced both his personal identity and his interest in community development.
How Did Bennedict Mathurin’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Bennedict Mathurin’s journey to professional basketball began in Montreal-Nord, where his older siblings introduced him to the sport.
Jennifer played competitive basketball from an early age, while Dominique frequently challenged Bennedict during neighborhood games.
Their influence helped him develop the confidence and skills necessary to compete against older players.
Following Dominique’s death in 2014, basketball became an important source of motivation for Bennedict.
He continued improving his abilities through local training programs and youth competitions.
In 2018, Mathurin became the first Canadian-born athlete to join the NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico City.
The move represented a major step in his development because it provided access to advanced coaching, education and international basketball competitions.
He initially found it difficult to live away from his mother and sister, but gradually adapted to his new environment.
In his Players’ Tribune article, Mathurin explained that the academy provided opportunities he might not otherwise have received while growing up in Montreal.
His performances eventually attracted the attention of major American college basketball programs.
He committed to the University of Arizona, where he played for the Wildcats from 2020 to 2022.
During his freshman season, Mathurin averaged 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
He returned for a second season and developed into one of the leading players in college basketball.
During the 2021–22 campaign, he averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
His achievements included Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and selection as a consensus Second Team All-American.
Mathurin also helped Arizona reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
Following his successful sophomore season, he entered the 2022 NBA Draft.
On June 23, 2022, the Indiana Pacers selected him with the sixth overall pick.
His mother Elvie and sister Jennifer attended the draft ceremony, while Mathurin honored Dominique through his clothing and jewelry.
The occasion represented the culmination of years of family sacrifices and dedication.
During his rookie NBA season, Mathurin averaged 16.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2023.
Mathurin continued developing with Indiana, becoming an important contributor during the Pacers’ run to the 2025 NBA Finals.
In February 2026, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a deal involving Ivica Zubac.
Later that year, Mathurin entered free agency.
On September 11, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans officially announced that they had signed him to a two-year contract.
Throughout his professional career, Mathurin has continued acknowledging the influence of his mother, sister and late brother.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Relationship With Luguentz Dort
Another important personal relationship in Bennedict Mathurin’s basketball journey is his friendship with fellow Canadian NBA player Luguentz Dort.
Both athletes grew up in Montreal and developed their basketball abilities within the city’s Haitian-Canadian community.
Dort was also a childhood friend of Mathurin’s late older brother, Dominique.
In his September 2022 Players’ Tribune article, Mathurin explained that Dort had maintained a connection with his family over the years.
Dort attended the 2022 NBA Draft to support Mathurin when he was selected by the Indiana Pacers.
Their friendship has continued despite competing for different NBA franchises.
During the 2025 NBA Finals, Mathurin and Dort faced each other as members of the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
In an article published by The Athletic and republished by NBA.com, both players described their close relationship and the importance of their shared background.
Although they are not biological brothers, their friendship reflects the strong connections Mathurin maintains with people from his childhood community.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Family and Community Involvement
Bennedict Mathurin has frequently discussed his desire to use his basketball career to improve opportunities for young people.
His personal experiences growing up in Montreal-Nord exposed him to the challenges faced by families with limited financial resources.
In a December 2022 Andscape interview, he explained that he hoped to create educational and sporting opportunities for young people in Montreal and Haiti.
His sister Jennifer also discussed the possibility of developing programs that combine basketball training with educational support.
The ambition reflects the values established by his mother, who worked to provide a better future for her children.
It also connects to the memory of his late brother Dominique, whose death helped reshape Mathurin’s understanding of responsibility and success.
By sharing his experiences publicly, Mathurin has become an example of how athletes can maintain connections to their families and communities while pursuing professional careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bennedict Mathurin’s Family
Who is Bennedict Mathurin’s mother?
Bennedict Mathurin’s mother is Elvie Jeune, also known as Elvie Mathurin. She is a Haitian immigrant who worked as a nurse while raising her three children in Montreal, Canada.
Who is Bennedict Mathurin’s father?
His father was Félix Mathurin, who died in 2013. Bennedict has explained that he did not have a close relationship with his father during childhood.
How many siblings does Bennedict Mathurin have?
Bennedict Mathurin has two older siblings: Jennifer Mathurin and Dominique Jeune. Dominique died in 2014.
Who is Bennedict Mathurin’s sister?
His older sister is Jennifer Mathurin, a former college basketball player at NC State who also played professionally overseas and helped support Bennedict’s early NBA career.
Who was Bennedict Mathurin’s brother?
His older brother was Dominique Jeune, who played basketball with Bennedict during childhood and became one of his most important influences.
How did Bennedict Mathurin’s brother die?
Dominique Jeune died in 2014 at the age of 15 after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Montreal.
Does Bennedict Mathurin have a girlfriend?
As of now, Bennedict Mathurin has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Bennedict Mathurin married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Bennedict Mathurin is married.
Does Bennedict Mathurin have children?
There are no verified public reports confirming that Bennedict Mathurin has sons or daughters.
Is Bennedict Mathurin Haitian?
Bennedict Mathurin is Canadian by birth and has Haitian ancestry through his parents, who emigrated from Haiti to Canada.
Where was Bennedict Mathurin born?
Bennedict Mathurin was born on June 19, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What is Bennedict Mathurin’s full name?
His full name is Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin.
Is Bennedict Mathurin related to Luguentz Dort?
No biological family relationship has been established between Bennedict Mathurin and Luguentz Dort. They are longtime friends from Montreal, and Dort was also a friend of Mathurin’s late brother Dominique.
Which NBA team does Bennedict Mathurin play for?
Bennedict Mathurin joined the New Orleans Pelicans in September 2026 after previously playing for the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
