‘Rick Carlisle has been hard on me, but I asked for it’

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Along with Jabari Smith, Bennedict Mathurin was invited to the 2023 Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, to share his knowledge with young prospects worldwide.

Mathurin, who averaged 16.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season, caught up with HoopsHype to talk about his first season in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers’ future, his confidence, and more.

Do you feel like you should’ve won the Rookie of the Year award?

Bennedict Mathurin: I had a pretty good season overall; there were a few games where I could’ve been better. It’s fine, though. I’m not mad at it; I don’t hold any grudge against anybody. Try to come back next year and have a better season.

Does not winning it motivate you for the upcoming season?

BM: For sure. I want to be the best player that I can be. I’m going into next season with a chip on my shoulder.

What’s one personal or team goal you’ve set for the upcoming year?

BM: The only thing I can think of right now is helping my team win. I feel like I have a big role on my team and will have an even bigger one next year. Trying to help my team make the playoffs.

What do you make of a backcourt with you and Tyrese Haliburton for the long-term future in Indiana?

BM: It’s a blessing. We have a lot of young talent on the team. Indiana is looking to build something with me and Ty, and the rest of the guys. It’s a pretty good thing to have. I’m looking forward to spending many more years with him and making a decent run.

Talk a bit about your relationship with coach Carlisle. He seemed to be coaching you tough but fair all season long.

BM: Me and Rick got closer as the season went on, even more, this offseason. He’s a great guy, and like you said, he’s been hard on me, but I asked for it. He wants the best for me all the time, and he’s looking forward to helping me improve as a player but also as a person. I’m being appreciative of Rick.

I remember the statement you had made saying that you want to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. Where does that confidence come from?

BM: Where I’m from. I always wanted to be the best at everything,…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bennedict-mathurin-rick-carlisle-hard-180652109.html?src=rss

Author : Hoops Hype

Publish date : 2023-06-12 18:06:52

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