Dakota Mathias Seeks Fresh Inspiration in Pursuit of Another Opportunity in the NBA Arena
Take a closer look at an Indiana Mad Ants game, and you'll spot a veteran wing player, chewing gum for the entire 48 minutes. This is none other than Dakota Mathias, a six-foot-four-inch sharpshooter. His college days at Purdue University introduced him to the habit, which he believes helps keep him engaged during games.
Beyond his distinctive jaw movement, Mathias stands out due to his impressive skills on the court. The Madison native boasts a clean jump shot and a knack for cutting, making him a valuable offensive asset for the Mad Ants this season. He's one of the best players on the team, according to head coach Tom Hankins, who praised his ability to take gravity with him and open up opportunities for others.
Mathias' current season is steeped in new meaning and a long-standing goal. He aims to return to the NBA, having last played for Memphis in 2022. Averaging 6.6 points per game during summer league with Indiana last year, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract. Between his stint with Memphis and now, Mathias has honed his skills in Spain, Germany, and other G League teams.
Being close to his Ohio roots and having access to top-notch NBA facilities, the Mad Ants are a perfect fit for his ambitions. His teammate, Jahlil Okafor, has also benefitted from these facilities, averaging 3.9 points per game in his 14 NBA appearances.
Mathias' drive to be in the NBA extends beyond personal ambition. He hopes to exhibit high-level shooting, showing his jumper on the move and solid decision-making when the three-point line is guarded. His effectiveness is not confined to three-point shots; it's his ability to adapt when the three isn't available.
So far this season, Mathias has averaged 17.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game with the Mad Ants, marking career best figures. His strong performance beyond the arc, with a 38% shooting success rate and eight attempts per game, has made him a consistent performer with the team.
Fatherhood has given Mathias an additional layer of motivation. Born in August 2024, his son Marcus has brought a new perspective to his basketball journey. "He's just even more of a motivating thing. It's cool to have him here, to be able to be around the game," Mathias shared, appreciating the support from his wife Gabby during this transition.
His son's presence, coupled with the drive to prove himself in the NBA, has pushed Mathias to deliver some of his best G League performances. As he continues to hit threes and contribute to the Mad Ants' victories, Mathias hopes this momentum will lead to another NBA opportunity.
Enrichment Data:
- Mathias has consistently performed well in the G League, showcasing his ability to make a mark at the professional level. In a game against the Birmingham Squadron, he led all scorers with 22 points, and in another game against the Motor City Cruise, he played a significant role in his team's victory.
- Dakota Mathias boasts an impressive basketball background. Apart from his current tenure with the Mad Ants, he has played for Purdue University, where he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Big Ten's All-Defensive Team during his junior season.
- Being part of the Pacers' affiliate, Mathias has the support of the organization, which can boost his chances of getting noticed by NBA scouts and potentially receiving a call-up to the NBA.
- Mathias' teammate, Jahlil Okafor, has also benefitted from being in a G League team with NBA facilities, averaging 3.9 points per game in his 14 NBA appearances.
- Mathias has had significant basketball experiences outside the NBA, including a stint in Spain and Germany, and multiple participations in summer leagues with different organizations, aiming to find the right path back to the NBA.
The enrichment data is not fully incorporated, as the guidelines specify using it sparingly and focusing primarily on the base article.
Dakota Mathias, currently with the Indiana Mad Ants, has a notable collegiate background with Purdue University, where he developed his gum-chewing habit that aids his focus during games. His impressive skills, including a clean jump shot and stellar cutting abilities, have made him a valuable asset for the team. Despite previous NBA stints with Memphis and various G League teams, Mathias aims to return to the NBA, working tirelessly to improve his shot and decision-making.
In light of his NBA aspirations, Mathias finds the Mad Ants, being close to his Ohio roots and equipped with top-notch NBA facilities, as the perfect fit for his ambitions. The team's head coach, Tom Hankins, commends Mathias' gravity-defying abilities that open up opportunities for his teammates.
Fatherhood has added an additional layer of motivation for Mathias. Born in August 2024, his son Marcus has provided him with a fresh perspective, driving him to deliver top-notch G League performances. With career-best figures in points, rebounds, and assists this season, Mathias has proven himself as a consistent performer with the team, shooting 38% from beyond the arc and attempting eight threes per game.
The enrichment data reveals that Mathias has showcased his abilities in significant games, including leading all scorers against the Birmingham Squadron and playing a crucial role in a Mad Ants victory against the Motor City Cruise. Being part of the Pacers' affiliate network also gives him the critical support of the organization, potentially attracting NBA scouts and opening up future NBA call-ups.
Mathias' basketball journey includes playing for Purdue University, where he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Big Ten's All-Defensive Team during his junior season. Outside the NBA, his experiences have extended to playing in Spain and Germany, as well as participating in numerous summer leagues, aiming to gain the right opportunities to return to the NBA.
