Overview:
Ajay Mitchell, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 13.6 points and 3.6 rebounds this year in just his second season with the club
NBA standout Ajay Mitchell is teaming up with his alma mater in the newly created position of general manager of the UC Santa Barbara men’s basketball program.
“UC Santa Barbara changed my life in so many ways,” Mitchell said. “The university, the basketball program and the Santa Barbara community believed in me and helped shape me into the player and person I am today.
“I truly believe there is no limit to what UCSB basketball can accomplish. Taking on this role is an opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much and to support coach (Joe) Pasternack and the team however I can.
“I’m fully committed to helping elevate the program and continuing to build something special here.”
As general manager, Mitchell will work with the program in an advisory capacity, investing his time, sharing his experience and providing mentorship to student-athletes.
He will also support UCSB’s brand development and visibility and help strengthen donor and alumni engagement, serving as a strategic partner and advisor to the program and athletic department.
“Ajay exemplifies the UC Santa Barbara student-athlete,” said Kelly Barskey, UCSB’s Arnhold Director of Athletics. “He was and is an exceptional player who achieved tremendous success on the court, and equally impressive is the person he is off the court.
“His work ethic, development focus, leadership and commitment to his teammates and the Gaucho community is extraordinary.
“He has always carried a great pride in being a Gaucho, and we are deeply appreciative to have him return to the program in this incredibly meaningful capacity.”
Mitchell won All-Big West Conference honors during all three of his seasons at UCSB, from 2021-2024. He was voted Big West Freshman of the Year in 2022 and Big West Player of the Year in 2023.
He was also named to the Lou Henson Mid-Major All-America Team in 2023 after having led the Gauchos to a league championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
He finished his Gaucho career as a NABC All-District 9 First Team selection in 2024. Mitchell was also a two-time Big West All-Academic selection and Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
“Ajay exemplifies everything this program stands for,” coach Pasternack said. “He is incredibly driven and is a self-made player, a serious student who values a UCSB education, as he was a two-time Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
“He is living proof you can become an NBA superstar from UCSB and, most importantly, loves this community, this university and deeply cares about this basketball program.”
Mitchell joins a growing list of current and former NBA stars who’ve stepped into the role of general manager with their alma mater.
They include Steph Curry (Davidson), Monta Ellis (Alcorn State), Damian Lillard (Weber State), Shaquille O’Neal (Sacramento State), Kendrick Perkins (Jackson State), John Wall (Howard) and Trae Young (Oklahoma).
The Thunder selected Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
“Ajay has all the qualities to set a vision for his alma mater,” said Sam Presti, the Thunder’s executive vice-president and general manager. “However, more importantly, what Ajay possesses is the appreciation for the importance of relationships and commitment in pursuit of that vision.
“That’s why I’m truly looking forward to watching his unique influence on a place that I know holds so much meaning to him personally.”
Mitchell finished fifth in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting last season after averaging 13.6 points per game on 48.5% shooting. That included a 34.7% accuracy from three-point range. He also averaged 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds.
“Ajay is not only a tremendous player, but a tremendous ambassador for UC Santa Barbara,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He has an exceptional combination of commitment to his craft, commitment to his team, and personal character that impacts every program he is a part of.
“We are thrilled to see him give back to his college program in this way.”