By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is the new UC Santa Barbara general manager. The university officially announced his return on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Belgian guard starred for the Gauchos from 2021 to 2024. He subsequently entered the 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm.
The former NBA champion now balances both roles, combining strategic mentorship to his collegiate alma mater with the upcoming 2026–27 Regular Season.
Introducing the next General Manager of UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball, Gaucho legend Ajay Mitchell#GoGauchos | @ajaymitchell09 pic.twitter.com/HshXjnvp0a
— UC Santa Barbara Basketball (@UCSBbasketball) August 19, 2026
Per the press release: “UC Santa Barbara Men’s Basketball and Gaucho standout Ajay Mitchell, currently a guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, are teaming up in a new way as he joins the program as General Manager. The partnership deepens Mitchell’s Gaucho legacy at UC Santa Barbara and reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of Gaucho basketball together.
“UC Santa Barbara changed my life in so many ways,” said Mitchell. “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 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 alongside the program in an advisory capacity, investing his time, sharing his experience and providing mentorship to student-athletes. He will also support UC Santa Barbara’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 [Mitchell] exemplifies the UC Santa Barbara student-athlete,” said Arnhold Director of Athletics, Kelly Barsky. “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, who played with the Gauchos from 2021-2024, was a three-time All-Big West selection, the 2021-2022 Big West Freshman of the Year, a 2022-23 Big West Player of the Year and a Lou Henson All-American. He finished his career as a NABC All-District 9 First Team selection. He helped the Gauchos win the Big West Championship in the 2022-23 season and earn a trip to March Madness. Further, he was a two time Big West All-Academic selection and Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
“Ajay exemplifies everything this program stands for,” said Head Coach Joe Pasternack. “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 now joins a growing list of current and former NBA athletes to step into a general manager role. He joins the likes of 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).
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Sam Presti, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager
“Ajay has all the qualities to set a vision for his Alma Mater. 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.”
Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
“Ajay is not only a tremendous player, but a tremendous ambassador for UC Santa Barbara. He has a 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.””
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