Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell may be the first person in NBA history next year to win Sixth Man of the Year while holding down a job as a General Manager.
UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball announced on Tuesday night that they had hired their famous NBA champion alumnus as the new GM of their program. Don't worry, OKC fans, the rising star is not giving up his day (night?) job as backup combo guard extraordinaire for the Thunder. But this is a way for Mitchell to give back to a school that has meant so much to him both as a player and as a person.
"UC Santa Barbara changed my life in so many ways. 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," said Mitchell of his alma mater. "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."
Before Mitchell was helping Oklahoma City win the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his rookie season, he was a standout player for the Gauchos. His UC Santa Barbara career spanned from 2021-2024 and included three All Big West selections, a 2022 Big West Freshman of the Year award, the 2023 Big West Player of the Year trophy and a Lou Henson All-American honor. Mitchell led UC Santa Barbara to a 2023 Big West Championship win and a March Madness selection. His two Big West Al-Academic nods and Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor showed that Mitchell excelled as much in the classroom as he did on the court.
It's clear he is also a student of the game, something that will serve him well in his new role. Mitchell also happens to be learning directly under the Michael Jordan of General Managers.
"Ajay has all the qualities to set a vision for his Alma Mater," Thunder GM Sam Presti said. "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."
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