The 24-year-old guard Ajay Mitchell, who won an NBA title with the Thunder in 2025, is officially stepping into the role of general manager of UC Santa Barbara’s basketball program. Jon Rothstein, CBS Sports’ college basketball insider, first confirmed this news.
“Sources: Oklahoma City Thunder star Ajay Mitchell is joining the staff of his alma mater — UC Santa Barbara — as its General Manager. Mitchell will help guide program advancement while serving as a mentorship resource for current players,” wrote Rothstein on X.
Subsequently, Mitchell confirmed the news and released a statement about why he chose to give back to his alma mater.
“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.”
“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,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell became an NBA champion in his rookie season and has grown tremendously as a player in the two years he has been in the league.
In the 68 games that he played in 2025-26 (including the playoffs), he earned a regular spot in the team rotation and averaged 13.8 points, 3.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 48.0% from the field and 34.3% from behind the three-point line.
During his college career, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game over 91 career appearances across three seasons (2021-24). He was the Big West Player of the Year and led the UCSB Gauchos to the NCAA tournament in 2023.
Sam Presti, the Thunder’s general manager, also commented on Mitchell’s decision.
“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,” Presti said.
Ajay Mitchell joins a long list of active players like Stephen Curry (Davidson), Damian Lillard (Weber State), Trae Young (Oklahoma), and Derrick White (Colorado) who have taken a front office or coaching staff role with their alma mater.
His vision to build a whole team of young basketball players also helped develop the 24-year-old as a leader on the court, which could translate into his unique vision and creativity in the NBA.
It will be interesting to see whether, someday, when Mitchell hangs up his boots, his front-office experience helps him build a career in the league even after retirement.
