Joining in on the recent college sports trend, Ajay Mitchell has gone all out to support his school. UC Santa Barbara announced him as their Men's Basketball general manager on Tuesday.
As the GM, 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.
Mitchell played in three collegiate seasons at UC Santa Barbara from 2021-24. In that time, he averaged 16.1 points on 51.1% shooting, 4.3 assists and three rebounds in 91 career games. Among the dozen of NBA players who went to college there, he's one of the standout names.
Eventually, Mitchell joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as the No. 38 pick of the 2024 NBA draft. In two seasons, he's ascended into one of their best players. He also has a nice NBA championship ring in hand.
Of course, professional athletes taking on GM roles has been a college sports trend in recent years. Paired with the existence of the NIL, it's another way for them to give back to their colleges. In more than just a booster role. The Gauchos are part of the Big West Conference but will move to the West Coast Conference in 2027.
Here's what Mitchell and other notable figures had to say about his UC Santa Barbara GM role:
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Ajay exemplifies everything this program stands for. 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."
"Ajay exemplifies the UC Santa Barbara student-athlete. 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."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Ajay Mitchell named as UC Santa Barbara collegiate GM
