Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been named the general manager of UC Santa Barbara’s men’s basketball program, the school announced in a press release.
According to the Gauchos’ announcement, Mitchell will serve in an advisory capacity, “investing his time, sharing experience, and providing mentorship to student-athletes.” He’ll also be involved in building UC Santa Barbara’s brand and helping to “strengthen donor and alumni engagement.”
The 38th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Mitchell had a breakout year for Oklahoma City in 2025/26, averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on .485/.347/.870 shooting in 25.8 minutes per game across 57 regular season outings. The 24-year-old played an expanded role in the playoffs with Jalen Williams in and out of the lineup, but a calf strain sidelined him for the final four games of the Western Conference finals vs. San Antonio.
Before going pro in 2024, Mitchell spent three seasons playing for UC Santa Barbara. Despite declaring for the draft after his junior year, he ranks 10th among men’s players on the school’s all-time scoring list and fifth in assists. He also tied a Gauchos single-game record in December 2023 when he scored 39 points against UC Riverside.
“UC Santa Barbara changed my life in so many ways,” Mitchell said in a statement. “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.”
It has become increasingly common in recent years for current NBA players to take on GM or assistant GM roles with their respective alma maters. Damian Lillard (Weber State), Stephen Curry (Davidson), Trae Young (Oklahoma), and Terance Mann (Florida State) are among the others who have done so. Those positions are somewhat ceremonial and aren’t exactly full-time jobs for players who are still active.
