Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Coaching

Ajay Mitchell named general manager of UC Santa Barbara men's basketball

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:33 AM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Ajay Mitchell named general manager of UC Santa Barbara men's basketball

Summary

Ajay Mitchell, currently a guard for the OKC Thunder, has been appointed as the general manager of UC Santa Barbara's men's basketball program. Previously a standout player at UC Santa Barbara, Mitchell was selected 38th in the 2024 NBA Draft and earned All-Big West honors. As GM, he will advise the program, mentor student-athletes, and enhance the brand's visibility. Mitchell expressed gratitude to the university for shaping his career and aims to elevate the team's success. The Gauchos last participated in the NCAA Tournament in 2023, finishing with an 18-14 record last season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mitchell appointed GM of UC Santa Barbara men's basketball on August 19, 2026.
•He played three seasons at UC Santa Barbara before joining the NBA.
•Averaged career highs of 13.6 points last season with the Thunder.
•Mitchell praised the university for its impact on his career.
•The Gauchos last made the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

Latest Updates

1:33 AMYahoo Sports — Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell Named Santa Barbara General Manager
3:25 PMYahoo Sports — Ajay Mitchell named as UC Santa Barbara collegiate GM
11:31 AMYahoo Sports — Thunder star Ajay Mitchell named general manager of alma mater UC Santa Barbara
10:16 AMYahoo Sports — OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell joins UC Santa Barbara as men's basketball GM

What they're saying

"
The NBA champion returns to his Gaucho roots, juggling professional duties in Oklahoma City with a new front-office role dedicated to elevating his alma mater’s rising program.
— Yahoo Sports