Ajay Mitchell - Guided by Faith

Ajay Mitchell’s journey from Ans, Belgium to the NBA is one marked by hard work, determination, and a faith that has guided him every step of the way. The 2024 Oklahoma City Thunder draft pick has proven himself on and off the court, making a name not just for his athletic skills, but also for his commitment to making a difference.

Mitchell began his basketball career in his home country, playing for Limburg United’s youth team in 2019. His talent quickly caught the attention of the senior team, and he made his debut in Belgium’s Pro Basketball League during the 2019–20 season. By the following season, he was playing exclusively with the senior team, solidifying his reputation as one of Belgium’s rising stars.

His decision to commit to UC Santa Barbara was a pivotal moment in his career. Moving from Belgium to the United States wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was the start of a new chapter in his life, both as an athlete and as a person.

Mitchell’s time at UC Santa Barbara was nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, he played in 27 games and earned the title of Big West Conference Freshman of the Year, along with a second-team All-Big West selection. His average of 11.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game set the foundation for what would be an even more impressive sophomore season. He elevated his game to new heights, averaging 16.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, earning the Big West Player of the Year award.

But Mitchell’s time in college wasn’t just about basketball. It was also during these years that he deepened his faith, an element that he attributes as key to his success. Reflecting on his journey, Mitchell shared, “Faith plays an important role in my basketball career. There’s a lot of pressure and stress from basketball, and being able to pray and talk to God about it really helped me throughout the years. Praying and talking to God helps me remind myself of what I’m grateful for and to enjoy the moment and not worry.”

Raised in a Christian household, Mitchell’s connection to his faith started at a young age. “I’ve always been a Christian. I used to go to Church with my grandma back in Belgium,” he said. However, it was during his college years that his relationship with God became even more profound.

“Once I got to college, I really felt I needed to get closer to Him. A friend who was a mentor at a church at UCSB reached out to me and one of my teammates. At first, I didn’t really feel like going, but during my sophomore year, I felt like I needed to hear the word of God… It honestly changed how I viewed myself, others, and started to really understand what the word of God is about.”

This transformation helped Mitchell maintain balance amid the challenges of being a student-athlete, keeping him grounded and focused on his true purpose in life.

Mitchell’s college career culminated in his selection as the 38th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He soon officially began his professional career, signing a 2-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As he embarks on his pro career, Mitchell remains committed to sharing his faith and using his platform for good. “I think the impact I would like to have is just to be able to share God’s word. Understanding that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins really changed my perspective on life. It helped me to seek forgiveness from God and also forgive others.”

Mitchell hopes to continue growing as a player and a person, with his faith providing guidance along the way. “In everyday life, [faith] just reminds me to love others and help whenever I can,” he explained, showing that for him, basketball is not just a game—it’s a way to live out his purpose.

Ajay Mitchell’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his dedication, character, and faith. As he steps onto the court with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he carries with him not just the hopes of a successful career, but also the mission to inspire others through his story. For Mitchell, basketball is more than a profession—it’s a platform to reflect his values, share his faith, and remind himself of the things that truly matter.