Thunder player lands GM job with college basketball program

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. He has maintained the success of the Thunder with his smart moves, forward-thinking approach, and bold vision.

Presti has not been afraid to roll the dice, trusting his instincts with every decision. He has continually given previously overlooked players a chance to succeed, including Serge Ibaka, Jerami Grant, Dennis Schroder, Andre Roberson, and more recently, Lu Dort, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.

Well, it looks like Presti’s influence has rubbed off on Mitchell, as he agreed to be the general manager of his alma mater, USC Santa Barbara, according to CBS Sports’ Josh Rothstein.

“Mitchell will help guide program advancement while serving as a mentorship resource for current players,” wrote Rothstein on X.

The 24-year-old guard is coming off a strong second-year campaign with the Thunder, averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.8 minutes.

He had a memorable series in their sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the playoffs, increasing his numbers across the board.

Mitchell, who played professionally in France before moving to the United States for college, played three years at UC Santa Barbara. He was named Big West Player of the Year in 2023. He and Miles Norris carried the Gauchos to the NCAA Tournament that year, but they were eliminated by Baylor in the first round.

Mitchell tallied career averages of 16.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals with the Gauchos. The Thunder drafted him at No. 38 in 2024.

The post Thunder player lands GM job with college basketball program appeared first on ClutchPoints.