Ajay Mitchell: Belgium’s next NBA star shines bright

Belgium is making a name for itself in the NBA, with two rising stars set to make waves in the league this season. Toumani Camara is already making headlines, but Ajay Mitchell, the dynamic point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is ready to put his own stamp on the NBA.

Born with an incredible basketball pedigree and armed with talent, Ajay's journey to the big stage is both inspiring and exciting. Let’s dive into his story…

Early life: born to ball

Ajay Mitchell was born in 2002 in Ans, Belgium, to a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Barry Mitchell, is a well-known name in Belgian basketball, having played professionally for years. With basketball in his DNA, it didn’t take long for Ajay to pick up the game. By the time he was a teenager, it was clear that he had inherited not only his father’s talent but also his passion for the sport.

Ajay grew up honing his skills in local youth leagues in Belgium, showing promise from an early age. His determination and work ethic stood out even then, and as his game grew stronger, so did the buzz around him as Belgium's next big basketball export.

From Belgium to the USA

Ajay’s professional journey truly began when he made a bold decision early in his career: to move to the United States. He knew that competing in the U.S. would expose him to higher levels of competition and give him a better shot at the NBA. Ajay initially joined Victory Rock Prep in Florida, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top point guards in his class.

From there, he moved on to play at UC Santa Barbara in the NCAA. During his time with the Gauchos, Ajay excelled and became a standout player. His performance attracted the attention of NBA scouts, and his reputation quickly spread. This led to his big moment in June 2024, when he was drafted by New York (38th pick). However, he didn't join the Knicks, as they immediately traded his draft rights to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Now, as the new NBA season approaches, all eyes are on him to see how he’ll adapt to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional basketball. The Thunder is known for developing young talent, so Ajay is in the perfect place to elevate his game.

Fun facts

Did you know…

Ajay is a multilingual prodigy, who, like many Belgians, speaks several languages, including Dutch, French, and English. This makes him a great communicator both on and off the court.

He is a musical talent, who enjoys playing the piano. He’s been playing since childhood and uses it as a way to relax and focus before big games.

Ajay is an art enthusiast, with a fondness for art and photography. He enjoys visiting galleries in his free time and often brings his camera along during his travels.

He is one of the few left-handed players in the NBA, just like his fellow Belgian NBA player Toumani Camara, which defenders on their toes.

What to expect?

At 190 cm (6'3), Ajay brings both size and skill to the point guard position. He’s quick, intelligent, and has a fantastic basketball IQ, which makes him a natural playmaker on the court. With his sharp decision-making, he has the potential to become a game-changing floor general for the Thunder.

One of his key strengths is his versatility. Not only can he dish out assists, but Ajay is also a strong defender, able to guard multiple positions thanks to his athleticism. His offensive game continues to evolve, and his ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact is one of his standout traits. Combine that with his solid shooting mechanics, and he could develop into a deadly scorer in the future.

Belgian fans have high hopes for Ajay Mitchell, and he’s poised to be a breakout player if he can adjust quickly to the NBA's intensity. His early preseason performances have already shown glimpses of what he can do, and his potential is sky-high.

Conclusion: it’s time to shine

Ajay Mitchell’s journey from Belgium’s youth leagues to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. With his incredible talent, work ethic, and determination, he has all the tools to succeed at the highest level. The 2024 season will be his first step into the big leagues, and there’s no doubt he’ll make Belgium proud. It’s Ajay’s time to shine, and this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting NBA career.