Ajay Mitchell, the 23-year-old Belgian point guard, has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2025-26 NBA season. Born in Ans, in the Liège region of Belgium, he represents a story of determination that crosses oceans and cultural borders. Since joining the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mitchell has not only adapted to the frantic pace of American professional basketball but has also become a key piece for a team with sky-high ambitions. In November 2025, as the Thunder racks up impressive wins—like the recent 126-102 blowout over the Golden State Warriors—Mitchell continues to dazzle with consistent numbers and plays that blend intelligence with explosive athleticism. This rapid rise of a young European to NBA stardom is what makes his journey so captivating.
Early Steps in European Basketball
Ajay Mitchell’s journey began far from the American spotlight. The son of Belgian-rooted parents, he grew up in a country where soccer reigns supreme, yet basketball found a place in his life from an early age. At 14, Mitchell joined the youth program of Limburg United, a professional Belgian club that served as his first serious basketball school. There, he learned the fundamentals in a system that values discipline and teamwork—traits that still define his style today.
In 2018, at just 16, Mitchell competed in the FIBA U-16 European Championship Division B for Belgium, helping the team win the title while averaging 12 points per game. The following year, at the U-18 level, he stepped up, scoring 18 points in the final against Greece to secure promotion to Division A. These FIBA tournaments were crucial for his development, exposing him to opponents from across the continent and sharpening his court vision. “European basketball taught me to read the game like a book,” he said in a recent interview, emphasizing how compact defenses forced him to be creative.
At Limburg United, Mitchell played for the U-18 and U-21 teams while earning minutes in professional games. Standing 6’4″ (1.93 m) and weighing 190 lbs (86 kg), he was a versatile guard capable of slashing through defenses or shooting from deep. In 2020, with the pandemic halting leagues, he used the downtime for individual training, focusing on strength and agility. That’s when American college scouts began to take notice, prompting him to consider a move to the United States.
Transition to College Basketball in the U.S.
The decision to leave Belgium for the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) marked a turning point. In 2021, Mitchell joined the Gauchos as a freshman, bringing uncommon maturity for his age. The Big West Conference, while not as competitive as the Power 5 leagues, provided the perfect stage for him to shine. In his debut season, he played 28 games off the bench, averaging 12.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
His growth was remarkable in his sophomore year, 2022-23. As a starter, Mitchell led the team in scoring with 19.1 points per game and earned First-Team All-Big West honors. An unforgettable highlight was his 37-point outburst against USC—including six three-pointers—in an upset victory. “Santa Barbara gave me freedom to experiment,” he later said, referring to the laid-back California coast culture that contrasted with European rigidity.
In his third and final college season, 2023-24, Mitchell reached his peak: 20.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 46.6% shooting. He was named Big West Player of the Year and led the Gauchos to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in years. Despite an early exit, his performance caught NBA scouts’ eyes. At the Draft Combine and G League Elite Camp, he stood out in drills, showcasing playmaking and the ability to guard multiple positions.
NBA Draft and Arrival at the Thunder
The 2024 Draft was a dream come true. Selected in the second round, 38th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mitchell signed a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League. The Thunder, led by GM Sam Presti, are known for betting on young international talent, and Mitchell fit that philosophy perfectly. His Summer League debut was promising: 15 points and five assists in a win over the Utah Jazz.
In the 2024-25 regular season, he appeared in 25 games for the main roster, averaging 6.2 points in 15 minutes. But it was in the G League where he exploded, leading the Blue in scoring with 24.5 points per game and earning an All-Star nod. Injuries to the main roster opened doors, and Mitchell seized the opportunity, scoring 18 points against the Denver Nuggets. “The Thunder gave me confidence to be myself,” he said after a December 2024 win.
In October 2025, the team declined his fourth-year rookie option and instead signed him to a three-year extension worth nearly $9 million, signaling strong belief in his growth. Presti’s strategic move reflects the Thunder’s long-term vision for a young, talented core.
Explosive 2025-26 Season: Numbers and Highlights
With the 2025-26 season in full swing, Ajay Mitchell is playing the best basketball of his life. Through 10 games as of November 2025, he’s averaging 17.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals in about 28 minutes per night. His efficiency is impressive: 46.2% from the field, 35% from three, and 93.2% from the free-throw line.
One peak came in a comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 9, when he posted 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists in a 19-point turnaround. Two days later against the Warriors, Mitchell recorded 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal in 31 minutes, helping the Thunder send a clear message to the West. “He’s filling the stat sheet every night,” an ESPN analyst noted, highlighting his versatility.
Despite a recent questionable tag due to a mild ankle injury, Mitchell tested it in warmups and is expected back soon. His impact goes beyond numbers: he’s the “power guard” Presti coveted, able to lead the offense when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander needs a breather. With the Thunder at 8-1, Mitchell is viewed as a cornerstone of an emerging dynasty, shoring up what could have been a perimeter weakness.
Playing Style: What Makes Mitchell Unique
What sets Ajay Mitchell apart is his blend of physicality and basketball IQ. A natural lefty, he uses his strength to absorb contact on drives, creating space for passes or finishes. His peripheral vision, honed in Europe, produces creative assists—like the no-look pass that went viral against the Lakers.
Defensively, he’s a natural ball hawk, using his 6’8″ (2.03 m) wingspan to pick off passes. Offensively, he’s not a pure shooter, but his quick release makes him deadly in catch-and-shoot situations. Critics compare him to a young Jrue Holiday for his two-way impact. Recent film breakdowns highlight his ability to beat defenders off the dribble.
Off the court, Mitchell keeps a low profile, focused on recovery routines and film study. He credits his team-first mentality to Belgian culture. “I play for the team, not the ego,” he said in a post-game press conference.
Impact on the Thunder and Belgian National Team
With the Thunder, Mitchell fills a backcourt gap, complementing SGA and (formerly) Josh Giddey—now in Chicago. His defensive energy, seen in the Grizzlies comeback, inspires the group. Oklahoma fans have nicknamed him “Belgian Bullet” for his transition speed. As the team eyes the Finals, his consistent point-assist double-doubles make him a strong Most Improved Player candidate.
For Belgium’s national team, Mitchell is the future. After shining in youth ranks, he debuted for the senior squad at EuroBasket 2025, scoring 14 points in a win over Turkey. With veterans retiring, he’s taking the leadership mantle.
The Horizon: Challenges and Outlook
Looking ahead, Mitchell’s biggest challenge is staying healthy over a long season. Injuries are the main risk, but his conditioning suggests resilience. Analysts predict that if the Thunder make a deep playoff run, he could be an All-Star by 2027.
In a league dominated by Americans, Mitchell proves global talent is essential. His story inspires kids in Belgium and beyond, showing dedication transcends borders. In November 2025, with many games still ahead, one thing is certain: Ajay Mitchell is just getting started.
