Ajay Mitchell has become the 3rd Belgian player in history to be drafted into the NBA, the North American basketball league. The young Liège native, 22, was chosen in the 2nd round on Wednesday by the New York Knicks in 38th position, but was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He becomes the 3rd Belgian in the NBA and joins Toumani Camara, who played this season for the Portland Trailblazers.
Son of Barry, former star player of Ostend (1994-99), who also played Ghent (1999-2000) and Liège (2001-2002), Barry, Ajay Mitchell plays at the guard position. He was traded for Oso Ighodaro (40th in the draft) who joins the New York Knicks.
The Belgian Lion made his first classes at Nanterre in France in 2019, then at Limburg United (2019-21) before joining the NCAA in the United States. He played three seasons at US Santa Barbara in the Big West Conference. He was voted best rookie the first season and best player during the last campaign where he averaged 20 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds per game.
Two other Belgian players had the honour of being drafted before Mitchell and were taken in 52nd position: Axel Hervelle in 2005 by Denver, but he never played in the United States, and Toumani Camara, recruited by Phoenix last year before being traded to Portland where he played the entire past season.
Another Belgian player has played in the NBA: Didier Mbenga. The center was never drafted but played between 2004 and 2011 in the big leagues with Dallas, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Hornets. He won two NBA championship rings with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.
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2024-06-28 11:04:18
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