Michael Ajayi

Last updated

Michael Ajayi
No. 5–Butler Bulldogs
Position Power forward
League Big East Conference
Personal information
Born (2003-05-23) May 23, 2003 (age 22)
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school Kentwood (Covington, Washington)
College
Career highlights
  • First-team All-WCC (2024)

Michael Ajayi is a college basketball player for the Butler Bulldogs. He previously played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Pepperdine Waves, and Pierce College.

Contents

Early life and high school

Ajayi attended Kentwood High School in Covington, Washington, and committed to play college basketball at Pierce College. [1]

College career

Pierce College

In two seasons at Pierce College from 2021 to 2023, Ajayi made 27 starts, averaging 22.7 points in 34.2 minutes per game. After the 2022-23 season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal. [2]

Pepperdine

Ajayi transferred to play for the Pepperdine Waves. [3] He finished the 2023-24 season averaging 17.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, earning first-team all-WCC conference honors. After the season, Ajayi entered the NCAA transfer portal. [4] [5]

Gonzaga

Ajayi transferred to play for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. [6] On November 10, 2024, he brought down 12 rebounds in a victory against Arizona State. [7] On January 2, 2025, Ajayi recorded five points and 15 rebounds in a win over Portland. [8] He finished the 2024-25 season averaging 6.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. [9] After the season, Ajayi once again entered the NCAA transfer portal. [10]

Butler

Ajayi transferred to play for the Butler Bulldogs. [11] On November 5, 2025, he tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds in a victory versus Southern Indiana. [12] On November 21, Ajayi recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over South Carolina. [13] On November 23, he notched 17 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks in a win against Virginia. [14] On December 20, Ajayi recorded 19 points and 20 rebounds in a win against Northwestern. [15]

References

  1. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Meet Butler's 'Dennis Rodman' lite: An Isaiah Thomas assist, a disease and growth spurts". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  2. ↑ Ankony, Jack. "Indiana Among High-Major Suitors For Pepperdine Transfer Michael Ajayi". Indiana Hoosiers On SI. SI.com. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  3. ↑ Meehan, Jim. "Gonzaga men's Khalif Battle, Michael Ajayi wear dancing shoes for first time". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  4. ↑ Meehan, Jim. "Michael Ajayi withdraws from NBA draft, will play senior season at Gonzaga". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  5. ↑ Glover, Grady. "Michael Ajayi logs double-double ahead of facing his former school". SWX Local Sports. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  6. ↑ Borzello, Jeff. "Michael Ajayi transferring from Pepperdine to Gonzaga". ESPN. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  7. ↑ Meehan, Jim. "Michael Ajayi's all-around effort helps Gonzaga hold off Arizona State: 'He just plays with great energy'". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  8. ↑ Lawson, Theo. "'Grab every rebound like it's my last.' Michael Ajayi takes move to Gonzaga's bench in stride, grabs 15 rebounds in win over Portland". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  9. ↑ Hunt, Stephen. "Always a Bulldog: After a 'special' year at Gonzaga, Michael Ajayi off to roaring start with Butler". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  10. ↑ Lawson, Theo. "Gonzaga men lose Michael Ajayi to NCAA transfer portal". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  11. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Thad Matta compares Butler basketball transfer, a 'freak athlete,' to NBA player". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  12. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Likes, dislikes in Butler basketball's season-opening win vs Southern Indiana: Michael Ajayi dominant". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  13. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Butler's double-double machine earns award named after Oscar Robertson". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  14. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Butler beats Virginia behind Michael Ajayi's physicality". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  15. ↑ Glaspie, Akeem. "Michael Ajayi's 'grown man' rebounding highlighted by stat not seen at Butler since 1983". IndyStar. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
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