Michael Ajayi’s journey from junior varsity as a high school junior, to junior college, three Division I programs, and All-Big East performer continues as the former Butler basketball star signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced.
Ajayi will split his time with the Hornets and their G League affiliate the Greensboro Swarm. Ajayi can move back and forth between the teams without being exposed to waivers.
Ajayi joins former Butler star Jahmyl Telfort as former Bulldogs in the NBA. Telfort signed with Clippers’ summer league team after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Telfort made the team after a strong preseason and played eight games with the Clippers last season.
Ajayi joins a Hornets team looking to shake things up after trading star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Naz Reid on Thursday morning.
What are the Hornets getting in Michael Ajayi?
Michael Ajayi is a 6-foot-7, 228-pound forward. He averaged 16.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game with Butler last season, earning him All-Big East First Team honors.
He shot 26.1% from 3 and 65.3% from the free line. For his career, Ajayi is a 33% shooter from 3 and a 68% shooter from the line. He began his career at Pierce College before transferring to Pepperdine, Gonzaga and Butler.
Ajayi dominated the mid-major level at Pepperdine and became more of a role player at Gonzaga. The Washington native blossomed in his lone season at Butler, becoming the focal point of the Dawgs’ offense and the team’s top defender. Ajayi’s hustle and athleticism make him a strong perimeter defender. He has the strength to guard the 4 in the post and the footspeed to switch onto guards as well.
He makes his living offensively in the mid-range, scoring on pull-ups and fadeaways. He generates second-chance points with his knack for offensive rebounds, but his inconsistent shooting is likely what prevented him from being drafted.
Nicknamed “Marathon Mike,” Ajayi plays with passion and energy every time he takes the court. He could carve out a role as a 3-and-D wing if his shot improves. He’s a capable passer and ballhandler, and his playmaking ability expanded as Butler’s season progressed, but he shouldn’t be looked to as a primary ballhandler for long stretches.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What the Charlotte Hornets are getting in signing two-way former Butler star Michael Ajayi
Reporting by Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
