Ole Miss, elite programs chasing Pepperdine small forward Michael Ajayi
Junior small forward Michael Ajayi entered the NCAA Transfer Portal over the weekend. Since announcing his intentions, the Pepperdine prospect has heard from Ole Miss and several big-time programs.
The Kent, Wash., prospect averaged 17.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season. But what is really intriguing is his 47 percent shooting from three-point range. The Rebels are joined by Indiana, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Gonzaga, UCLA, Virginia, Southern Cal and Xavier in the sweepstakes for the front court recruit.
Prior to joining the Waves roster, the Pierce College product was named the 2022 Northwest Athletic Conference West Region’s Most Valuable Player and the West Region’s Freshman of the Year. Ajayi averaged 20.4 points and 11.3 rebounds in 23 games.
The 6-foot-7, 220 pound forward would be a nice addition on the wing for Ole Miss.
It remains to be seen if Jaemyn Brakefield returns for 2024-2025, but Allen Flanigan and Brandon Murray will not be back. Ajayi is a talented defender and someone who can score in bunches. His length would be a nice fit for Beard’s “no middle” defense. The Rebels were just 142nd in defensive efficiency this season. A player of Ajayi’s caliber would go a long way in helping the number get into double digits.
Sources tell OMSpirit, the Rebels are “very” interested in the talented wing.
