By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ajay Mitchell will sit out the FIBA window in July due to an injury sustained during the Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard announced the news directly to fans, expressing deep disappointment over his inability to join the Belgian Lions for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
“It is with great disappointment that I will not be able to join the Belgian Lions for this upcoming international window,” wrote the Ans native, emphasizing his deep emotional attachment to the national program.
“Following my injury during the Western Conference Finals, my priority right now is to focus fully on my rehab so that I can return to 100%,” Mitchell added, clarifying that his immediate focus must shift entirely toward physical recovery.
The right calf injury forces a devastating pivot for Belgium, which currently sits at zero wins and four losses in Group G of the European Qualifiers. This scratch marks a frustrating pattern of delayed senior national team integration for Mitchell, who previously sat out the EuroBasket 2025 to rest and recover from a lingering foot injury following his NBA championship run.
“Wearing the Belgian jersey means a great deal to me,” shared the 23-year-old guard, reflecting on his roots.
Ajay Mitchell will miss the July window with the Belgian Lions 🦁 due to injury.
Check out his message to the fans 👀#basketballbelgium #crelansport #omdathetkan #crionsensemble pic.twitter.com/8lwA7xMVU1
— Belgian Lions (@belgianlions) June 17, 2026
The Lions still hope to rely heavily on fellow NBA player Toumani Camara. The 26-year-old Brussels native, the second Belgian player ever drafted into the NBA, brings a powerful defensive presence from the Portland Trail Blazers, which his national team desperately needs to avoid elimination.
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