Ajayi signs with NCAA D-I Pepperdine University
The Pierce College Athletic Department and Men's Basketball team is pleased to announce that sophomore guard, Michael Ajayi, has signed a national Letter of Intent with Pepperdine University. Pepperdine is a Division I NCAA University located in Malibu, California and is part of the West Coast Conference.
Ajayi, a 6'7 guard, played and started in 23 games last season for the Raiders and was named the NWAC West Region Most Valuable Player, West Region Freshman of the Year. He also ranked in multiple top 5 statistical categories in the NWAC West Region:
Category |
Total |
NWAC West Region Rank |
| Free Throw | 83-111 | 4th |
| Offensive Rebounds | 61 | 2nd |
| Defensive Rebounds | 136 | 2nd |
| Total Rebounds | 197 | 2nd |
| Rebounds Per Game | 14.1 | 1st |
| Points Per Game | 23.5 | 4th |
Michael finished the 2021-2022 season with a total of 470 points and averaged 32.2 minutes per game on the season. Prior to joining the Pierce College basketball team Michael attended Kentwood Highschool in Kent, WA.
"Michael is an unbelievable worker. He has put in a lot of hours on and off the court to put himself in this position. He has that rare combination of height, athleticism, talent, and work ethic." Said Pierce College Head Basketball Coach Brian Kovacevich. "The really impressive thing is how he balances his schedule in the classroom along with his athletics."
Ajayi and the rest of the Pierce Men's Basketball team will open up their 2022-2023 season on Friday, November 18th at the Umpqua CC Tournament. Their first home game is scheduled for December 2nd-4th as they host the Raider Holiday Classic tournament in Lakewood, WA. Game day tickets can be purchased online at pierceraiders.com or by clicking the link below.