Michigan basketball just got a whole lot taller. Aday Mara, a massive 7’3″ center from Spain, has decided to transfer to the University of Michigan after spending two years at UCLA. As a highly regarded international prospect, Mara brings immediate help and future NBA potential to Ann Arbor.
Mara made his decision official on April 11, 2025, just ten days after entering the transfer portal. With two years of college eligibility left, he’ll have plenty of time to make an impact for the Wolverines. Fans are already buzzing about what this Spanish giant could mean for Michigan’s chances next season.
Michigan Lands Big Man in Roster Rebuild
Basketball insiders are pretty excited about this move. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress called Mara a “huge pickup” and suggested Michigan is building a “Final Four caliber frontcourt.” Coach Mike Boynton didn’t hold back either, tweeting “Dusty May is Bad Man!!!” when the news broke.
NEWS: UCLA transfer Aday Mara has committed to Michigan, a source told ESPN. The 7’2 Spanish center is a projected first round pick in 2026. Huge pickup for Dusty May, who is putting together a Final Four caliber frontcourt. pic.twitter.com/qexFtKHiii
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 11, 2025
At UCLA, Mara showed flashes of his potential despite limited playing time. He averaged 6.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just 13 minutes per game last season. His best game came against Wisconsin when he dropped 22 points on perfect shooting. Not bad for someone who barely played!
Mara isn’t the only new face heading to Michigan. He joins transfers Elliot Cadeau (point guard from North Carolina), Morez Johnson Jr. (forward from Illinois), and Yaxel Lendeborg (forward from UAB). With Vlad Goldin graduating and Danny Wolf likely NBA-bound, Mara fills a huge hole in Michigan’s frontcourt—literally and figuratively.
Spanish Giant Brings International Experience to Wolverines
Before coming to America, Mara played for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain’s top league. He also represented Spain in international tournaments, averaging 14 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championships. That experience against pros has clearly helped his development.
What makes Mara special is his size. Beyond his 7’3″ height, he has a wingspan near 7’7″ that makes him a nightmare for opponents around the basket. UCLA opponents shot just 52% at the rim when he was on the floor. His post moves and footwork have improved a lot, and he blocks shots at an elite rate for his playing time.
He’s not perfect, though. Mara struggles to defend smaller players on the perimeter and hasn’t shown much shooting range yet. Still, NBA scouts see him as a potential first-round pick in 2026. Some even thought he had lottery potential before he started college.
Michigan coach Dusty May seems to be building something special. With the addition of Mara, some analysts already have Michigan ranked in the top 5 for next season. The frontcourt trio of Mara, Johnson, and Lendeborg brings different skills that should complement each other well.
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May has a good track record developing big men, which makes Michigan the perfect place for Mara to grow his game and boost his NBA stock. Michigan fans have plenty of reason to be excited about their team’s chances in 2025-26.
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