Michigan’s Aday Mara draws monster NBA Draft endorsement from coaching legend

Aday Mara has been big, literally and figuratively, in Michigan’s dominant run to the ultimate round in the NCAA Tournament.

The 7-foot-3 center has been the Wolverines’ anchor in the interior on both ends all season, averaging career-highs in 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks.

Now, he is a national champion after helping Michigan beat Connecticut, 69-63, at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday, boosting his stock as a prominent prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft.

Mara contributed eight points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. More importantly, he provided an inside presence that made life difficult for the Huskies.

Former Michigan coach John Beilein gave a positive remark about Mara, as quoted by The New York Times’ Adam Zagoria.

“He probably won’t go in the first 10 (NBA draft picks), but in five years (NBA teams) will be like, ‘I probably wish I had taken Mara,'” said Beilein.

"He probably won't go in the first 10 [NBA Draft picks], but in 5 years [NBA teams] will be like, 'I probably wish I had taken Mara.'"

John Beilein to Hall of Famer @TheAndyKatz https://t.co/hjgwa4kHqs

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 7, 2026

That is a huge compliment from Beilein, who coached the Wolverines from 2007 to 2019, leading them to two appearances in the Final Four and two titles in the Big Ten Tournament.

The 21-year-old Mara, who hails from Spain, will garner a lot of interest in the NBA after his impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament. He may still be raw, but he has the size and fundamentals to be a serviceable pivot in the NBA. After all, you can’t teach height, as they say.

Former college giants Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan have carved out a role with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers, respectively, and it is not outlandish to think that Mara could do the same if he gets to the NBA.

Mara played two years at UCLA before transferring to Michigan this season. Safe to say, it was the right decision.

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