Michigan basketball finds next big man in UCLA transfer Aday Mara

Michigan head coach Dusty May said the staff is dealing with priorities first in the transfer portal, and a major need was addressed Friday as former UCLA center Aday Mara reportedly committed. The 19-year-old Zaragoza, Spain native is listed at 7-foot-3, 245 pounds, and will slide into the lineup to fill the gap left by the departure of Vladislav Goldin.

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Mara played in 61 games for the Bruins over the past two seasons and will join the Wolverines with career averages of 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

UCLA transfer center Aday Mara commits to Michigan

As a sophomore, Mara played 13 minutes per game and shot 59 percent from the field, up from 44.2 percent as a freshman. Given his combination of youth and experience, Mara could be set for a big leap next season.

The Wolverines were the less physical team for much of last season, and they were frequently outrebounded as well. Mara is two inches taller than Goldin, so May could be hoping it’s a slight upgrade on the boards.

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Mara has international experience under his belt as a member of the Spain national team at the FIBA U17 World Cup, U18 World Championships and U18 European Championships.

Mara is the fourth player to join the Wolverines from the transfer portal along with guard Elliot Cadeau (UNC), forward Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and forward Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB). Michigan forward Danny Wolf could return next season, but he and Lendeborg could both head to the NBA, as the latter is seeking a guaranteed contract.

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