In a significant move to bolster their frontcourt, the Michigan Wolverines have secured a commitment from former UCLA center Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 standout from Zaragoza, Spain. Mara, who spent the past two seasons with the Bruins, brings a unique combination of size, skill, and international experience to Ann Arbor, enhancing Michigan’s already impressive transfer class under head coach Dusty May.
During his sophomore season at UCLA, Mara appeared in 33 games, averaging 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 59% from the field. His standout performance came in a victory over Wisconsin on January 21, where he tallied 22 points, five rebounds, and two blocks on perfect 7-for-7 shooting citeturn0search10.
Mara’s commitment addresses a critical need for Michigan following the departure of center Vladislav Goldin, who exhausted his eligibility after a standout season with the Wolverines citeturn0search7. With two years of eligibility remaining, Mara is expected to make an immediate impact, providing a formidable presence in the paint and contributing to both ends of the floor.
His addition marks the fourth transfer commitment for Michigan this offseason, joining a class that includes guard Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, forward Morez Johnson Jr. from Illinois, and forward Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB citeturn0search34. This influx of talent has positioned Michigan’s transfer class among the top in the nation, reflecting Coach May’s strategic approach to roster building through the transfer portal.
Mara’s international background and experience with Spain’s national youth teams add a global dimension to Michigan’s roster. His ability to protect the rim, coupled with his offensive efficiency, aligns well with the Wolverines’ playing style and aspirations for the upcoming season.
As Michigan prepares for the 2025–26 season, the integration of Mara into the lineup is anticipated to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his presence influences the Wolverines’ performance and contributes to their pursuit of conference and national success.