Michigan’s Aday Mara Enters 2026 NBA Draft, Retains College Eligibility
The move lets the 7-foot-3 center get NBA feedback without closing the door on a return to Ann Arbor.
Overview
- Aday Mara submitted his name for the 2026 NBA Draft while keeping his eligibility, according to a report relayed by Hoops Rumors.
- He made the jump after helping Michigan win the national title, highlighted by a 26-point breakout in the Final Four against Arizona.
- Across 40 games as a starter after transferring from UCLA, he averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.4 assists on 66.8% shooting.
- He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, set Michigan’s single-season blocks record, and earned third-team All–Big Ten honors.
- Hoops Rumors notes he is viewed as a potential lottery pick and ranked No. 14 by ESPN, and the NBA’s official early-entrant list is expected next week.