Potential Lottery Prospect Aday Mara Enters Draft While Preserving College Option
aday-mara-declares-nba-draft-keeps-eligibility
University of Michigan center Aday Mara has filed as an early entrant for the 2026 NBA Draft while retaining the ability to return to school, according to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.
The 7’3” Spaniard transferred from UCLA last summer and stepped directly into the Wolverines’ starting lineup, helping Michigan capture the national championship. Mara started 39 of 40 games, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.4 assists in 23.4 minutes. He boosted those numbers during the NCAA Tournament, posting 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 blocks per contest.
Mara converted 66.8% of his field-goal attempts but struggled at the foul line, shooting 56.4%. ESPN lists him No. 14 overall on its “Best Available” board, placing him firmly in the potential lottery range.
Fellow Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg, a fifth-year senior this past season, has also been mentioned as a possible lottery pick. Teammates Morez Johnson and Elliot Cadeau declared for the draft as well, each choosing to keep their NCAA eligibility intact.
The NBA’s early-entry deadline has passed, and the league is expected to release its official list of applicants next week. Any players who went unreported before the deadline will be revealed at that time.
Source: Hoops Rumors
