UCLA Transfer Becomes Michigan’s Most Dominant 7-Foot-3 Player
Aday Mara has transformed Michigan’s interior presence since arriving from UCLA. The 7-foot-3 center has started every game after practices began in Ann Arbor. His rise helped Michigan reach the Sweet 16 and a Friday matchup against Alabama at the United Center in Chicago.
Season snapshot
Mara has started 35 games and helped Michigan to a 33-3 record. He is averaging 12 points, 6.9 rebounds and a Big Ten-best 2.7 blocks per game. Two more blocks would give him the single-season program record.
He produced 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting against Howard. He followed that with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting versus Saint Louis. Michigan often works the offense through him in the post.
Background and transition
Mara was a reserve at UCLA under coach Mick Cronin. He started only one game as a sophomore there. Opposing coaches noticed his per-minute impact, even with limited touches.
The UCLA transfer said Michigan’s confidence attracted him. He and coach Dusty May did not haggle over financial details before the commitment. Mara credits assistant coaches and his own confidence for continued improvement.
Defensive influence and milestones
Mara’s shot-blocking has been a game-changer. He sits one block shy of Roy Tarpley’s single-season mark of 97. He averages multiple rejections on some possessions, stifling drives.
Michigan ranks second nationally in forcing long two-point attempts. The team is fourth in forcing two-point misses. Mara’s presence under the rim is a major reason for those rankings.
Skill development
At UCLA, Mara attempted no three-pointers over two seasons. This year he is 2-for-8 from long range. He has worked on ball handling and perimeter defense in practice.
He struggled at the free-throw line early. Through mid-February he made under half of his attempts. In the past 10 games he has shot 79 percent from the line.
Team context and upcoming matchup
Michigan’s roster features several impactful transfers. Yaxel Lendeborg, from UAB, earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Morez Johnson Jr. and Elliot Cadeau also started after arriving from Illinois and North Carolina.
Mara’s size has given Michigan a clear advantage in the first two tournament games. Alabama counters with a 6-foot-11 starter and a seven-footer off the bench. Still, Michigan has used Mara to control the paint.
The Sweet 16 game is set for Friday at 7:35 p.m. ET on TBS. FanDuel listed the over/under at 173.5 for the matchup. Practice photos were taken at United Center on March 26, 2026.
For more analysis and a full game preview, visit Filmogaz.com. The site includes in-depth breakdowns and expert predictions for the Alabama vs. Michigan game.
