Michigan's Aday Mara is turning heads faster than a crossover dribble, and his recent surge up NBA draft boards has the basketball world buzzing. The 7'3" center, fresh off an NCAA championship run, has transformed from a promising prospect into a potential top-five pick after an eye-opening performance at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
Mara's college resume already sparkled: he averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and an impressive 2.6 blocks per game while leading the Wolverines to the national title. But it was his measurements at the combine that truly stole the show. With a towering 7'3" frame and a staggering 9'9" wingspan, Mara looked every bit the modern NBA big man—a rim protector with the length to alter shots and the reach to finish above the rim.
The draft stock jump has been dramatic. In a recent mock draft from CBS Sports' Cameron Salerno, Mara is now projected to go No. 5 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers. That's a significant leap from just a few weeks ago, when ESPN's Jeremy Woo had him slotted at No. 14 to the Charlotte Hornets. The Clippers, who dealt away veteran center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers last season, could be in the market for a young anchor to pair with All-Star guard Darius Garland—making Mara a logical fit.
While some analysts argue that No. 5 might still be a reach, the momentum is undeniable. Mara's combination of championship pedigree, elite size, and shot-blocking instincts has scouts rethinking their boards. As the June 23 draft approaches, all eyes will be on this rising star to see just how high he can climb. For now, one thing is clear: Aday Mara is no longer just a champion—he's a lottery pick in the making.