Michigan Star Aday Mara Weighs NBA Draft Decision

Mara will meet with NBA teams to determine if he'll enter the draft or return to college.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:48am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting Aday Mara's basketball skills and movements, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in Michigan's signature maize and blue colors, conveying the complexity and impact of his game.Mara's versatile skillset and defensive prowess make him an intriguing NBA prospect, as he weighs his options between the draft and returning to Michigan.Ann Arbor Today

Michigan center Aday Mara, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, confirmed he will explore entering the NBA Draft after leading the Wolverines to a national championship. Mara said he plans to meet with NBA teams in Los Angeles to get a sense of where he stands in the draft, and he revealed that being projected as a likely top-20 pick would likely be the deciding factor in whether he turns pro or returns to school for another season.

Why it matters

Mara's decision will have major implications for Michigan's outlook next season. If he leaves, the Wolverines would lose a dominant defensive presence and one of the most versatile big men in college basketball. But if he returns, Michigan would have a chance to contend for another title with an experienced, proven star leading the way.

The details

Mara, who averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and a school-record 103 blocks this past season, said he will travel to Los Angeles to meet directly with NBA teams and get their feedback on his draft stock. He stated that if he's projected as a likely top-20 pick, he'll likely enter the draft, but if that feedback isn't there, he'd strongly consider returning to Michigan for another year.

  • Mara led Michigan to the national championship in the 2025-26 season.
  • Mara plans to meet with NBA teams in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

The players

Aday Mara

A 6-foot-11 center who was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and set a Michigan record with 103 blocks this past season, leading the Wolverines to the national title.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to L.A. to meet with NBA teams. That's what will help me make my decision.”

— Aday Mara, Michigan Center

“If it's top 20, that's the line. If NBA teams tell him he's a likely top-20 pick, it's hard to imagine him coming back. If that feedback isn't there, though, a return to Michigan feels very real.”

— Aday Mara, Michigan Center

What’s next

Mara will travel to Los Angeles in the coming weeks to meet with NBA teams and get a sense of his draft stock. If he's projected as a likely top-20 pick, he'll likely declare for the draft, but if not, he could return to Michigan for another season.

The takeaway

Aday Mara is taking a measured, professional approach to deciding his NBA future, putting the onus on getting direct feedback from teams rather than relying on outside speculation. His decision will have major implications for Michigan's outlook next season, as the Wolverines would either lose a dominant defensive anchor or bring back a proven star with championship experience.