Aday Mara had one of the greatest days in recorded human history on Monday as Michigan won the national championship game over UConn.
Mara did not have a huge stat line in Michigan’s 69-63 victory in the title game, finishing with just 8 points and 4 rebounds on 4/7 shooting at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. But he did have a huge defensive impact to slow down burly UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., who tallied 13 points on 4/12 shooting.
The Spanish 7-footer also turned 21 on Monday, meaning he is now very much allowed to buy all the beer he needs to celebrate. Mara’s teammates serenaded him with a birthday greeting.
Unreal. Aday Mara turned 21 as One Shining Moment played. pic.twitter.com/yl9IVJkhLa
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTuckerCBB) April 7, 2026
Mara also got to cut down part of the net as is tradition.
Aday Mara cuts down the nets with the Spain flag on his back 👏 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/tOaK1HZViE
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026
After a stellar run in the NCAA Tournament, several fans were adamant that Mara deserved to be a lottery pick in June’s NBA draft. Some even felt he belonged within the top-10 after previously being projected as a late first-rounder or even a second-round pick.
aday mara def top 8 prospect look how he’s affecting the game
— no speeding🍪 (@MIK3MCDANIEL) April 7, 2026
If the Pelicans pick falls around the 7-9 range I’m taking Aday Mara the Hawks need a big man like this badly
— Kai (@SznPltts) April 7, 2026
I don’t see how Aday Mara isn’t at least a lottery pick
— #56 (@puntacanademon) April 7, 2026
Aday Mara made himself a lot of money during Final Four weekend. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a lottery pick in June
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) April 7, 2026
Mara entered Monday’s game averaging 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks on an absurd 67.0% field goal shooting clip. The Michigan junior made several fans believes this NCAA Tournament, and perhaps some NBA scouts as well.
