League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Thunder rookie Aday Mara transitions to NBA following Michigan title season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 9:39 PM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Thunder rookie Aday Mara transitions to NBA following Michigan title season

Summary

Center Aday Mara prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being selected 12th overall in the 2026 draft. Mara spent his final collegiate season at Michigan, where he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and helped the program secure a national championship. The 7-foot Spaniard averaged 12.1 points and 2.6 blocks per game as a Wolverine before posting 9.2 points and 1.8 blocks during his summer league appearances with the Thunder. Before his time in Ann Arbor, Mara played two seasons at UCLA. He recently debuted with Spain’s senior national team during the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament. The Thunder expect the 21-year-old to provide frontcourt depth and contribute off the bench during his rookie campaign.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Aday Mara was the 12th overall selection in the 2026 NBA draft.
•He recorded 103 total blocks during his lone season at Michigan.
•Mara competed for the Thunder in summer league, appearing in five games.
•He is the first Spanish player to win an NCAA Division I championship.

Latest Updates

9:39 PMYahoo Sports — 5 fun facts: Get to know Thunder rookie Aday Mara before 2026-27 season

What they're saying

"
As the 12th overall pick in the draft, center Aday Mara joins the Thunder after helping Michigan to its second national title last season.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Basketball