Thunder rookie Aday Mara transitions to NBA following Michigan title season

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.

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