UCLA’s Aday Mara Emerging as a Game-Changer for Bruins

Mick Cronin was on the cusp of tearing out the remaining hair follicles he had left on his bald head.

The Bruins had been in the midst of a rough four-game losing streak. The defensive numbers were not where Cronin was accustomed to seeing them. There was a severe lack of joy and confidence within the squad. In essence, something had to change — and quickly.

Enter Aday Mara — the 7’3″ gangly sophomore center from Spain who is finally living up to the hype he brought with him from overseas. He was a 5-star recruit and one of the most highly-touted prospects for his class internationally.

Over the last three games, Mara has averaged 15.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 4.0 BPG on 64-percent from the field in only an average of 26.0 MPG. Before that, he was barely playing — and many were wondering whether he’d ever realize the potential he harbors.

Last Tuesday versus Wisconsin was his official breakout. We had seen glimpses of a player with NBA upside. Against the Badgers, Mara resembled a future lottery pick — scoring a career-high 22 points on 7-of-7 shooting. For good measure, he blocked two shots, gobbled up five rebounds, and went 8-of-12 from the free-throw line in only 21 minutes.

With leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau spraining his ankle early in the following game versus Washington, Mara stepped up again. He scored 12 points, recorded seven rebounds, and blocked five shots. Versus crosstown rival USC on Monday evening, Mara started — and led the team with a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds). He also had another five blocks in this contest.

It’s feasible to say that Mara is the best post-defender on this team. With his height and wingspan, teams are skittish in driving the lane and challenging him at the rim. If Mara isn’t blocking a shot, he’s altering them to a high degree. He undoubtedly gives UCLA the best chance at being an elite defensive team.

Offensively, you’ve got a player who can score with either hand. He dunks everything virtually without leaving the ground. When keeping the ball above his head, virtually no one can stop Mara. He’s even flashed a real proclivity for passing the basketball. Rebounding-wise, he’s also the most capable big man on the roster.

It’s unequivocal that Mara changes the landscape of this team and likely the fortunes moving forward. While not a finished product by any stretch, Mara’s complete package of skills has him primed to make a major leap as a junior (with continued work on his body).

It will be fascinating to see how Cronin navigates the eventual return of Bilodeau. Despite being the team’s leading scorer, he’s woeful on the defensive end of the floor. He’s also undersized playing the center spot when in all actuality he should be functioning as a 6’8″ power forward.

At the very least, Mara has proven himself to be a very capable asset moving forward as the Bruins look to March.