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Seven-foot big men do not grow on trees. Luckily for Dusty May and Michigan basketball, they do sometimes enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Such was the case with Aday Mara, who became the 2026 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in one year with the Wolverines after playing sparingly with UCLA in his first two collegiate seasons.
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REQUIRED READING: Even with squeaky Yaxel, Michigan blasts Arizona in Final Four thanks to supporting cast
With star Yaxel Lendeborg dealing with an injury in the Final Four against No. 1 Arizona, it was Mara who stepped up with a career-best performance to help the Wolverines reach the national championship game.
Mara will likely be a key piece for Michigan as the Wolverines aim to win their first national championship since 1989. Heading into the national championship in March Madness, here’s what you need to know about the Michigan big man:
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See the best photos of Michigan basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) shakes hands with forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
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See the best photos of Michigan basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) shakes hands with forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
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See the best photos of Michigan basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks the ball against Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
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See the best photos of Michigan basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks to forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) before a substitution against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center.
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See the best photos of Michigan basketball’s run to 2026 Final Four
Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-15-michigan-meet-aday-101537213.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-06 10:15:00
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