UCLA Basketball: High-Upside Freshman Dealing With Huge NCAA Growing Pains

The hope is that he can continue to progress the rest of the way.

Your UCLA Bruins' 2023-24 season hasn't gone the way that anyone would have hoped to start, but they aren't giving up yet. Head coach Mick Cronin understands that this roster is very young, and it has shown itself at different times in the season.

One issue for the Bruins this season has been the development of freshman big man Aday Mara. The 7'3" center hasn't shown that he can handle the NCAA competition so far, and it's hurt the team. 

Cronin spoke about this fact and how he expects things to go moving forward.

“It’s a huge adjustment for him, the style and physicality of college basketball,” Cronin said of Mara, who won’t turn 19 until after the season, “but his attitude is great, he’s getting better and fighting through it and he’s got a huge ceiling, he’s got a chance to be a great player. You know, these games, these are wars that’s all new for him.”

Per Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times

Through eight games this season, Mara is averaging just 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds a game. This isn't going to get the job done at this level of play, and he will need to develop quicker if the Bruins want a chance this season.

Mara was supposed to be a key contributor to this team this season, but it hasn't panned out just yet. The team has faith in him, but he needs to show that he has earned minutes.

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