UCLA Basketball: Pundits Wonder If Rumored Bruins Commit Could Become Lottery-Level NBA Talent

Some serious hype brewing around his name!

The UCLA Bruins men's basketball has yet to receive word from Aday Mara if he will officially be able to join them next season as he reportedly in the mix of trying to work out of his contract situation with Casademont Zaragoza (his current squad). He is one of the most intriguing prospects in his age group and just looking at how his physical traits match his versatile play style, the Bruins community is praying they are able to bring him in.

Mara is 7'3 and pushing past 250 pounds right now, which allows him to hold his own in the post while having a clear view of the basket and his teammates at all times. When you consider how the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have already revolutionized the center position with how they can handle the rock and run their teams' offense, Mara definitely takes notes from them and UCLA's head coach Mick Cronin is already accustomed to bringing in leaders with size.

But looking beyond Mara's potential freshman season with the Bruins, 'Locked on UCLA' expert Zach Anderson-Yoxsimer has been weighing his NBA Draft stock and loves the potential he holds to truly be a transcending prospect very soon!

"While he's not a quick, agile leaper or the most fleet of foot necessarily," said Anderson-Yoxsimer. "He's got elite skills like we've seen from big men in the NBA, he's an elite passer, you can see that in highlight tapes... He's going to try and score in the paint which is what Mara can bring as he tries to bulk up before the NBA Draft in 2024 which is expected to be a very weak draft class. He could be a lottery pick."

(Via Locked on UCLA)

Mara will be a generational talent no matter where he ends up but fingers are crossed he ends up in blue and gold!