Checking in on former Bruins in March Madness Aday Mara edition

Aday Mara will always remain one of the most interesting decisions for the UCLA Bruins. He had all the talent in the world, and his inconsistent minutes were always very puzzling. It led to him believing he had a better opportunity elsewhere. Entering the transfer portal after last season and ending up with Michigan. Michigan would go on to be the best team in the country in the regular season. Mara has played a huge role in helping them sit at 33-3 now.

Michigan has rolled in their first two games against Howard and Saint Louis in the NCAA tournament. Leading to them easily moving their way into the Sweet 16. Mara has been very good in the first two games and is showing elite play on both ends of the floor. So far in those two games he is averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.5 blocks per game. That is something that UCLA could really use right now.

Mara did not play much in his first two seasons at UCLA. He only was able to get 11.5 minutes per game and never seemed to play for long spurts at a time. With him succeeding so much at an elite school like Michigan. It has led to questions what UCLA did wrong in wasting such a great talent and watching him walk right out of the door. At Michigan this season, he averaged 11.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game to go along with 2.9 blocks per game. Being one of the best defenders in the nation.

Now he is shining in March Madness at a position that UCLA could really use on their roster. They do not have much rebounding and shot blocking and that’s exactly what Mara does. Michigan is enjoying the benefit of UCLA‘s mistake in not utilizing him correctly. Mara will continue to be a large part of what Michigan accomplishes. Let’s just hope it doesn’t bite UCLA in the end as they have their own journey.