URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill, Michigan’s Aday Mara, standing at an impressive 7-foot-3, made history during the Wolverines’ 82-61 victory over Ohio State today. Mara scored his first two 3-pointers of his collegiate career, marking a significant milestone for both him and the team.
Mara, a junior from Spain, had not attempted a shot beyond the arc in his first two years at UCLA. His breakthrough comes after struggling in his initial attempts this season, having missed four long-range shots in Michigan’s first 22 games. “I’ve been practicing. I don’t want to rush or take bad shots,” Mara stated after the game, where he also achieved a career-high of 24 points.
This achievement places Mara among an elite group of players. He joins Daniel Jacobsen of Purdue and Trent Burns of Missouri as the only players at least 7-foot-3 to make a 3-pointer in NCAA Division I this season, according to Sportradar. Remarkably, he is just the fourth player of that height since the 2002-03 season to score multiple 3-pointers in a single game.
Mara’s first successful 3-pointer came with just over six minutes left in the first half, giving Michigan a 29-24 lead. CBS Sports analyst and former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl remarked, “Every NBA scout just took note of that one. Holy cow,” highlighting the impact of Mara’s performance on his professional prospects.
Less than two minutes later, Mara hit another 3-pointer from the top of the key, extending Michigan’s lead to 38-28. Coach Dusty May praised Mara’s hard work and dedication, stating, “We’ve spent a lot of time with him working on his 3s. We want that to be a part of his game going forward.” He acknowledged that Mara’s extensive practice may have skewed towards 3-pointers, but it clearly paid off in this crucial game.
In addition to his scoring, Mara demonstrated impressive overall performance, going 11-of-16 from the field, securing six rebounds, and blocking two shots in just 26 minutes of play. His ability to shoot from long range could significantly enhance Michigan’s postseason prospects.
Coach May emphasized the importance of timing in shooting, saying, “He does so many things well. We want them shooting 3-pointers at the right time, and each game dictates something different.” He also expressed his admiration for Mara’s growth, noting, “The big guy has come a long way.”
As Michigan aims for a successful postseason, all eyes will be on Mara as he continues to develop his long-range shooting. His remarkable performance today not only showcased his talent but also raised the stakes for the Wolverines moving forward.
