NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.<\/p>\n
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft <\/a> , Michigan’s Aday Mara \u00a0is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the Center’s draft night will play out.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records <\/a> and factors in trades, including swaps and protections. <\/p>\n Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 20 overall, San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n Kalbrosky’s Analysis: <\/p>\n After leading his team to the collegiate national championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama. <\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n