UCLA Basketball: Expert Projects Developing West Team To Draft Freshman Bruin

The UCLA Bruins college basketball team should be a fun squad this coming season, even if they aren’t expected to compete for a title like in the past. But that is the beauty in college sports because you generally never know what will happen, especially come March Madness.

They will be led this season by multiple freshman players, including Aday Mara from Spain. Mara gives the Bruins some real size that they will use to their advantage this season. And if he plays well this season, Mara could be a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

In fact, a recent mock draft has Mara going in the top 15 of the draft to an up-and-coming Western Conference powerhouse. Bleacher Report hoops writer Jonathan Wasserman mocked Mara to land with the Oklahoma City Thunder in his latest draft.

This would be a great get for both sides. Oklahoma City would be getting a strong, young player to continue building around, and Mara could go to a team that has future success written all over it.

“He's highly skilled at 7'3", with vertical pop for finishing and excellent touch and passing instincts. Mara has shown promising shooting range for an 18-year-old big his size, and more flashes at UCLA could push him closer toward the top 10. Looking capable defending away from the basket will be a key to dodging questions about his NBA fit.”

Per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report

Imagine a pairing of Mara and Chet Holmgren for the Thunder. NBA teams wouldn’t know what hit them when they attacked the basket. He would give the Thunder a legit duo upfront, and he is their kind of player completely.

The Thunder want to start pushing their chips in when it comes to winning, so Mara could be the final piece of the puzzle. His future is completely up to him, and it all starts this season with the Bruins.