UCLA Basketball: Mick Cronin Talks Aday Mara's Instant Impact, Health

7'3" UCLA Bruins men's basketball freshman center Aday Mara earned the first start of his college career Wednesday, during a 78-58 victory over the visiting Long Island University Sharks.

The 19-year-old big man repaid head coach Mick Cronin's faith in promoting him with a very solid night. He scored 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor and 2-of-2 shooting from the charity stripe, pulled down four boards, blocked four shots, and dished out two dimes, while only picking up one foul. Sophomore power forward Adem Bona's 20-point, 11-rebound double-double led the way for the club.

Per UCLA Communications, Cronin is already loving what he's seeing from Mara in his expanded role.

“Very skilled player. Great passer," Cronin observed. "Can shoot it from 15 (feet) and – consistent. Made his two free throws as well tonight. Got to be a little bit stronger with rebounds. He’s got to realize, when you’re as tall as him, refs – he made a play in the first half that they called over the back. Embarrassing call. Embarrassing call. The guy is 7-3. He’s allowed to reach for the ball. But people aren’t used to seeing somebody like him, so then he gets the rebound and people are whacking away at him. No call. I can only imagine. I watched it growing up. I watched what people were allowed to do to Shaquille O’Neal his whole career because they couldn’t guard him. They just fouled him every play. He’s got to get ready for that.”

Mara, who had been eased into his season through his first two games while playing behind fifth-year redshirt senior Kenneth Nwuba, is still acclimating to the NCAA, but Cronin said he's already comfortable with the extra run time. He had also been held out of some preseason practices and an exhibition game due to a minor injury.

“He’s good," Cronin noted. "He didn’t even need to come out to be honest with you. He told me he felt good. I played him 14 straight minutes in the second half out there. Just trying to get him ready.”

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