NEW YORK – The Oklahoma City Thunder added a towering rim protector and a fresh national champion on Tuesday night when they selected Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, giving the 7’3” big man from Zaragoza, Spain, a chance to join a franchise coming off the 2025 NBA title.
“After winning the championship with Michigan, you want more,” Mara said after being drafted. “So it’s great to be in a contender team like OKC. I’m excited to be there, to start working and help the team as much as I can.”
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Mara said he was drawn to Oklahoma City’s stability and standards.
“I have been to a top organization like Oklahoma that knows how to do it because you see the results and you see all the good years they have had previously,” Mara said. “I think this is a great place to go and play at the highest level of the NBA and, above all, to learn and train every day with top players.”
Mara became one of the most important pieces of Michigan’s title run under coach Dusty May and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He anchored a Wolverines defense that ranked among the nation’s best and built his profile as one of college basketball’s premier shot blockers.
Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and led the Big Ten in blocks.
He was also selected to the All-Big Ten Third Team and the league’s All-Defensive Team.
Mara said defense will be the quickest path to impact as he adjusts to the NBA.
“Defense in my game these first years, I feel, is going to be super important,” Mara said. “I’m looking forward to getting there and just knowing how they play, how they do, so I can adjust to the team and be as better as I can the first year.”
Oklahoma City has emphasized that end of the floor during its rise, and Mara believes his size and mobility can fit alongside Thunder big man Chet Holmgren.
“I think being able to play with Chet, I can play together, and I think that can be great for the team,” Mara said.
Mara also said he is looking forward to facing the league’s elite young talent, including San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama.
“I’m excited to play against him,” Mara said.
A skilled passer for his size, Mara credited his father for shaping that part of his game.
“That’s my dad’s fault,” Mara said. “I talked with people that played with him. They told me he was smart, he knew how to pass the ball, so I guess that’s a thing that I took from him.”
Mara’s selection also marked a milestone for Spanish basketball.
He became the highest-drafted player from Spain since Ricky Rubio went fifth overall in 2009.
“It means a lot. It’s an honor to represent my country,” Mara said. “I’m happy for that too, but I think it’s great for Spanish basketball.”
Now, after helping Michigan win it all, Mara heads to an Oklahoma City roster with the same expectation.
“I’m super happy to be here,” Mara said. “I can’t wait to get there and start.”