Aday Mara becomes the first player ever to achieve this milestone

Aday Mara made history on Monday not only by becoming the first Spanish player to reach the NCAA Final Four, but also by setting a new single season record at the University of Michigan. The 20 year old center from Zaragoza reached 100 blocks for the season during Michigan’s dominant 95 62 win over Tennessee, becoming the first player in program history to hit that mark after recording two blocks in the game.

Mara’s numbers this season fully back up his impact. He is averaging 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, along with an impressive 2.6 blocks. His defensive presence has already secured him a place in Wolverines history as the only player to reach 100 blocks in a single campaign.

His best shot blocking performance came against Penn State, where he recorded six blocks in just 15 minutes. Now, Mara is chasing another historic milestone: becoming the first Spanish player to appear in the NCAA championship game. Michigan has been waiting for another title since 1989, the only one in the program’s history.

As a side note, fellow Zaragoza native Jorge Sanz also reached the NCAA Final Four in 2021 as an assistant coach with Gonzaga.

Standing at 7 foot 3, the Spanish big man has shown this season why he is considered one of the most promising talents in Spanish basketball. Mara combines a dominant physical presence with exceptional passing ability, a rare skill set that sets him apart from other players at his position.

Michigan will face the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinal on Saturday, April 4 in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a spot in the NCAA final on the line.