UCLA basketball is facing a significant setback ahead of the 2025 season as star center Aday Mara has confirmed he will not return to the team. The 7-foot-3 center, who showed immense potential during his two seasons with the Bruins, plans to play for another program next year. The news was confirmed by sources close to Mara, who were not authorized to discuss his future publicly.

Aday Mara’s Impact at UCLA

Aday Mara quickly became known for his versatile game. As a two-way player, he showcased his scoring ability, elite passing, and shot-blocking skills that made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Despite his talent, Mara’s playing time was limited during his time at UCLA, especially in his sophomore season. This likely contributed to his decision to leave the program and explore other opportunities.

Although Mara started as a part-time player in his freshman year, he was mostly used off the bench as a sophomore under head coach Mick Cronin. The Bruin coaching staff cited factors such as conditioning issues, illness, and matchups as reasons for Mara’s limited minutes. However, it became increasingly apparent that UCLA’s best chances for success involved having Mara on the court.

Key Moments and Performance

Mara’s breakthrough moment came in late January 2025 when he delivered a career-high 22-point performance against Wisconsin. He added five rebounds and two blocks in just 21 minutes of action. Following this game, Mara’s role expanded within the team, and he played a larger part in UCLA’s rotation for the remainder of the season.

Despite playing only 13.1 minutes per game, Mara averaged 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. His combination of shot-blocking ability, basketball IQ, and scoring versatility made him a significant asset for the Bruins.

Departure a Major Blow for UCLA’s Future

The loss of Aday Mara is a major blow to UCLA, especially with the recent addition of highly coveted transfer point guard Donovan Dent from New Mexico. With backup center William Kyle III also leaving for Syracuse, the Bruins now face a crucial need to secure at least two centers through the transfer portal.

Mara’s departure also forces UCLA to shift its roster plans, as the team will now need to find a replacement for the towering center. However, the Bruins could redirect some of their resources, including potential Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds originally earmarked for Mara, toward recruiting a new center to fill the void.

What’s Next for UCLA?

Along with the search for new big men, UCLA will also be on the lookout for a transfer wing player to complement the rest of their roster. The Bruins will retain key guards Skyy Clark, Trent Perry, Eric Freeny, and forwards Eric Dailey Jr., Brandon Williams, and Tyler Bilodeau, but the center position remains a critical need.

As UCLA moves forward without Mara, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to this significant roster change. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Bruins fill their newfound void in the low post.