Recent NCAA champion skyrockets up draft boards in recent mock draft

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine took place in Chicago, Illinois, this week with many NBA hopefuls aiming to improve their draft stock.

However, few players may have done a better job at that than Aday Mara of Michigan.

After averaging 12.1 points. 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 blocks en route to an NCAA Championship, Mara continued his positive momentum, propelling up draft boards at the combine.

In a recent mock draft done by Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports, Mara is projected to be the No. 5 overall selection to the Los Angeles Clippers.

This comes as a surprise to many, as Mara was projected to go No. 14 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in a mock draft conducted by Jeremy Woo of ESPN in late April.

That said, Mara's measurements at the combine turned heads, given his height (7'3") and wingspan (9'9").

Although No. 5 overall still seems a bit high, to Salerno's credit, the Clippers could be in search of a big man to pair with Darius Garland after trading away Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers last season.

Either way, all eyes will be on Mara and how high he rises when the draft commences June 23.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Recent NCAA champion skyrockets up draft boards in recent mock draft