The junior big out of Spain was projected as a one-and-done prospect when he first suited up for Mick Cronin at UCLA. But he struggled to earn a spot in Cronin's rotations. After transferring to Michigan this season, Mara has rehabilitated his value, and now could be selected near the bottom of the first round. He's one of the best shot blockers in college, averaging 2.6 rejections a night - along with a career-best 11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per.
Sometimes, league tournament outcomes foretell the most success in March Madness. But the team that hoists a trophy during these next two weeks isn't always the one in its league to go the deepest in March Madness.
We're nearing conference tournament time, which means we're also nearing the time when coaches and players are paying attention to their NPI ranking - and hoping to be part of the NCAA tournament. The good news is it appears the Blackhawks' prospects playing in the college ranks right now are as healthy as they have been in a while.
