Student Baller
Joined: 7/14/14 Posts: 6,493
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Posted Fri, Apr 28 7:38 pm
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For Maz:
I hoped word of the strong connection between UCLA and the Spanish Unicorn Aday Mara could remain on the down low. Unfortunately the story exploded into the public domain at the worst possible time … just before the Spring signing period.
I say worst because timing guaranteed Bruin fans would line up at the April 17th starting gate. However, circumstances for this particular recruit precluded an LOI at the opening bell. Making for the ultimate anxiety cocktail with each passing day.
So, let’s talk about where we are & what might be reasonably expected from here.
Firstly we must recognize Mara’s recruitment is subject to long held NCAA rules on European players being allowed contracts where they are not directly paid to retain their amateur status. Contracts which have them playing against much older professionals & often must be negotiated out before moving to America. .
On timing, Mara’s Zaragoza team isn’t doing too well and it doesn’t look like they’ll make the playoffs. Their regular season ends May 13th …. PRIOR to the end of time for accepting an LOI.
Then we have almost unanimity in the coaching community that it’s done and Mara is booked for Westwood. Have other programs kicked the tires, yes. Have there been rumors or back channels hinting of a new player. Not a peep so far.
There’s a tight lid on progress, which is a good thing for UCLA as it helps prevent interlopers from getting information. Of course this doesn’t help anyone’s blood pressure, but things are way they are.
Let’s put it this way. In the final weeks and particularly final days in the push for Marcus Adams Jr., it looked really good for the Bruins. However, rumors were abound of this school and that one getting involved. Plus this NIL deal and yet another supposedly offered as time passed.
This time it’sentirely different. Could that be a result of Mara (and his contract) being on another continent ? Sure, but Turkey is farther away than Spain and we sure heard rumors on Edge Demir.
Speaking of which the Spanish school system recognizes the importance of English on the continent and Spain requires English instruction FROM THE FIRST GRADE UP. Whatever issues might come up with Aday, English proficiency isn’t likely to be one. |
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