Tenerife has a new reason to be proud after Aday Mara was selected with the 12th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, becoming one of the highest-drafted Spanish players in history and securing his place in the world’s premier basketball competition.
While the 2.21-metre centre was born in Zaragoza, his connection to Tenerife has always been an important part of his story.
A Tenerife Tribute on Basketball’s Biggest Night
As Mara stepped onto the Draft stage, he carried a piece of Tenerife with him.
The specially designed jacket he wore for the occasion featured the names of the people who helped him reach this milestone. Hidden inside were silhouettes of the Iberian Peninsula, Aragón and Tenerife, alongside the Canary Islands flag, a tribute to his family roots and the journey that brought him to this moment.
Even his name reflects that heritage. Aday is a name of Guanche origin, closely associated with the Canary Islands and deeply rooted in Canarian culture.
From Zaragoza to the NBA
Mara’s rise has been remarkable.
After developing through the youth ranks of Casademont Zaragoza, his unique combination of height, defensive presence and passing ability quickly attracted attention from scouts on both sides of the Atlantic.
His talent earned him a move to the United States, where he played college basketball at UCLA before transferring to the University of Michigan. There, he continued his development and strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young players.
That progress has now been rewarded with a place in the NBA.
Sporting Excellence Runs in the Family
Elite sport is part of Mara’s DNA.
His mother, Angélica “Geli” Gómez, was born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is regarded as one of Spain’s finest volleyball players. During her distinguished career, she earned more than 170 appearances for the Spanish national team and won numerous titles during the golden era of Tenerife volleyball.
His father, Francisco Javier Mara, also enjoyed a successful basketball career, making Aday the latest chapter in a family with a proud sporting tradition.
A Proud Moment for Tenerife
As Aday Mara prepares to begin his NBA career, Tenerife can celebrate its connection to one of Spanish basketball’s brightest young stars.
His journey from a sporting family with strong Canarian roots to the biggest stage in world basketball is an achievement that has captured attention far beyond the court.