Donovan Dent Transfers to UCLA: A New Chapter for the Guard
In a major move for collegiate basketball, Donovan Dent, the standout guard from the New Mexico Lobos, has announced his commitment to the UCLA Bruins. This decision marks another significant loss for New Mexico, as Dent becomes the second consecutive player to leave after earning accolades in the Mountain West Conference. His transfer follows in the footsteps of JT Toppin, who now plays for Texas Tech.
Dent’s Journey to UCLA
Originally hailing from Corona, California, Dent is returning to his home state to join a highly regarded transfer class. Ranked as the No. 2 player in the transfer portal by 247Sports, he is recognized as a five-star talent, reflecting a remarkable evolution from his earlier four-star status in 2022, when he was minimally recruited.
Notable Achievements at New Mexico
This past season, Dent shone during the NCAA Tournament, scoring 21 points and making six assists in the Lobos’ first-round victory against Marquette. However, New Mexico’s journey ended in the Round of 32 against Michigan State, leading to a series of departures, including head coach Richard Pitino, who took a position at Marquette. Dent’s accolades include being the first New Mexico player to win the Mountain West Player of the Year since the 2012-13 season and achieving a remarkable average of 20.4 points and 6.4 assists per game.
What UCLA Gains with Dent
As UCLA welcomes Dent, they are adding a player highly praised for his skill set. According to Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting at 247Sports:
Dent has extreme burst and speed with the ball in his hands. He can create tempo going north to south and was the engine that fueled the 7th fastest team in the country last season. He also gets paint touches in a half-court game. He can blow right by most defenders with straight-line drives, is a constant threat to turn the corner in a ball screen, and can navigate traffic with his tight handle. While he’s not especially big or long, he still finishes at a steady 55% clip at the rim. Dent has made great strides with his shooting and while he’s selective with his attempts now, he shot 54% on unguarded catch and shoot threes last year. He’s also a very good passer, specifically connecting with his roll man off-ball screens, but was somewhat turnover prone last season. Defensively, he’s quick and feisty, but can be undersized in certain matchups.
Impact on UCLA’s Transfer Class
Dent’s commitment significantly contributes to UCLA’s standing, placing them second in the transfer portal rankings, just behind Iowa, which boasts two commitments from top recruits, including five-star guard Bennett Stirtz.
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