Donovan Dent: From Centennial High to UCLA Bruins
Donovan Dent (born December 2, 2003) is an American college basketball point guard currently playing for the UCLA Bruins of the Big Ten Conference. His journey to UCLA is marked by significant achievements, including being named California Mr. Basketball.
Early Life and High School Career
Dent was born in Riverside, California, and attended Centennial High School in Corona. As a senior, he averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 assists per game. His outstanding performance led Centennial to an impressive 33-1 record and a state championship. As a result of his stellar senior year, Dent was honored with the prestigious California Mr. Basketball award and the John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year Award.
College Career
New Mexico Lobos (2022-2025)
Before transferring to UCLA, Dent played for the New Mexico Lobos. In the 2024-25 season, he played 35 games, averaging 35.3 minutes per game. His field goal percentage was 49.0%, his three-point percentage was 40.9%, and his free throw percentage was an impressive 78.4%. He also contributed 2.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, averaging 20.4 points per game.
In the 2023-24 season, Dent played 35 games, averaging 31.3 minutes. He shot 52.0% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 68.2% from the free-throw line. He averaged 2.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game and scored an average of 14.1 points per game.
During the 2022-23 season, Dent participated in 34 games, averaging 18.5 minutes. He had a field goal percentage of 50.7%, a three-point percentage of 21.1%, and a free throw percentage of 68.5%. He averaged 2.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, with an average of 5.6 points per game.
Read also: Collegiate Career of Donovan Mitchell
Transfer to UCLA Bruins (2025)
After a successful stint with the Lobos, Dent entered the transfer portal and committed to UCLA. His decision to transfer was influenced by several factors, including the opportunity to play for a prestigious program in his home state. UCLA sought Dent as a replacement for Dylan Andrews.
Noteworthy Performances
Throughout his college career, Dent has had several standout performances. One notable game was against VCU, where he scored a career-high 40 points in a 78-71 victory. His clutch plays and game-winning moments have also garnered attention, including a game-winning play that made a splash on social media.
Awards and Recognition
Dent's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He earned Mountain West Player of the Week honors and was also named to the Associated Press All-America Team and the USBWA Men's All-America Team.
Recent Games
In the NCAA Tournament, Dent played in several crucial games for the Lobos:
- vs. Michigan State (Loss 71-63): Dent played 38 minutes, shooting 38.9% from the field and scoring 14 points.
- vs. Marquette (Win 75-66): Dent played 39 minutes, shooting 41.2% from the field and scoring 21 points.
- vs. Boise State (Win 72-69): Dent played 38 minutes, shooting 47.1% from the field and scoring 23 points.
Statistics Overview
| Season | GP | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS || :------ | :-: | :-: | :----: | :----: | :----: | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | :----: || 2024-25 | 35 | 35.3 | 49.0 | 40.9 | 78.4 | 2.3 | 6.4 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 20.4 || 2023-24 | 35 | 31.3 | 52.0 | 37.5 | 68.2 | 2.5 | 5.4 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 14.1 || 2022-23 | 34 | 18.5 | 50.7 | 21.1 | 68.5 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 5.6 |
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA
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