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Donovan Dent is one of, if not the best, transfer on the college basketball market. The New Mexico star announced his intention to hit the portal after wrapping up an incredible season with the Lobos.
Dent guided the team to the NCAA Tournament where it knocked off Marquette. They won 27 games and a Mountain West Conference title along the way.
Unfortunately, the Cinderella run ended in the Round of 32 against Michigan State. Despite leading a large portion of the contest, the Lobos fell 71-63.
Since, the program has taken hits. Richard Pitino is on his way to Xavier to coach the Musketeers. Now, it’s best player is searching for a new home, too.
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Donovan Dent averaged 20.4 points and 6.4 assists as a junior. He led the MWC in scoring while guiding the most potent offense in the league.
His name immediately made waves when entered into the portal. CBS Sports ranks him as the top available option at this point in time.
He’s been linked to two main schools in his recruitment. The most notable is Kentucky, who seems to be the frontrunner in the race. An interesting competitor, however, entered the chat on Wednesday.
Can UCLA land Donovan Dent?
The point guard hails from Southern California. He also has a previous relationship with head coach Mick Cronin.
Cronin initially recruited Dent as a high schooler. He actually reached out to Richard Pitino to let him know about Dent’s potential.
UCLA had already landed a commitment from point guard Dylan Andrews. They had no room for Dent. Their loss was the Lobos’ gain.
After three seasons with the Bruins, Andrews hit the portal. Whispers of his being replaced by Donovan Dent have now surfaced online. The guard’s recent social media activity has only fanned the flames.
UCLA taking this Dent situation down the wire with Kentucky.
Surprising, as I’ve been told by many here that UCLA Basketball doesn’t have NIL.
I’m sure Mick’s just selling him on the beach 🏝️
— The Secret Bruin Society (@sbsbruinsociety) March 27, 2025
There might be just one problem with that theory. Mick Cronin, too, is being linked to another school.
The head coach’s name has been floating around with the open Villanova job. Earlier this month, he was considered a “dark horse” to land the gig. While most believe the Wildcats’ top target is Maryland head coach Kevin Willard, the noise surrounding Cronin remains.
We do not have anything inside this Nova search.
No long time 100% trusted sources.
All new people. Real people we think are acting in good faith. But all new people.
Anyway we do keep hearing Mick Cronin’s name.
High ceiling hire but also a VERY high floor hire, similar 2KW.
— Coaching Changes (@CoachingChanges) March 23, 2025
Cronin’s commentary on his team’s first year in the Big Ten only added to the speculation. He repeatedly ripped conference realignment and cross-country travel throughout the season. Those wouldn’t be issues in the Big East.
Should UCLA ultimately land Donovan Dent, it would certainly be viewed as a positive in Mick Cronin’s future with the program. The transfer is expected to come to a decision soon.