Mick Cronin has consistently highlighted the significance of backcourt performance. “When we have strong guard play, we can compete with anyone,” the UCLA men’s basketball coach remarked following the Bruins’ victory over the Trojans at Pauley Pavilion last March. After the Bruins were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Cronin sought to address his team’s deficiencies by bringing in exceptional guard talent. This included senior guard Donovan Dent, the 2024-2025 Mountain West Player of the Year. Before the season officially kicks off, Daily Bruin Sports editor Connor Dullinger examines the contributions Dent is expected to bring to Westwood.
Attacking the Rim
In an era dominated by high-volume shooting, Dent stands out for his ability to drive to the basket. The Riverside native averaged 7.3 field goals per game during his junior year at New Mexico, with only 0.8 of those being 3-pointers. He boasts an impressive 59% shooting percentage at the rim, where 52% of his attempts originated. Though standing at just 6-foot-2, Dent compensates for his lack of height with athleticism, agility, and speed to exploit weaknesses in defenses and score in the paint before defenders can react.
Catch-and-Shoot Ability
While Dent’s 3-point shooting sample size is limited, his performance has been consistently strong. He improved his shooting percentage from beyond the arc from 21.1% as a freshman to 40.9% last season. Cronin has also emphasized the need for Dent to enhance his long-range shooting. “He has been encouraging me to shoot more,” Dent stated, acknowledging his coach’s belief in his playmaking abilities. Last season, Dent recorded an impressive 75% effective field goal percentage on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, highlighting his potential to add depth to the Bruins’ perimeter game.
Igniting the Transition
Last season, the Bruins struggled with fast-paced transitions, ranking No. 311 in team possessions per game and posting the fourth-fewest points in the Big Ten. Dent can change that dynamic. At New Mexico, he played a crucial role in their offense, helping the team rank No. 8 nationally in possessions per game by quickly pushing the ball up the court after rebounds. His explosive speed allows him to capitalize on defenses that are slow to set up, which could significantly enhance UCLA’s transition game this season.
Facilitating an Offense
While excellent guards can score efficiently, the most effective ones elevate their teammates’ performance. Dent appears to be one of those complete guards. His ability to draw defensive attention during transitions and offensive plays allows him to locate open shooters, often positioned on the opposite side of the court. Last season, he averaged 6.4 assists per game, ranking him No. 13 in the nation. His adeptness in pick-and-roll situations creates mismatches or confusion, leading to easy opportunities for his teammates.
Defensive Determination?
Although Dent boasts numerous offensive skills, he’s not primarily known for his defensive prowess. He averaged 1.4 steals last season and has displayed challenges with on-ball defense. Nonetheless, his speed and basketball IQ suggest potential for improvement. If Dent is to play a pivotal role at UCLA, he’ll need to adapt to Cronin’s defensive strategies, which are designed to create turnovers and challenge opposing teams for every point scored. His quickness could be a significant asset in disrupting opposing offenses.
