Evaluating UCLA's Donovan Dent’s Case To Be Drafted

Dent at UCLA

After a memorable run at New Mexico, he transferred to UCLA, where his season was inconsistent. Dent averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists per game, which on paper looks good, but he shot a career-low from the field (41 percent) and connected on only 25 percent of his three-pointers. 

Despite his efficiency falling off a cliff, Dent still showed flashes of brilliance on occasion. He had nine double-doubles on the season and 10 games of 10 assists or more. He ended the season on a heater, notching the first triple-double in Big Ten tournament history with his performance against Rutgers on March 12th. 

Additionally, Dent’s late-season turnaround helped the Bruins reach the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team. Their season ended in the second round against UConn, but even making it that far could be considered a success given the inconsistencies they faced all season. 

Dent’s Strengths and Weaknesses

His ability to be an exceptional playmaker and run the offense made him a successful college player. However, some of his flaws include a lack of a three-point shot despite standing at just 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, and his finishing could cause problems at the next level. 

So far, he hasn’t earned the respect of scouts and analysts at the next level. Dent was not among those invited to either the G League Combine or the NBA Draft Combine. Despite being one of the top point guards in the NCAA last season — albeit with spotty shooting numbers — Dent hasn’t gotten the respect needed to find himself on an NBA team come draft night. 

The Bruins as a whole have been overlooked for the most part throughout the offseason. None of their talent from last season is earning serious consideration in the draft, and so far this offseason, they’ve struggled to land any premier talent in the transfer portal. 

Dent has some NBA-level aspects to his game and could contribute to a pro roster if given the opportunity. Time will tell if that will be the case.