Donovan Dent is peaking at the right time for this UCLA Bruins team. He has been absolutely phenomenal for the team over the last seven games. Being able to score the ball really well and is probably the best passer in all of the nation. His 77/6 assist to turnover ratio is absolutely unheard of at the point guard position. He is playing smart basketball and is finding his teammates for easy looks. For most of the season, he battled inconsistency and many people questioning whether he was a good addition.
Donovan Dent's last 7 games:
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) March 14, 2026
▪️23 PTS | 6 REB | 12 AST | 2 TO
▪️12 PTS | 10 REB | 12 AST | 2 TO
▪️25 PTS | 11-15 FG | 7 AST | 0 TO
▪️4 PTS | 8 AST | 1 TO
▪️3 PTS | 5 REB | 15 AST | 1 TO
▪️30 PTS |10-16 FG | 8 AST | 0 TO
▪️14 PTS | 15 AST | 0 TO
Dent has 77 AST on just 6 TO's 😳 pic.twitter.com/PZbsSDFOkk
This is the best time for him to play his best basketball. As these are the games that become do-or-die. March can make heroes out of players, turning them from undrafted hopefuls to first round stars in the NBA Draft. Dent hasn’t been listed as a pick on many mock drafts. But with his recent play, he can start to skyrocket on teams' boards and make a push towards being an NBA pick. UCLA has the opportunity to pull off another upset on Saturday afternoon against Purdue in the Big Ten tournament.
The best part about it all is Dent’s confidence level is the highest it has been since he’s been a Bruin. He is getting the best looks. He can on offense beyond it is paying off. His 3-point shot is looking much better from earlier in the year. He is also getting downhill and to the basket to open the offense up. Even in games where he doesn’t impact much on scoring, he can still have 15 assists for his team. Showing that he’s willing to make the right place and doesn’t need all the spotlight. That’s what great players do.
Another game, another win.
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) March 14, 2026
How about senior 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭? He’s been named our 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚’𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 after totaling 23 points, six rebounds and 12 assists.#GoBruins 🏀🎯 pic.twitter.com/ggEAeGcn6y
Purdue will give Dent another big-time matchup to be able to showcase his talent. If UCLA can come away with a win in this game. That will set them up to go to the Big Ten championship game with a possibility to pull off another upset and win this whole thing. Dent is the key player to be able to make it all happen. Especially if UCLA is going to be without their top scorer in Tyler Bilodeau due to injury. They will need everybody to step up and play better and elevate their games. Starting with Dent who needs to win his battle with another good point guard in Braden Smith.