Donovan Dent looks to prove the critics wrong. He was not invited to the NBA combine but is vying to be an NBA Draft pick in 2026. After transferring to UCLA for his senior season, he struggled with inconsistencies. But as the season went on, he improved his defense and his floor general status with UCLA. He is one of the best traditional point guards in the draft with his vision.
The official list of players who have been invited to the NBA Draft Combine 👀 pic.twitter.com/ruQ3u5FyOX
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 1, 2026
Dent spent his first three seasons of college at New Mexico. Becoming the Mountain West Player of the Year in the 2024 season. When he hit the transfer portal, he was looking for the best option for him to take his game to the NBA. There are not many better schools to choose than UCLA when it comes to guards and the NBA. They have sent plenty over the years that have become All-NBA players.
But with that opportunity came better competition. Dent at first struggled with the speed of the game. But there were many glimpses of the star player that he is. Especially with his ability to set up his teammates. When he gets downhill, he is a very good player and when the defense collapses, he can find the open man. He is currently projected as an UDFA that should easily get a camp and summer league invite.
Double-Double Donovan Dent ‼️
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 14, 2026
23 PTS
3-5 3PT
12 AST pic.twitter.com/QupCPv6wFb
Dent on the season averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists. His assist total was one of the best in the nation. His shooting percentage did drop a ton from 50.3% at New Mexico to 40.8% at UCLA. So any NBA team that goes after him will look to find that consistency in his shooting again. Especially his 3-point shot that dipped 36.8% to 25.4%. The confidence as they are and a good coaching staff can bring it out in him again at the next level.
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