Donovan Dent, the 2025 Mountain West Player of the Year and former UCLA standout, announced this week that he is hanging up his professional jersey to devote his time to youth basketball training in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Dent's path to the pros was anything but linear. After a breakout junior season with the New Mexico Lobos, he transferred to UCLA, where he initially faced a steep adjustment period, scoring in double figures only three times during his first 17 games.
Despite that rocky start, he found his footing, contributing to a memorable March Madness victory that kept UCLA’s tournament hopes alive. The experience cemented his role as a key contributor and sparked discussions about his potential in the NBA draft.
A New Chapter
Family members, who have been a constant presence throughout his career, voiced their support for the decision, emphasizing that Dent’s passion for developing the next generation of players is what drives him now.
In a statement released to the press, Dent said, “Basketball has given me so much; I want to give back by shaping the game at the grassroots level.” His plan includes running clinics, mentoring young athletes, and collaborating with local programs in Albuquerque.