A camp with a purpose
Former UNM Lobo and UCLA Bruin point guard Donovan Dent opened the doors of ABC Prep Basketball Academy in Old Town Albuquerque for his first children’s basketball camp, welcoming roughly 120 youngsters eager to learn from the former collegiate star.
The event, held in the heart of the city’s historic district, showcased Dent’s commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level, with local coaches and prep stars such as Brandon Mason Jr. and Bella Hines lending their expertise on the sidelines.
Retirement and a new focus
Media coverage of Dent’s retirement announcement amplified the buzz, as outlets across the country highlighted the guard’s decision to step away from the professional circuit and devote himself to developing the next generation of players.
In a brief interview, Dent explained that his relatively brief but lucrative UCLA experience gave him the financial freedom to pursue coaching earlier than many of his peers, a choice that has now taken shape through a series of community‑focused camps.
Looking ahead
Beyond the Albuquerque session, Dent confirmed he will continue competing in The Basketball Tournament this July and intends to roll out additional camps in Farmington, Santa Fe and Las Cruces over the coming months, expanding his reach throughout New Mexico.
Participants left the academy upbeat and motivated, a sentiment Dent described as “the positive energy that fuels my passion for the game,” underscoring his optimism for the future of youth basketball in the region.