UCLA’s Star Guard Recognized in Preseason Conference Awards

Donovan Dent is going to be a name to watch in the Big Ten this season.

Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Donovan Dent (2) plays the ball in the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the NCAA Tournament First Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Mick Cronin landed one of the most dynamic players he's had in his tenure coaching the UCLA Bruins in New Mexico transfer guard Donovan Dent.

Just under a month until the long-anticipated 2025-26 season starts, Dent is already making waves in a newer, bigger conference than he's used to. The reigning Mountain West Player of the Year was one of 10 hoopers to make the preseason All-Big Ten Men's Basketball team, the Big Ten announced Tuesday.

Here's the list of names on the Big Ten's preseason team:

• Donovan Dent, UCLA
• Braden Smith, Purdue
• Bennett Stritz, Iowa
• Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
• Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
• Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
• Nate Bittle, Oregon
• Jackson Shelstad, Oregon
• Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
• John Blackwell, Wisconsin

New Mexico Lobos guard Donovan Dent (2) shoots a layup in front of Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) during the second half of an NCAA Tournament Second Round game at Rocket Arena on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dent will be one of the biggest names to watch in all of college hoops, not just the Big Ten. He has a skillset that Cronin hasn't had at point guard in his career. And the Bruins' coach acknowldges that.

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Cronin: Dent Changes Everything For UCLA

Cronin hasn't quite had a point guard of Dent's skill during his tenure as the Bruins' had coach, and he acknowledged that in a sit-down interview with CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein.

"Donovan Dent, let's just be [honest], he changes things," Cronin said. "He changes the world for your team offensively. You go into every game knowing that you have a guy that can just dominate on the offensive end. My challenge to him is consistency, work ethic, practice habits -- the things I think will get him to the NBA. ... He definitely changes the world when you have one of the best point guards in the country."

Mar 19, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA head coach Mick Cronin speaks with media during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

After finishing their first season in the Big Ten Conference with a 23-11 record UCLA's trajectory is looking up for next season.

UCLA finished the season with the 164th overall offense with similar low rankings in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and free throw shooting.

With Dent addressing a dire need for improvement offensively, the Bruins are primed to build off the momentum of their inaugural season in the Big Ten by proving to be a true contender in the college basketball stratosphere.

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