Why Donovan Dent's Impact Means the Most

Donovan Dent has slowly begun to gain confidence over the past few games, something the Bruins will desperately need as they head into a grueling January schedule.

Donovan Dent came into this season as the Bruins' most hyped up player. Dent would transfer from New Mexico, where a year prior, he had averaged 20.4 points per game as well as 6.4 assists per game. UCLA has not seen that version of Dent as of late; something needs to give.

Early Season Struggles

Throughout the first 10 games of the season, Donovan Dent is averaging 12 points, 6.8 assists 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37% from the field. Dent is also averaging just 7.7% from three this season, down significantly from last season.

The biggest issues for Dent this season have been his shooting numbers across the board. During his three seasons with New Mexico, he shot 50.5% from the field. In his final year with the Lobos, he also averaged a solid 40.9% from beyond the arc.

Lauren Bett — Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Wei Lin (23) defends UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

There are several factors that could be contributing to this, including a new system, tougher competition, and the injuries he has dealt with this season. On top of that, mental challenges have plagued Dent throughout the year. He recently spoke on overcoming them, saying ;

" I know what kind of player I am, so I just want to get back to that kind of. I had a bit of a mental stretch there, a little bit at the start of the season. Coach just put full faith behind me, so, like, just getting me back up and stuff," said Donovan Dent when asked about his confidence.

Why Donovan Dent's Success Matters

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) looks on during the first half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Outside of defense, the Bruins' offense has not been that good. only scoring 76.7 points per game. Most of the heavy lifting scoring wise has fallen on Tyler Bilodeau, who is averaging 16.6 points per game.

Skyy Clark has also been a consistent scoring presence for the Bruins this season, averaging 12.2 points per game. While that number may appear modest, Clark has shown he can take over a game on any given night. His inconsistency means that Dent needs to step up the most.

Dec 3, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) shoots the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

If Dent can return to his pre-UCLA numbers, the Bruins would benefit immensely. He and Tyler Bilodeau complement each other well, and when both are clicking, UCLA can score from anywhere on the floor—something the Bruins have lacked at times this season.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Bruins when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW