Mar 23, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; New Mexico Lobos guard Donovan Dent (2) shoots the ball in the second half against the Michigan State Spartans during the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Donovan Dent Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for the New Mexico Guard

March 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM EDT

Donovan Dent, a standout point guard from Riverside, California, has been a key player for the New Mexico Lobos. Over three seasons in the Mountain West Conference, he impressed fans with his playmaking and scoring abilities.

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Donovan Dent Is Out at New Mexico

In Dent’s junior year of 2024-2025, Dent averaged 20.4 points per game (8th nationally), 6.4 assists (12th nationally), 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while shooting 49% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc.

He was named Mountain West Player of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to average 20 points and 6 assists in league play. Dent helped lead the Lobos to a 27-8 record, a regular-season title, and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

BREAKING: New Mexico guard Donovan Dent, the Mountain West POY, is entering the transfer portal, he told @On3sports.

The 6-2 junior averaged 20.6 points and 6.4 assists per game this season. Shot 41% from three. Will consider a possible return to New Mexico.… pic.twitter.com/9ZUl4VTsRM

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 25, 2025

A former four-star recruit and 2022 California Mr. Basketball from Centennial High School, Dent’s combination of speed, scoring, and clutch plays, including game-winning layups, earned him recognition as a mid-major star.

On March 25, Dent made headlines by entering the transfer portal, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after players as he looks at his options for his final year of eligibility, though he may consider returning to New Mexico.

Top 5 Landing Spots for Dent

North Carolina Tar Heels

With sophomore Elliot Cadeau entering the transfer portal, UNC now has uncertainty at point guard. Cadeau’s 6.2 assists per game will be missed. Dent’s skills in running the offense and scoring could help strengthen Hubert Davis’s backcourt as they try to maintain their success.

St. John’s Red Storm

Dent’s mid-major dominance could translate to the Big East, giving St. John’s a reliable initiator to help them build off a fantastic 31-5 season. The Red Storm will lose star point guard Kadary Richmond, but Zuby Ejiofor and RJ Luis Jr. will return.

Louisville Cardinals

Point guard Chucky Hepburn was one of the top transfers in college basketball this season, but he’s out of eligibility. Dent could step in and help Louisville maintain its momentum going forward.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders have three key players returning in 2025-26: JT Toppin, Damion Williams, and Christian Anderson. With that trio, they should be one of the top teams in the Big 12. Adding Dent would make Texas Tech even stronger.

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils typically focus on recruiting high school talent over transfer portal players, but point guard Sion James has made a strong impact since joining from Tulane. With head coach Jon Scheyer likely losing all five starters, bringing in someone like Dent could ease the burden on the new freshmen.

While Dent’s transfer portal decision has sparked speculation, it’s important to remember these are just possibilities. He might just choose to stay at New Mexico for his final season, continuing to build on his success with the Lobos.

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Article written by Valdemar Carnegie

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