UPDATE: UCLA men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin remains optimistic about senior guard Donovan Dent despite his recent shooting struggles. In a gripping game on Saturday, UCLA defeated Oregon 74-63 at Pauley Pavilion, showcasing a remarkable first half but a disappointing second half offensively.
UCLA started strong, shooting an impressive 55.6% (15 for 27) in the first half but faltered to just 32.1% (9 for 28) after halftime. Cronin acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “Awful, awful shooting,” yet he celebrated the victory margin of 11 points. “Gotta be happy with that,” he added.
Despite Dent’s lackluster performance—scoring only 4 points on 4 for 14 shooting—Cronin praised his defensive efforts, especially against Oregon standout Jackson Shelstad, who managed only 20 points. Dent logged a team-high 38 minutes on the court, emphasizing his importance to the team beyond just scoring.
“He’s hard on himself,” Cronin said of Dent, who transferred to UCLA after a stellar season at New Mexico where he averaged 20.4 points per game. “He’s too hard on himself about whether the ball goes in or not.” Teammates, including junior Eric Dailey Jr., are rallying around him, urging Dent to maintain his confidence. “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots,” Dailey told him.
Arriving at UCLA with a $3 million name, image, and likeness deal, Dent was expected to elevate the Bruins’ offensive capabilities. His shooting struggles this season—averaging just 12 points per game with a 36.2% shooting percentage—have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. However, Cronin believes Dent’s potential remains high, stating, “We all know he’s going to have monster nights.”
As the Bruins (7-2, 2-0 Big Ten) look to solidify their position in the league, they will need Dent to find his scoring touch. Cronin’s message is clear: “Just be a leader and worry about your defense. Build it, and the scoring will come.” With critical games ahead, including challenges against top-ranked teams, the Bruins are counting on Dent to rise to the occasion.
The urgency is palpable as UCLA prepares for its next matchup, reminding players and fans alike that the season is just beginning. The spotlight will remain on Dent as he navigates this transitional phase, aiming to fulfill the promise that brought him to Westwood.
