The Wildcats Have a Shot at One of the Best Players in the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal is rocking, and Donovan Dent is one of the biggest names on the board. The former New Mexico star has entered the portal following Richard Pitino’s departure for Xavier, and Kentucky fans have reason to be excited—Dent has called UK his ‘dream school’ in a recent interview.
However, landing him might not be so simple. While Dent’s talent is undeniable, his reported NIL expectations are massive, with numbers floating between $2-3 million on social media. Of course, those figures should be taken with a grain of salt, as portal NIL estimates are often inflated. But one thing is clear—Dent won’t come cheap.
Elite Playmaker on the Move
Dent dominated at New Mexico, earning a spot as 247Sports’ No. 2 transfer portal player, trailing only Bennett Stirtz, who followed his coach to Iowa. Over the last two seasons, Dent evolved into a dynamic scorer and playmaker, posting:
2024-25 Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.4 APG, 49.0% FG, 40.9% 3PT
2023-24 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 52.0% FG, 37.5% 3PT
His three-point shooting leap (21.1% as a freshman to 40.9% last season) shows his rapid growth, and his ability to run an offense makes him a top priority for elite programs.
Dent’s final game at New Mexico was a tough one—14 points on just 38% shooting in a 71-63 loss to Michigan State—but his overall season was spectacular. Now, he’s searching for the perfect fit.
Is Kentucky the Front-Runner?
Kentucky’s connection to Dent goes beyond just his admiration for the program. With Richard Pitino leaving New Mexico for Xavier, the Pitino-Kentucky pipeline could be a factor. It certainly couldn't hurt if Xavier and St. John's are both out of the running.
More importantly, Mark Pope needs a high-level point guard. With Lamont Butler proving how successful a transition in one year could be, Dent may want to follow that. With Kentucky transitioning into a new era, Dent’s experience, passing, and scoring ability would make him a perfect fit in Pope’s system.
NIL: The Biggest Hurdle?
While Dent wants to play at Kentucky, the financial aspect could complicate things. Reports indicate he’s looking for a substantial NIL package, with figures rumored between $2-3 million. Whether that number is accurate or not, it’s clear that money will play a role in his decision.
Kentucky’s NIL collective has been active, but will they prioritize Dent over other potential targets? Especially considering how many players Kentucky will need to fill out the roster. That remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts: Dream School or Best Offer?
Kentucky has a real shot at landing Donovan Dent, but this recruitment won’t be just about basketball. Will his dream of wearing Kentucky blue outweigh potentially bigger NIL offers elsewhere? Or will Mark Pope and UK’s collective find a way to bring in one of the most electric guards in the portal?
BBN, would you pay the price for Dent? Let us know your thoughts!