Donovan Dent Clarifies Career Status Amidst Youth Camp Surge in Albuquerque
Dent reaffirms focus on coaching and training, dismissing media reports of a permanent retirement as he prepares for The Basketball Tournament in July.
Former University of New Mexico and UCLA point guard Donovan Dent has moved to clarify his professional standing following a surge of media speculation regarding his retirement from basketball. The comments came during a youth basketball camp hosted at the ABC Prep Basketball Academy in Albuquerque on Monday, an event that drew approximately 120 participants, far exceeding Dent’s initial projection of 25 to 30 attendees.
The high turnout prompted Dent to address reports circulating over the weekend that suggested he had permanently retired from the sport. These reports, cited by various national outlets and sources close to the player, were based on Dent’s previous statement to the Albuquerque Journal that he was “done with pro basketball.” Dent clarified that while he is not currently pursuing a professional playing career, he remains in daily training and has not formally retired.
“I don't know, I haven't thought about that,” Dent said when asked if he might play professionally in the future. “All I'm thinking about right now is doing what I'm doing right now (at the kids camp), and that's not a pro career. So, I guess people can say I'm retired as of right now.”
Dent, who concluded his senior season at UCLA in March and received a reported $3 million in revenue share and NIL compensation, stated his immediate focus is on training and coaching youth in his hometown. He described the Monday event as “controlled chaos” but expressed satisfaction with the energy and turnout, noting that the actual attendance of 120 included 93 online registrants and approximately 27 in-person paying campers.
Looking ahead, Dent is scheduled to captain a team in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in July. The roster, named The Enchantment, is primarily composed of University of New Mexico Lobo alumni, with additional players from New Mexico State and other local ties. He also announced plans for further camps in Farmington, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces over the coming months, with a larger clinic in Albuquerque set for 13–15 July.
Camp support was provided by ABC Prep President Brandon Mason, along with prep star Brandon Mason Jr. and Bella Hines, who recently transferred to TCU. Dent, who has worked out at ABC Prep in Old Town for the past year, said the experience reinforced his desire to give back to the community that supported his development.
