ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – From his freshman year to his sophomore year with the Lobo men's basketball team, Donovan Dent improved his stats by 8.5 points and 3.1 assists per game. It was no doubt a major jump in usage in production and usage and the team expects even more from him in his third year. With key departures in the UNM back court including Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr., Dent will have a much larger role in the 2024-2025 season. "Hopefully he continues to make a jump because he has a chance," said UNM head coach Richard Pitino. "I want him to have that sense of urgency, because he is building a resume right now." "I am excited to lead my young guys this year. Coach Pitino has been harping to me that I need to take a big step into a leadership role, so I am just harping on doing that." UNM is currently in its first week of fall practices and looking to build off a season that ended in a Mountain West Tournament championship and bid in the NCAA Tournament. The team opens this upcoming season in November.