that should focus UCLA's backcourt search on Dent and UNLV's Thomas. The latter has been reported to have significant interest in UCLA. The former is from the area. Cronin didn't feel he had an open spot for him out of HS; wonder how he will feel now?
Kris Johnson has speculated on the possibility of UCLA taking BOTH. Unsure if their connections would embrace that as each seems more than capable of running a team on his own and has done so. But Dent averaged 38 minutes a game this past season at UNM and playing with another elite back court mate could remove a bit of that pressure on him going forward.
That would surprise me. If taking one, I'm hoping for Dent first and, if not, then Thomas. But of course the overall picture and balance sheet changes elevating the need for a big wing who is outstanding as a scorer as well as a defender.
Dent has a couple inches on Thomas which would be a plus as Phil has raised concerns over and over again about our need for a big guard to defend opposing big guards in the Big Ten. It would cost a LOT - you're figuring Dent can command a couple million and Thomas perhaps a million and a half but UCLA's MBB NIL finances are in good shape after unending work on that by Mick Cronin. Further, if Mack and hopefully Perry were to return, they would be the bigger guards/small forwards we could use. And the firepower of a Dent-Thomas-Clark guard lineup along with Bilodeau at PF and hopefully Mara as the primary post could allow Cronin to focus on getting a wing (6'7" or 6'8") who bring elite defense and can contribute some on offense as opposed to an all around elite wing - should be able to land that at a less bank-busting price.
The other key is Mara's return. If he does not return for whatever reason, we need TWO posts and one needs to be elite - at least a rim protector and rebounder. If Mara returns, we need a solid back up post and that should be a lot more affordable.