UCLA's Dynamic Duo Earns Big Ten Honors
In a standout season for UCLA basketball, senior Tyler Bilodeau has been named to the third-team All-Big Ten Conference, while fellow senior Donovan Dent receives an honorable mention. These accolades, announced by the conference office, highlight the impressive performances of both players this season.
Bilodeau, standing tall at 6-foot-9 and hailing from Kennewick, Washington, is among the 15 student-athletes honored as All-Big Ten selections. Both the media and the league's coaches recognized Bilodeau's contributions, placing him on the third team.
His sportsmanship also earned him a spot on the Big Ten Men's Basketball Sportsmanship Team. This marks the second year in a row that Bilodeau has achieved this honor, underscoring his consistent excellence on the court.
As the Bruins gear up for the Big Ten Tournament, Bilodeau's stats speak volumes. He's ranked 10th in the conference for scoring, averaging 18 points per game.
His sharpshooting skills have him leading the league in 3-point shooting percentage at an impressive 46.2%. Furthermore, he's fifth in overall field goal percentage and eighth in free throw percentage, showcasing his all-around offensive prowess.
Since transferring from Oregon State in 2024, Bilodeau has been a cornerstone for UCLA, scoring double figures in 26 out of 29 games and hitting the 30-point mark in three contests.
Dent, a 6-foot-2 guard from Riverside, California, has been just as crucial to UCLA's success. Averaging 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and leading the team with 7.5 assists per game, Dent ranks fourth nationally in assists and sixth in assist-turnover ratio. His ability to orchestrate the offense is evident, with eight games featuring double-digit assists and seven double-doubles to his name.
The Big Ten Conference also recognized other standout players and coaches. Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg took home Player of the Year honors, while Illinois' Keaton Wagler was named Freshman of the Year.
Aday Mara from Michigan secured the Defensive Player of the Year title, and Nebraska's Braden Frager was acknowledged as the Sixth Man of the Year. Coaching accolades were split, with the media selecting Michigan's Dusty May and the coaches choosing Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg.
Looking ahead, UCLA enters the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 6 seed and will face either No. 11-seed Minnesota or No. 14-seed Rutgers. The action kicks off Thursday evening at the United Center in Chicago, with the game broadcasted on the Big Ten Network. With Bilodeau and Dent leading the charge, the Bruins are poised to make a strong tournament run.