Former Illinois basketball guard thriving in increased role at UNLV

Former Illinois basketball guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn transferred to UNLV this year and has been absolutely thriving in an increased role. Gibbs-Lawhorn, who played two years with the Illini, now plays 33.3 minutes per game and scores 19.4 points per game. In conference play, Dra averages 21.4 points per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from the three-point line. Most recently, he dropped 36 points in an overtime win over the Boise State Broncos.

Safe to say that these are all career highs for Gibbs-Lawhorn, who is thriving in an increased role at UNLV. While at Illinois, Dra was used as a sparkplug off the bench; however, he struggled to gain consistent minutes throughout his time. He tended to struggle with his outside shot and with his ability to play off the ball alongside the ball-dominant Kasparas Jakucionis. However, at UNLV, DGL has thrived, and he has certainly made the right choice in his basketball career. With Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and David Mirkovic handling the ball, it would have been tough to see DGL get the same freedom he is having at UNLV.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn was a fun watch while with the Illinois basketball team. He became a fan favorite with his athleticism and joyous personality, and hopefully, his strong play with UNLV continues.

Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn rallies UNLV back from 23 down with an unreal showing. 25 in the second half at Boise State and an OT win for the Runnin’ Rebs. UNLV now 8-6 in MWC play in Y1 under Josh Pastner. pic.twitter.com/JDcUovzMYo

— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) February 14, 2026

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