Illinois Basketball: Why Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn should start

Illinois basketball dropped their first game that was available to the public 91-74. The Ole Miss Rebels looked like a veteran team that has played together multiple times, while the Illini looked young and reckless. It was to be expected in this team, and there will certainly be plenty of ups and downs. Brad Underwood has hoped to find someone who will take over as the “alpha”. When the going gets tough, what is this team’s identity and who’s the guy that will step up. Today, sophomore guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn looked the part. Gibbs-Lawhorn had 15 points on an efficient 6-10 from the field. DGL looked comfortable and came out with an edge. An edge that a lot of the team was missing today.

The guy with an edge.

Gibbs-Lawhorn knows his role on this team. On top of that, he provides an edge to the Illini on both sides of the ball. His defensive ball pressure has the chance to bring Illinois together. Right now, Illinois basketball has not landed an identity. They are still identifying roles and building chemistry. DGL’s motor and shot creation could be just what the other Illini needs to settle into a role. Otherwise, the Illini are just going to be five talented prospects trying to improvise on the court.

However, the question does arise on who Gibbs-Lawhorn would replace in the starting lineup. If he were to replace Tre White at the small forward position, that means that Brad Underwood would roll out a three-guard lineup of Kasparas Jakucionis, Kylan Boswell, and Gibbs-Lawhorn. With a team that also struggles with perimeter defense and rebounding, that may not be ideal. However, if Boswell does not look comfortable playing off the ball with Jakucionis in the lineup, Gibbs-Lawhorn could provide a nice compliment to Jakucionis.

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