News: Illini Sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn enters transfer portal

NEWS: Sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal, making him the fourth player to exit the Illinois basketball program this offseason.

Over 35 games played in the 2024-25 season, DGL averaged 5.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the Illini, shooting 44.3% from the field.

NEWS: Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is entering the transfer portal, a source confirmed to @LeagueRDY.

Gibbs-Lawhorn is a former four-star recruit who has played his last two seasons at Illinois. He’s a native of Lafayette, Indiana.

He averaged 5.6PPG this season. pic.twitter.com/qWHTDHCQ5f

— Sam Kayser – 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) April 2, 2025

Thoughts: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Enters the Transfer Portal

Despite a couple of starts and doubling his minutes per game to 14.9 in 2025, the talented sophomore remained in a limited role for Illinois off the bench for the majority of the season. The arrival of anticipated newcomers like Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis at guard ultimately condensed Dra’s minutes, as the young additions became essential pieces to the Fighting Illini’s offensive efforts.

However, at times, DGL was able to provide a needed spark off the bench during Illinois’ shooting slumps throughout the season.

Dra certainly has great energy and the potential to be a leader in any locker room. With a fresh start, he’ll have the chance to increase his role at another program and develop his game, while making a run at his NBA dream. Of course, in today’s age of college athletics, he’ll also put himself in line to maximize more on his NIL potential.

Jan 8, 2025. Champaign, Illinois, USA. Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images.

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