UNLV basketball grabs guard from Big Ten in transfer portal

Illinois' Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn during an NCAA college basketball game against UCLA, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. Photo by: Craig Pessman / Associated Press

Josh Pastner’s roster rebuild for UNLV basketball is gaining momentum with the addition of Illinois transfer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, a 6-foot-1 guard who announced his commitment this evening via social media.

Gibbs-Lawhorn brings valuable tournament experience to the Rebels, having been part of Illinois’ 2024 Elite Eight run and Big Ten championship team. He averaged 5.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game last season. 

The sharpshooting guard will look to rediscover his rhythm in Las Vegas after connecting on just 25 of 98 3-point attempts last season with the Fighting Illini.

Gibbs-Lawhorn becomes the second transfer secured by Pastner, joining 7-foot center Emmanuel Stephen from Arizona. 

Stephen, a Nigerian-born former four-star prospect who chose Arizona over powerhouse programs like Kansas and Miami, brings raw talent and tremendous upside despite limited collegiate playing time — 24 total minutes over eight games.

Pastner has also successfully retained two high school commitments: local standout Mason Abittan from Coronado High and 6-foot-8 forward Tyrin Jones from Utah. The program announced that redshirt James Evans Jr. and reserve Jacob Bannarbie will also return next season.

Despite these promising additions, Pastner faces significant roster challenges. 

UNLV has lost key contributors to the transfer portal, including big man Pape N’Diaye (Xavier), Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry (Sacramento State), Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU), Jaden Henley (Grand Canyon), and Isaiah Cottrell (Southern Utah). 

Additionally, Jailen Bedford, Rob Whaley Jr., and Brooklyn Hicks remain in the portal.