Texas Tech Red Raiders men’s basketball has secured a major addition to the backcourt, with former UNLV standout Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn committing to the program, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. Gibbs-Lawhorn arrives in Lubbock following a breakout junior season at UNLV, where he emerged as one of the most prolific scorers in the nation.
The 6-foot-1 guard led the Mountain West with 20.7 points per game, while also contributing 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. His production helped guide UNLV to an 18-17 record and an NIT appearance.
A Journey Defined by Persistence
Gibbs-Lawhorn’s path to Lubbock is anything but linear, however. Over eight years, he attended four different high schools before ultimately signing with the Illinois Fighting Illini as a four-star recruit in the 2023 class. Before that, he had been committed to Purdue before reopening his recruitment.
His career at Illinois was modest, appearing in 63 games across two seasons, primarily in a reserve role. Gibbs-Lawhorn averaged 4.3 points in just 11.4 minutes per game for the Illini as he struggled to carve out a consistent offensive role. Fortunately, all that changed when he transferred to UNLV.
A Journey Defined by Persistence
In Las Vegas, Gibbs-Lawhorn transformed into an elite offensive weapon. He totaled 724 points during the 2025–26 season, ranking 12th nationally and first in the Mountain West. He recorded six 30-point performances and scored 20 or more points in 18 games, establishing himself as one of Division I’s most consistent scoring threats.
But beyond that volume, his efficiency stood out. Gibbs-Lawhorn shot 49.7% from the field, 41.4% from the three, and 83.8% from the free-throw line. He also demonstrated his ability to perform against top-tier competition, scoring 25 points against Alabama in November despite a lopsided loss.
Immediate Impact Expected in Lubbock
At Texas Tech, Gibbs-Lawhorn steps into a significant role for head coach Grant McCasland. The Red Raiders are retooling their roster following the departure of projected first-round NBA Draft pick Christian Anderson and an extended absence for forward JT Toppin due to injury.
Texas Tech has aggressively targeted backcourt reinforcement in the transfer portal. Alongside Gibbs-Lawhorn, Wyoming transfer Damarion Dennis, and Hofstra guard Cruz Davis will form one of the most dynamic guard groups in the Big 12.
This article originally appeared on Red Raiders Wire: Texas Tech lands UNLV star Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn from Transfer Portal
Reporting by Lauren Beasley, Red Raiders Wire / Red Raiders Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
