Texas Tech Lands Mountain West’s Top Gun (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas — The UNLV men’s basketball roster underwent further changes Thursday as guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and forward Ladji Dembele confirmed their exits from the program. Both players, who arrived via the transfer portal last offseason, revealed commitments to new destinations after entering the portal following coach Josh Pastner’s debut campaign.[1][2] Their decisions cap brief tenures marked by individual highs and team progress, leaving the Rebels to refine their lineup for the coming year.
Texas Tech Lands Mountain West’s Top Gun
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn emerged as a focal point for UNLV last season, topping the Mountain West Conference in scoring at 20.7 points per game. The 6-foot-1 guard powered the Rebels to an 18-17 record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament, where they fell to Tulsa in the second round.[1] His efficiency and output drew attention from bigger programs, culminating in a move to Texas Tech.
In a post on X, Gibbs-Lawhorn expressed gratitude for his time in Las Vegas. “Thank you UNLV! This was a year that I will cherish forever and deeply in my heart,” he wrote. “I’m forever grateful for the city of Las Vegas and the fans who welcomed me allowed me to become not only a better player, but person as well🙏🏽❤️🔥 idrc what you say George #rebel4life!” The message nodded to local critic George Tarkanian while affirming his appreciation.[1]
Prior to UNLV, Gibbs-Lawhorn spent time at Illinois, building a foundation that translated into immediate impact in the Mountain West. Texas Tech now gains a proven scorer poised to elevate their backcourt dynamics.
Dembele’s Path to Pullman
Ladji Dembele’s UNLV stay proved short and challenging. The 6-foot-8 forward suited up for just five games before a season-ending foot injury sidelined him, during which he averaged five points and four rebounds.[1] He committed to Washington State, joining a Cougars squad that has aggressively reshaped its roster with eight transfers this offseason.
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Dembele brought prior experience from Iowa, where he started 21 games as a sophomore. The move to Pullman offers a chance to reclaim momentum with two years of eligibility remaining. Washington State, still building toward 10 scholarship players, views his size and potential as key assets for frontcourt depth.[3]
Navigating Roster Flux at UNLV
These departures reflect broader turnover after Pastner’s arrival. UNLV retains sophomores Tyrin Jones and Issac Williamson as foundational pieces. Recent additions through the portal include Terrance Ford Jr., MJ Thomas, and Cam Miles, signaling efforts to blend experience with youth.[1]
- Key Returners: Tyrin Jones (sophomore), Issac Williamson (sophomore)
- Incoming Transfers: Terrance Ford Jr., MJ Thomas, Cam Miles
The Rebels’ NIT appearance provided momentum, but sustaining it demands precise recruitment amid the portal’s pace.
New Beginnings Carry Stakes
For Gibbs-Lawhorn, Texas Tech represents a step up to Big 12 competition, where his scoring prowess could shine amid higher stakes. Dembele, meanwhile, eyes recovery and consistency at Washington State, a program hungry for interior presence. Both players parlayed UNLV exposure into opportunities that align with their trajectories.
UNLV supporters now watch how Pastner assembles the final puzzle. The Rebels’ faithful, ever resilient, anticipate a squad ready to defend their conference standing. These transfers underscore the fluid nature of modern college hoops, where individual growth often intersects with program evolution.
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