Illinois Basketball: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn commits to Illini, Brad Underwood

Montverde (Fla.) Academy four-star recruit Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn tells On3 he’s committed to Illinois.

Lawhorn, a 6-foot-1 class of 2023 point guard, chose the Fighting Illini over Memphis. He was previously committed to Purdue before reopening his recruitment in August.

The Lafayette, Indiana native is fresh off a strong summer on the EYBL Circuit playing for the Indy Heat program. He averaged 16.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game to go along with shooting 48 percent from the field, not to mention 38 percent from three.

Lawhorn is the No. 68 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, the average ranking from all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 14 point guard and the No. 6 player in the state of Florida.

Lawhorn on his commitment to Illinois

“I ultimately chose Illinois because they jumped into the opening of my recruitment early and hard, and prioritized me,” Lawhorn said to On3. “Coach (Brad) Underwood is an intense coach, so I think he will bring the best out of me. They believe in me more than anyone else, and they showed that!”

What type of player is Illinois getting in Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn?

“Illini nation is getting a hardworking combo guard, that can do it all on defense and offense,” he says. “I’m the type of player that’s going to go out and give it my all and get what’s mine!”

Lawhorn has a message for Illinois fans.

“Illini nation, I’m excited to get started. I’m not a shy person, so I can’t wait to get on campus and feel the love from the fans.”