WATCH: Illinois G Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn Steals and Slams vs. Oakland

The electric sophomore guard has helped the Illini build a 36-29 halftime lead over the Golden Grizzlies

Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) reacts in the first half against the Morehead State Eagles during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images / Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Much of the conversation around Illinois’ backcourt situation in the offseason surrounded transfer guard Kylan Boswell and international prospect Kasparas Jakucionis, with sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn – the rare Illini returner – seemingly slipping under the radar.

In Illinois' first two wins of the season, Gibbs-Lawhorn reminded the college basketball world of what he has to offer. 

Coming off the bench and averaging 11.5 points, Gibbs-Lawhorn is knocking down 2.0 threes per game and bringing an elite on-ball presence on the other end.

Showcasing his ability on both sides of the ball early on against Oakland, Gibbs-Lawhorn undercut a hand-off between Grizzlies big man Cooper Craggs and guard Jaylen Jones and turned his defense into offense. 

After Jones passed to Craggs along the right wing and circled behind him for the pitchback, Gibbs-Lawhorn, anticipating the pass to Jones, jumped it and found his path to the rim – and an impressive highlight – unimpeded:

Steal and slam for @DravynGibbs 💥

1H 10:48 | #Illini 22, Oakland 9
📺 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/r0nU41ez44

— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) November 14, 2024

Although standing just 6-foot-1, Gibbs-Lawhorn makes up for a lack of size with tenacity, skill and an explosive vertical leap. In addition to the dunk, he added three offensive rebounds in the first half, one of which he put back for a bucket.

And according to one preseason conversation with Illini forward Carey Booth, Gibbs-Lawhorn is in the debate for Illinois' best dunker.

Booth's assessment: “I’d probably say in terms of style, it’s probably Dra.”

While Gibbs-Lawhorn’s steal and slam extended Illinois’ lead to 22-9, Oakland quickly responded with a 10-0 run and has stayed within striking distance all half as Illinois carried a surprisingly narrow 36-29 lead into the break.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

'It Feels Like the League': Illinois Basketball Has NBA Flavor

Illinois Basketball Play of the Week: Kasparas Jakucionis Sets the Tone

Best Freshman Debuts of the 2024-25 Season: How the Illini Stack Up