2 transferring Rebels confirm departures, announce new destinations

Two former UNLV basketball players finalized their departures on Thursday, each announcing new destinations after entering the transfer portal following the conclusion of Josh Pastner’s first year at the helm of the program.

Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, who led the Mountain West Conference in scoring with 20.7 points per game last season, announced his commitment to Texas Tech.

He helped the Rebels to an 18–17 record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament, which ended in a loss to Tulsa in the second round.

In a social media post, Gibbs-Lawhorn thanked UNLV, the city of Las Vegas and its fans, while also responding to online criticism tied to his earlier transfer announcement.

“Thank you UNLV! This was a year that I will cherish forever and deeply in my heart. 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,” Gibbs-Lawhorn wrote via X.com.

idrc what you say George #rebel4life !”

“Idrc” is an acronym short for “I don’t really care.” Gibbs-Lawhorn was addressing X.com user George Tarkanian, who took issue with Gibbs-Lawhorn saying he’d “always be a Runnin’ Rebel” in March as he entered the transfer portal.

Forward Ladji Dembele also announced his new home on Thursday. He’ll transfer to Washington State after appearing in just five games for UNLV before a season-ending foot injury. In his limited appearances, he averaged five points and four rebounds. The 6-foot-8 forward previously played at Iowa, where he started 21 games as a sophomore.

Washington State has now added eight transfers this offseason, bringing its scholarship total to 10 players.

Meanwhile, Paster still has his work cut out to rebuild UNLV’s roster.

The Rebels’ only confirmed returners are rising sophomores Tyrin Jones and Issac Williamson, alongside incoming transfers Terrance Ford Jr., MJ Thomas and Cam Miles.