It’s not common for a freshman to take up a leadership role, but Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. isn’t your average freshman.
Men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said during Tuesday’s media day that former MSU basketball player Draymond Green told him if there was ever a freshman who should be a team captain, it’s Nairn, who was ranked as the 73rd best player in the nation by ESPN.com.
During his time at MSU from 2008 to 2012, Green was a team captain and consensus First-Team All-American.
“He’s given us just what I thought he’d give us,” Izzo said of freshman guard and Bahamas-native Nairn Jr., who moved to the United States when he was 13. “He’s got incredible leadership, bought some toughness.”
Nairn has been receptive of Izzo’s tutelage and is eager to start his career at MSU.
“I’m motivated,” Nairn said. “This is a big time school and in my opinion a big time program, I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in.”
Izzo and his team gushed over how the 5-foot-10-inch , 170-pound guard has looked over the course of the offseason during the team’s media day.
“‘Tum Tum’ has done a very good job of just coming, picking up things fast and running the team,” junior forward Matt Costello said. “I’ve been very impressed with him.”
Nairn averaged 17.6 points per game, 5.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds as a senior at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas.
“I’m just waiting on the time my number is called to give my all,” Nairn said, as he donned the No. 11 jersey Keith Appling so proudly wore during his tenure at MSU.
The Spartans look for the guard to compete for minutes in the backcourt behind and alongside sophomore guard Alvin Ellis III , junior transfer guard Bryn Forbes and senior guard Travis Trice.
“He brings the ability to push the ball,” Izzo said. “He’s very good defensively, even though he’s small in stature.”
Nairn said he isn’t letting the hype get to his head and remains focused on bettering the team.
“For me it’s just getting on the floor, playing as hard as I can and doing whatever it takes to help my teammates get shots and help my team win,” Nairn said.
“Tum Tum” and the Spartans will kick off their season next Monday against The Master’s College at Breslin Center.
