Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr. was a captain for three years at Michigan State and was always considered to be one of the leaders in the locker room and on the court. Now, he will be bringing that leadership back to Michigan State Men’s Basketball as a graduate manager, Head Coach Tom Izzo announced today.
“I can’t say enough about how excited I am to have Tum Tum back here,” Izzo said. “He’s the type of person who can relate to everyone. Tum Tum is one of the best, if not the best, leaders I’ve ever been around. His teammates loved him here and he’s very close with some of our current players, so it will be great to have him as part of my staff. I know it will be a bit of a transition for him, but I think he will be a great addition and I can’t say enough about his future.”
Tum Tum spent last year working as a player development assistant with the Phoenix Suns, working with players such as Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton. He spent this summer playing basketball with the national team of The Bahamas, his home country. It should be noted that Tum Tum’s family is safe from the destruction of Hurricane Dorian.
Here is Tum Tum’s statement on joining the staff:
“God has given me many opportunities in my life that I don’t deserve,” Nairn said. “This is another one of them. I’m thankful to be able to be a part of the staff at MSU. It was an honor to play for Coach Izz and his coaching staff and it is an honor to be a part of his staff.
“This university has a special place in my heart. When I played here, I never took it for granted, so I don’t take being a part of the staff for granted either. None of it would be possible without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I’m super excited for this opportunity. I gave my all as a player, and I will give my all on the staff. God is good!”
