Michigan State basketball newcomer Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn has helped energize Spartans

DIMONDALE — Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn doesn't look or play like the type of

Michigan State incoming freshman Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn has provided a spark and brought energy to the Spartans' offseason.

freshman who could make an impact in the Big Ten basketball ranks.

Nairn, who came to East Lansing via Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas, might be the fastest player to ever suit up for Michigan State -- but he's short and he currently lacks a steady jump shot.

So why are all the Spartans' players talking about the freshman known as "Tum Tum?''

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo understands why you would ask.

"You know, he's not a great shooter, but he can do a lot of other things really well,'' Izzo said. "Day Day (Draymond Green) told me I'd have to break tradition, he said 'I think you should name him a captain as a freshman.'

"Day Day says it excites him to play ball with him, and that's a helluva comment from a three-year (NBA) pro.''

Nairn, certainly no taller than the 5-foot-10 he's listed at, was a consensus Top 100 recruit and had scholarship offers from Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Memphis and Minnesota among many others -- largely because of his speed and ability to penetrate defenses.

But it's his leadership that continues to impress teammates and has played a role in the Spartans enjoying what Izzo believes is one of the best offseasons in his 19 years as head coach.

Green, one of Izzo's favorite team captains of all time, said it's how Nairn goes about his business.

"His number one attribute is his leadership skills — he's already a great leader,'' Green said. "He definitely has the want-to, (and) he's motivated. He's very quick, cat-quick, very strong, but one thing I like about him is his work ethic. So all the things people say he can't do, he's getting better at those things.

"But he's competitive, I think, and a winner, and I think those are the best two things you can say about someone. It's good to be able to shoot, it's good to be able to drive, but when you're a competitor and you're a winner, that trumps everything.''

Michigan State junior Denzel Valentine, named a team captain for the upcoming season along with senior Travis Trice, has noticed many of the same characteristics in Nairn.

"Tum is a great leader, he just grinds, and he's going to do whatever it takes to win,'' Valentine said. "He doesn't have the best jump shot, but he gets it done on the offensive and defensive end. If it really comes down to it, I know he'll hit the shot or lock someone up on the defensive end.

"For him, it's just getting the shot consistent and learning to run the team.''

Nairn shrugged when asked how he's been able to impress so many people so quickly.

"First I just feel blessed to play the game, I know any day it could be taken from me, so I just go out every day with a chip on my shoulder and do everything I can,'' Nairn told MLive.com "I'm a vocal guy, and I've been a good leader in high school, but I want to be a great leader. I think being around Denzel, Travis and Branden Dawson is helping me and molding me into being a great leader, and so will playing for Coach Izzo.''

Nairn said the offseason workouts have not been a grind, and Izzo has not been overly demanding.

"Coach hasn't harped on anything,'' Nairn said. "He likes my energy and passion for the game, and he tells me to keep doing that. Most important, I have to continue to improve my jump shot.

"The whole staff and all the players encourage me.''

Nairn, it seems, has responded in kind.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.