‘Tum Tum’ returns to Sunrise as head coach

Bahamian Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. returns to his high school alma mater, Sunrise Christian Academy (SCA), as the new head coach for the school’s post-graduate basketball program in Belaire, Kansas.

Nairn spent the past two years at his collegiate alma mater, Michigan State University (MSU), as a graduate manager for the MSU Spartans men’s basketball team. He served under head Ccach Tom Izzo. Sunrise made the announcement late Thursday evening on Twitter.

“SCA is so proud and happy to announce Lourawls Nairn is coming back home to be the head coach of the PGB – PostGrad Basketball – team next season. We are excited to see what God is going to do through ‘Tum Tum’. Welcome home,” the school posted.

The former point guard with MSU posted on his social media accounts that he is excited to start his coaching career and saw it as another depiction of the grace of Jesus Christ.

“It is such a blessing to be able to start my coaching career at my high school alma mater; a place that is so close to my heart,” Nairn posted. “I’m ready to learn, lead, motivate, inspire, and most importantly serve.”

Nairn thanked school executive director Dr. Rob Linstead and coach Luke Barnwell for buying into him and giving him such an opportunity.

After graduating from high school in 2014, Nairn chose the Spartans to play the sport he loves and further his education.

Nairn appeared in 137 games during his MSU career, starting 66, including 30 during the 2016-17 season when he was a junior. He finished his career averaging 2.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Nairn helped to guide the Spartans to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Final Four in 2015. They lost to the eventual champions, the Duke University Blue Devils, 81-61. Nairn had five assists in that game.

Known for his leadership on the court, Nairn earned a spot in the National Basketball Association (NBA) after graduating from MSU in 2018. He worked in the Phoenix Suns’ player development department.

In July 2018, the senior men’s national basketball team guard put on his author cap and released his autobiography, ‘Purpose Driven’.

Sunrise Academy is no stranger to Bahamian basketball players. Sacramento Kings guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield recently got his jersey retired at Sunrise. Other than Hield, Charles Bain, Radshad Davis, Travis Munnings, Nathan Bain, Shackeel Butters, Godfrey Rolle, Deyton Albury and Andre Sands, among others, donned the school’s jersey. Nairn’s hiring is regarded in local sporting circles as one way that the younger generation of basketball players can get an opportunity to realize their dreams.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/tum-tum-returns-to-sunrise-as-head-coach/