Nairn moved by prayers from teammates during Hurricane Matthew

Like many Bahamians living abroad, Michigan State University point guard Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn too tried his best to keep up with what was going on in The Bahamas during Hurricane Matthew through email, social media and news updates.

Although there wasn’t anything he could do, the New Providence native, in a recent interview with the Lansing State Journal, said that he was restless throughout the entire process and that it was hard to stay focused on basketball, knowing that his home country was facing tragedy.

Despite all that he was going through, Nairn said that his teammates kept him level and in good spirits, praying for him regularly as he waited to hear from his loved ones at home.

“When they prayed for me, I’m an emotional guy – I don’t take things like that for granted,” Nairn said. “That touched me in a way that I will never forget it.”

Nairn said he was overwhelmed when he finally got to talk to his mother, who informed him that the there was very little damage done to their home.

“It was nothing major, a couple of trees fell down,” he said.

Nairn won’t have to wait too long before he gets to come back home, as the Spartans will be one of eight teams competing at the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, set for November 23-25.

The moment will be extra special for Tum Tum, because it would mark the first chance his family and friends get to see him play competitive basketball in person since he left Nassau at 13.

“It’s only a month away, really, but it’s going to be emotional for me,” Nairn said. “For me, I have to keep my composure. It’s not every day you get to do this. It’s special. In moments like this, you want to cherish it and make the most of it, but you got to focus on the games, too. But that means more to me than any game, just being able to play in front of my family.”

Nairn said his mom plans to cook for the entire team when they arrive.

After battling plantar fasciitis for most of last season, Nairn said he’s feeling “120%” and is ready to lead the Spartans to a successful season.

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