Leap of faith has point guard realizing dreams

THE LIST: Class of 2014 Rivals150

A few years back, four-star point guard Lourawls Nairn took a leap of faith and left his home in the Bahamas. He came to the United States in search of a big time college scholarship and now he's on the brink of realizing his dream.

After making his move, Nairn -- who is known to his friends and coaches as Tum Tum -- settled in at Bel Aire (Kans.) Sunrise Christian just outside of Wichita. Since his arrival the 5-foot-11 floor general has been turning heads and his hard work has allowed him to elevate to No. 61 in the 2014 Rivals150.

He says his start to his final summer on the grassroots circuit with MoKan Elite was shaky, but Nairn got it together to finish strong.

"At the beginning of the summer I wasn't playing too good because I was playing out of my league and taking bad shots and not doing what I do best," Nairn told Rivals.com. "My coaches talked to me about what I was doing wrong and after that I went back to my normal self defending and pushing the ball."

Speed is certainly Nairn's calling card. There isn't a point guard in the country who is faster with the ball in his hands. However, he is also a proven leader who changed up his game to suit what his team needed from him while helping MoKan to Nike's Peach Jam and he showed against top competition that he is also a big time defender.

"I got to go to the different camps and show that I can run a team and that I can defend 94 feet," said Nairn. "I can defend anybody that I'm guarding. I'm a defensive guy. I know that I can get to he rim at will but in order to do that I need to get the ball on defense first."

The next order of business for Nairn is to make his college choice. He has narrowed his finalists down to Indiana, Minnesota and Oklahoma. He's been to see the Gophers and Sooners officially and will complete his official visits with a trip to Indiana on the weekend of September 20th.

Nairn sees plenty to like about each program.

Minnesota: "It's a great place. I didn't know what to expect but it is right in the city and you never have to leave. Everything you could want is right there. They have a great staff and I believe Coach Pitino is goin to turn the situation around. They are really good people. Whenever I talk to coach Pitino it's about life and not basketball and I just really believe it is a good situation."

Oklahoma: "They were my first offer as a sophomore so they have been there for a few years and that is what stands out out the most. I had been there like six times before so it was like I was going home when I took my official. It was an official visit but everything else I already knew. I've known how bad they want me since I was a sophomore. Coach Krueger is a great coach and he's won everywhere he goes."

Indiana: "They've always been there since I was a sophomore and I played my first season in the EYBL where coach Buckley saw me. This year I got the offer and we've got a great relationship. Me and coach Crean have a great relatioinship. Me coach Buckley, Coach Johnson and coach McClain have a great relationship too. They are coming at me as hard as the others. They have a great program and they play fast and have a great coach."

Upon completion of his visit to Indiana, Nairn feels that he will have a decision ready quickly. He's very thankful to those who have helped him out along the way and is excited for the next step.

"The hardest part is going to be saying no to two of them," said Nairn of making his choice. "I know how bad each school wants me to be a part of their program. I'll know the spot for me after I'm done with this last visit. I've prayed about it and I have had a good talk about it with God and I think he'll lead me to the right spot.

"It's not been stressful because I have a good circle around me and I'm in a good position. I feel blessed."

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