Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from title-clinching Illinois win

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Lourawls Nairn Jr. #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Tum Tum means more to the Spartans than people realize

We all love to hate on Tum Tum Nairn’s lack of a jump shot. Heading into each season, we heard about the improvements he made to his offensive game and each time, we have come away thinking, “I knew it was too good to be true.”

Through all of this, Tum Tum has remained as positive as can be. His confidence never wavers and his effect on his teammates is much bigger than meets the eye.

There’s a reason a player who has never averaged more than 3.5 points per game in his career is regarded as one of the most important players on the team. He’s arguably the most influential, infectious player Tom Izzo has ever coached and his true value to the team is immeasurable.

No, he’s not going to win games with his offense, but he’s always giving 100 percent on the floor and always picking his teammates up. He’s actually one of the main reasons Miles Bridges came back for his sophomore year — he calls him his “older brother” and they are also roommates.

When Tum Tum kissed the Spartan logo at midcourt and checked out for the final time, Izzo’s reaction said it all. This kid will be missed and the Spartans can only hope he remains close to the program for a long time. He has changed lives.

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