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Sunrise Christian (Bel Aire, Kan.) combo guard Tyrin Lawrence was one of the top uncommitted seniors in the country, but now he’s ended his recruitment picking Vanderbilt over Ole Miss and California. Lawrence wrote an exclusive blog for SI All-American breaking down why he chose the Commodores.

What’s up world, this is Tyrin Lawrence and I’m happy to say that I’m officially committed to Vanderbilt University.

It’s been a long process and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of it. I picked Vanderbilt over California and Ole Miss.

Just getting to know Coach (Jerry) Stackhouse helped me to see that Vanderbilt was the place for me. The pros for going there outweighed everything else and it’s a place where I could really see myself taking my game to another level.

Being able to play for Coach Stackhouse definitely played into my decision; he’s a guy that played a long time at the level we’re all trying to get to. He knows what it takes and I feel like I can really relate to him.

Also, the fact that my family will be able to come see all of my games because it’s close to home played a big part in my decision.

With the whole pandemic going on and seeing the unfortunate passing of Kobe Bryant in January really has me thinking more and more about the importance of family.

When I told the coaches that I was coming there, they were all really excited.

I can’t wait to get to campus because I’ve never been there before.

Most people probably don’t know that, but with the virus stopping all travel I wasn’t able to get to campus, so they took me on a virtual tour through Zoom.

I did one with California too.

It was pretty cool; I got to see everything they had there. It definitely wasn’t the same as being there in person, but that’s where we’re at with everything going on.

I talked to people who go there and they all really love it.

They want me to come in and be ready to play the one or two. They’re going to play to my strengths and put me in positions to be successful.

I feel like I’ll be able to come in and make an immediate impact.

I don’t know how we’ll celebrate my commitment today; I think my mom may make me a cake!

I want to take a second to honor my dad Ivan Lawrence, he passed June 1, 2018, but he was the one who really pushed me and helped me to be the player I am today.

I want to dedicate this commitment to him. I know he would be very proud of me!

OK guys, well that’s all I’ve got; I’m gonna get out of here now, but I appreciate you reading this blog, and again I’m just happy to be a part of Commodore Nation!

Don’t forget to follow Tyrin Lawrence:

Twitter: @TyrinLawrence

Instagram: TyrinLawrence