Who is Jeremy Lin? And what is Lin-sanity?
Lin-sanity!
The NBA is buzzing right now, thanks to a new phenomenon appropriately called “Lin-sanity”. Who is this guy? Where did he come from? What’s his story?
Just 2 weeks ago, the majority of America, including die-hard sports fans, couldn’t even have told you what sport Jeremy Lin plays. Now, they can tell you what team he plays for, his jersey number, and can probably recall a favorite highlight or two.
Jeremy Lin Quick Facts:
Early Life:
Born on August 23, 1988 inLos Angeles,California
Grew up inPalo Alto,California
His parents, Gie-Ming and Shirley emigrated fromTaiwanto theUSin the mid-1970s
Both of Jeremy’s parents are 5’6” tall
Jeremy has an older brother, Josh, and a younger brother, Joseph
Gie-Ming taught Jeremy to play basketball at the YMCA
Lin was captain of his high school team when they won the Division II state title in 2005-06.
Their record was an impressive 32-1, and he was named first-team All-State as well as Northern California Division II Player of the Year
Harvard Years:
Lin was named All-Ivy League First Team twice (his junior and senior years)
He was a mid-season candidates for the John R. Wooden Award (most outstanding college basketball player)
He was also one of 11 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award (top college point guard)
After Lin scored 30 points against the Universityof Connecticut Huskies, Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun said: "I've seen a lot of teams come through here, and he could play for any of them. He's got great, great composure on the court. He knows how to play."
Lin graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics, and a 3.1 GPA.
Fran Fraschilla of ESPN picked Lin among the 12 most versatile players in college basketball.
Lin finished his career as the first player in Ivy League history to record at least 1,450 points (1,483), 450 rebounds (487), 400 assists (406) and 200 steals (225).
NBA Career:
Eight different NBA teams invited Lin to predraft workouts.
Lin went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft.
He played for the Dallas Maverick's summer league team, and was later signed by the Golden State Warriors for the 2010-11 season.
Golden State waived him before the start of the 2011-12 season.
The Houston Rockets claimed Lin on December 12th, 2011, but eventually waived him to create room for Samuel Dalembert.
The New York Knicks claimed Lin off waivers on December 27th, 2011, but sent him to the D-League, until he was called up to fill a roster spot after the Knicks were riddled with injuries.
On Feb 4th, 2012, Lin tallied 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 99-92 win over the New Jersey Nets. All were career highs.
Lin scored 136 points in his first 5 starts. The most by any NBA player since the NBA merged with the ABA in 1976.
The New York Knicks have won 6 games in a row, since Lin has been their starting point guard.
Lin-sane Facts:
A Lin autograph on Ebay used to sell for $29 recently sold for over $1,500
As of Feb 15th, 2012, Lin's T-shirt is currently the #1 seller on nba.com
Lin is the first American born NBA player to be of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.
He has a YouTube account with personalities Nigahiga and KevJumba.
Lin aspires to be a minister after his NBA career is over.
