Archive: Opinions

The world of sports has had its share of bad press over the years.  Accusations of steroid use by professional athletes have tarnished the once gleaming image of the sports star as a hero.   Children, and heck, even adults find it difficult to develop a real loyalty for a professional athlete knowing that one day, he or she may be found guilty of using a performance enhancing drug.

Recently, I have listened to several newscasts about a young basketball player named Jeremy Lin.  He is an Asian American born in California.  He played high school basketball and went to Harvard University where he excelled in studies and in basketball.  After graduating from Harvard, he did not make the NBA draft.   He tried out for the Golden State Warriors as a walk on.  Traded to several team, he is now with the New York Knicks.

He is only the fourth Harvard graduate to make it in the NBA.  The other three used two handed set shots which was a style of shooting in the 40’s and 50’s.  As an Asian American, he is a blend of two cultures.  He speaks fluent Mandarin, attends church every Sunday, and until recently, lived with his brother in an apartment on the Lower East Side.

In a city noted for its unpredictable fans, New York is caught up in “Linmania” or “Linsanity” and is simply delighted with “Linderlla.”  His life can be summed up in just a few words, hard work and dedication.

Lin believes in himself.  He knows what he wants and pursues his goals without hesitation.   When confronted with a setback or uncertainty, he relies on his talent and keen mind to achieve his objective.  Along the way, coaches at California, UCLA, and Stanford politely said, “no thanks” to his offer to play.  Even Harvard’s coaching staff was a bit hesitant.  In his final two seasons, he was named first team All-Ivy League.

His NBA Career has mirrored that of college.   From California to Houston, coaches failed to give this kid a chance.  New York picked up his contract in late December, had him play in the development league, and then brought him up to the NBA in mid-January.  They have not been disappointed as he has risen from an virtual unknown to one of New York’s best loved athletes.

Throughout all of the hype and mania, Jeremy Lin has retained that all American, apple pie persona.  Faith in himself, his teammates, and God has given him the strength to pursue a dream.  Lin is a diplomat both on and off the court.  He gives credit for his recent high scoring to his teammates and is often passing the ball to an open player rather than taking the shot himself.

Being of Asian descent, he has ignited an international sense of pride among his Chinese fans.  Both Chinas, Taiwan and the Peoples Republic, claim him as their own.  His picture is on the front cover of magazines, newspapers and billboards across Asia.  Not since the days of Richard Nixon has one American done more to promote Chinese American relations as Lin.  His Grandmother, who lives in Taiwan, is his biggest fan and watches the games religiously. In a recent interview, Lin had this to say about his new stardom, “If you look back at my story, it doesn't matter where you look, God's fingerprints are all over the place. . . that's why I call it a miracle.” This is what our nation needs, a real American.  And that is to the point.

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