Reflection: what I've learned from Jeremy Lin

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    As I finish introducing all of you to Jeremy Lin and some of the accomplishments he has already achieved, I found some other facts about Jeremy that touched me. So as I  close my blog, I want to discuss what I've learned about Jeremy Lin; what I found most challenging to me; and what was most rewarding.

     First, I learned that Jeremy Lin  "...never gave up on his dreams"!!!!!  From the very beginning, he always wanted to be an NBA professional basketball player.  Even after an outstanding high school basketball career in northern California, no one knocked on his door to check him out or even gave him an athletic scholarship.  In fact, few colleges encouraged him to be a walk-on.   Only one assistant coach from Harvard stopped, and saw the potential in this 6’3” skinny Taiwanese-American. After being a star in the Ivy League for four years, not  one NBA team decided to draft him.  It was only after several drafts and playing in some minor professional leagues that someone picked him up.  And then, he was assigned to sit on the bench for years.  However, each time, he didn't give up on his dream but kept practicing and preparing. Therefore, his motto to "Never give up on dreams" not only motivated him to chase his dream, but describes his personality.  It was this motto that led him to achieve success on the courts of the NBA.

     Second, I found that Jeremy “always had faith in God." Jeremy Lin's favorite Bible verses are found in Roman 5: 2-8 "....Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us...."  By reading these verses, you can see how much Jeremy has trusted and was willing to let God lead him to wherever He wants him to be.  For him, God’s will was most important, whether as a financial officer in a large company, a  minister working with youth in Taiwan or a professional basketball player in the NBA.  This is why he could be so focused on his goals.  


     At first, I had a hard time just understanding what “paraphrase” meant as well as how to use it in a blog.  When I started to  “paraphrase" other writers in my blog post. I thought paraphrase was just another word for "summarize."  But actually, there is still a little difference between them. A few blog posts later, I started to get the point of using paraphrase in each of my articles.  I'm glad I got to learn how to use it so I won't be accused of "plagiarizing," and can write about ideas of other writers.

    The second difficulty I experienced was when I had to list out five accomplishments of Jeremy Lin's.   I couldn't think of any more detailed information or what I should say about Jeremy Lin's top five accomplishments. But as I thought further, I came up with some good ideas for his accomplishments.  But now, I believe these were just a few of his accomplishments he has achieved.

   After doing all my blog posts related to Jeremy Lin, I found out that my blogging has really influenced  me.  I was touched by the way he treated others around him; the fact that he always had faith in God; and he never gave up on his dreams. All of these traits have given me the courage, the faith and hope to chase my dreams.  I now want to finish my high school studies here in Zeeland, and get a High School diploma after I graduate.

   Finally, as this is my final post of the blogging process, I have found myself becoming more familiar and organized in putting all of my sources into my own words.  I'm really happy that I have improved my writing skills by working on this blogging unit.  I am more confident to share my thoughts through the Internet as well as in papers with others.

     I appreciate everyone who has read my blog.  I believe you have discovered some new and interesting facts about Jeremy Lin.  In fact, we both have gotten to know him better. I hope as you read through all of my posts, Jeremy Lin has become real and a good influence on you.  I pray that he becomes a  person you will look up to and follow as you chase your dreams.  Remember to “never give up” “follow your dreams” and “walk in His footprints"!  Happy blogging!

Jeremy Lin's top five accomplishments

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       People may have heard about Jeremy Lin, but have they heard or known of any accomplishments that he had achieved? As I come close to the end of my Jeremy Lin-devoted blogging, I think it is important to let the people understand what he has achieved and went through. I hope you will learn something after reading this article. Enjoy!

       Accomplishment #5: Went to Harvard
       He sent his résumé  to all the Ivy League schools, but sadly they don't offer any athletic scholarship. But in July 2005, the Harvard assistant coach Bill Holden saw Jeremy's advantages of being on their school basketball team. Then Jeremy chose Harvard for his final decision even there is a lot of good colleges waiting for him.

Read more on this here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Lin

        Accomplishment #4: Be the first Taiwanese-American player in NBA
        "Lin is the first U.S.- born player of Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, which is helping to tap into the significant market of Asian-American basketball fans. This in turn is spilling over to NBA devotes in general."(CNN) He amazed all the people by his basketball skills. Since then,Taiwanese people became crazier and crazier chasing after Jeremy Lin of his live game on TV.

Read more on this here: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/14/sport/jeremy-lin-profile/index.html

         Accomplishment #3: joined the Knicks
         In December 2011, Lin signed with New York Knicks after being cut by the Huston Rockets. His 109 points in his first four starts this past February have surpassed Allen Iverson's to become the most by any player since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. (CNN) 

Read more on this here: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/14/sport/jeremy-lin-profile/index.html

          Accomplishment #2: Scored a new career-high 38 points
          Jeremy Lin led New York Knicks to straight win after his personal scored a new career-high 38 points among the NBA.(Bloomberg) Everyone is amazed by him even his coach. He defeated the score of Kobe Bryant's 34-points, and he led the Knicks to their fourth straight victory.
 
Read more on this here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-11/jeremy-lin-scores-career-high-38-points-to-lead-knicks-to-4th-straight-win.html

          Accomplishment #1: Still stay humble after "Linsanity" 
          Jeremy Lin's personality still remains the same-"humble" from the beginning even until now after he became famous. "If you one day are lucky enough to have newspapers want to put you on the cover in order to sell more,don't let it get to your head. It's been remarkable watching now Lin remains through all this media frenzy. It makes his teammates and fans love him that much more." (Forbes )

Read more on this here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2012/02/11/9-lessons-jeremy-lin-can-teach-us-before-we-go-to-work-monday-morning/

I think it is amazing to find out all the accomplishments he had achieved as I am finishing up the blog based on him, his attitudes towards life, on the basketball court or when he is under the pressure of paparazzi,has always been the same-"humble", this has encourage me everyday to be more of like him!
       

     

Education or NBA draft:which one will you choose as a priority?

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    It was about two years ago when I first saw Jeremy Lin in the newspaper. It was an article that talked about how well he had done in high school and college,and how he could also play on the school's basketball team. At that time,I didn't pay that much attention to him,and especially how he viewed his failure to make it into the NBA. But two years later, he made it into professional basketball and became famous with lots of paparazzi around him. Through it all, I respected that he still had the same personality,and goals.

   About eight months ago, I came across two articles talking about the advantages and disadvantages of the new trend on college campuses--"one-and-done" basketball players. These players were defined as "guys that attend college on a basketball scholarship for one year,and then make a jump to the NBA." The author pointed out that all of the starters on the University of Kentucky's 2012 National Championship basketball team were leaving school to try out for the NBA.

Information credit of: http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/do-nba-players-need-to-spend-more-time-in-school

   Given this, was this going to be the new trend in professional sports? They started by discussing whether this was good or bad for college sports, professional teams, and more important the athletes. This got me thinking and led me to the question: " Whether or not one should finish college before one joins the NBA?" And just as important, " If they leave college to play basketball and want to return,should they be allowed to return and play basketball?"

   According to HELIUM, "...In today's society,sports itself of course is something that's highly valued..."(Helium) But why not value one's education? From their view of point,NBA potentials should be valuing and paying as much attention to their education as what they're going to do on the basketball court for the next few years. He called for potential players to stay in school,graduate,and then try out for the NBA,and/or international teams.

   This author stressed the point that college was to prepare students for a career in whatever area they want to specialize in. But in the case of athletes, their profession is playing sports. If kids can get into the NBA or foreign leagues,why should they continue to play in college for no pay? In some cases, potential players would lose millions of dollars by staying in school. Thus, he was all for allowing and encouraging players to step out and try to play on the professional level. From his view of point,players could always return to finish their college education and pay for it themselves.

   The similarities between these two articles is that both talked about the NBA as being a highly selective league,and both acknowledged that the probability of getting drafted into NBA was extremely low. They both understood that if they play it is only for few years. They were also concerned about the kids that don't make it. In fact, one can easily picture them without a job; without their close friends;and without coaches and teachers supporting them by their side. In any case, it's definitely going to be tough for them.

   Given this, many coaches,critics and professionals called for the right of players to "return back to the college basketball court," especially after they failed their tryout or been released. This would allow young players to have a taste of process and understand where they're at,and what they need to work on in order to move on to the next level. For those who were not selected by the NBA, Continental League or foreign teams,they could still come back to school;work even harder at their game;and prepare for a new job.

   The differences between these two articles is that one said that the kids who declared for NBA but failed should not be allowed to continue playing basketball because it was unfair to the other players and students. For others. they felt the players could return;receive their scholarship,and play basketball. For the first groups, "to learn is not just about what's occurs in the classroom,but also about life. This is true for anybody. The longer you stay in school the more you learn. You get as much out of your education as you put into it."(Ebony)  For these reasons, they felt that those students who wanted to make the NBA should not be allowed to return to college hoops and receive their scholarship or stipend..

   I agree with the authors who said "yes" to education! First,the chance to get a free education is just as important as having a chance to try out for the draft. Why not get an education when it is free,and when one is young? Why not spend the best years of one's life in school,and enjoy it like Jeremy Lin? Second,I am an NBA purist who feels that the four-year college players are much more refined as ambassadors for the team. They have more basketball and social skills.Owners have found out that most high school and one-year college players need to be tutored,and they sit on the bench for a long time before playing well. Third, the cost of a player's development is a team responsibility,and not covered by a college program. Fourth,it makes good sense to let the colleges develop players for it helps the college and their communities to build a strong relationship. It is money in the bank for college, the college community,and the team. Fifth,I think players who couldn't make it,etc. should be allowed to return to college and play basketball. College sports is actually a "big" business! Also,many college players on the Division I level are playing on a professional level,so why not let them return to finish their education. Everyone would benefit-the teams,the college and the community. Finally,I'm very proud of Jeremy Lin because he is such a good role model. He was driven to play NBA basketball,but he also wanted to be a top student and prepare for future goals and jobs. I must admit, I am proud to be Taiwanese.

The history of NBA

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      Since Jeremy Lin brought "Linmania" to the basketball, I started paying attention to the National Basketball Association(NBA). It not only got me interested in watching the actual NBA games on TV, but also made me wonder when and why the NBA was founded.

      The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America.  It is widely considered to be the premier men's professional basketball league in the world.  It was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA).

  Information credit of: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association

      NBA players get the world's highest pay in comparison to all of the other professional sports such as soccer, football, baseball, cricket, figure skating, track and field or hockey.  While different players receive different salaries, this figure is the average annual salary per player. The NBA is all about "professionalizing"  for people from all over the world try out for the NBA Draft as they chase their dream. It is almost impossible to make it into the NBA unless you practice every day, and joined the basketball team since high school. Most of the players who are eligible for the NBA draft are amateur U.S. college basketball players.  However, a few high school graduates have been drafted over the years like Kobe Bryant.  Each year, more and more international players from leagues around the world have become eligible for the draft, and eventually were drafted.

       It was interesting to find out that in 1947 the NBA brought the first foreign players into the league.  It started with a Japanese-American Knicks player, Wataru Misaka.  The NBA opened its doors for African-American players in 1950.  Since then, an increasing number of international players started to move-in and play in the NBA.

  Information credit of :http://www.stumblerz.com/nba-fun-facts/

       Jeremy Lin is one of those who is talented enough to be in the NBA league, but there is a long story behind it. He didn't successfully make it on his first try, so he practiced and prepared even harder.  Finally, he got picked out out of the non-professional college basketball players.

       Thanks to him, we now have the courage to learn something new; we have more basketball knowledge and skills; and we have the motivation to try to get our dream even after we fail!

Struggle in the mainstream culture like Jeremy Lin

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    As a high school student, Jeremy Lin was not only an outstanding student,but also an outstanding basketball player and person! He did not just study and play hard,but he was driven to excel in every part of his life! He proved to the people "who always say no" wrong by not only getting exceptional grades,but also becoming an Asian role model in Christian living as well as sports. He broke all the stereotypes held by Asians and non-Asians by becoming the first major Asian-born international athletic who came from a normal educational program and not a "specialized sports academy." He proved on the professional and international level that Asians are not "sports challenged" or "intellectual nerds." He demonstrated that one can still achieve his or her American Dream.

      http://www.zimbio.com/Jeremy+Lin/articles/eg_QiqL7VoJ/Jeremy+Lin+demand+in+China

    As a student, I often wondered how can I find the right balance between my studies,and time with family and friends? How can I find time to participate in sports or other after-school activities without being too tired or even fail a class? How can I handle all the different demands on my time and energy,and still be a successful student and person? How did Jeremy Lin find balance in his life,and balance between his culture and personal interests?

   As I mentioned in my previous post, Jeremy Lin's mother was often criticized by her friends, because she allowed her son to spend hours and days playing basketball. This was so opposite Oriental thinking where one stresses one's education and studying above "playing" sports or "wasting" time. Many of her friends thought and even said that she should limit his playing basketball. But Jeremy's mom stuck to her opinion and allowed him to play the game he so thoroughly enjoyed. She demanded that he needed to excel in the classroom as well as nurtured his interests to excel on the basketball court. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Lin)

   But how did he do it? Here are some tips to be "self-discipline" like Jeremy Lin:
1.Have a dream- Jeremy Lin is unusual in that he had a dream and set numerous goals for himself to achieve. He wanted to be a good student so he studied hard, and kept up all of his grades so he could enjoy doing what he wanted,such as playing basketball. 
2.Set goals and prioritize issues - Jeremy was driven to set priorities of things that needed to be done,and then do them. He didn't waste time on un-important things. 
3.Self-disciplined- I've learned from him that "self-discipline" was the key to all of it. His culture,parents,pastors,and coaches,preached and demanded that he be disciplined--self-disciplined. It showed up in his getting enough sleep and rest to have enough energy to excel each day. You could see it in the classroom, on the basketball court and even in his relationships. 
4.Get support- he was able seek his dreams his parents,family,teachers,coaches and youth leaders supported his vision,dreams and goals. They supported him in good and bad times. 

Yes, miracles can truly happen if you follow all of Jeremy's footprints-have a dream,set goals, prioritize issues,be self-disciplined,and get support!!

From under spotlights to normal life as others

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                  In February 2012, the new word "Linsanity"  became a new trend
     within the Basketball field, everyone was shocked when they saw Jeremy Lin
     played hard and led Knicks to victory. But recently, Jeremy got switched and
     has a new contract with the "Rockets", he eventually became less popular
     than before.  James Harden took over his spotlights. According to Derrick
     Rose and the news, Jeremy felt more comfortable when there is no media
     pressure on him, he can focus on playing basketball without worrying what
     paparazzi say about him:

                 "Lin's been good, man," Rose said on Friday afternoon. "Playing
     good ball. Playing with a lot of confidence. All you need is confidence in
     this league and that's what he's definitely playing with. I like him as a
     player, like him as a person, where he's very humble."

  http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/7393/derrick-rose-respects-humble

                 Jeremy has not only feel more comfortable but his personality has
     influenced people's thoughts about him, his humbleness led him to success
     and honor God in Heaven.

                 Derrick Rose likes what he's seen from Jeremy Lin and he's
     looking forward to facing the New York Knicks' phenom in the next few
     weeks."I love the way that he plays," Rose said. "The fame or whatever, he's
     brushed it off. He's not paying too much attention to it. Turning things
     down. And that's the way that I think you're supposed to be."

   http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/7393/derrick-rose-respects-humble

                I believe the change in Jeremy's life has gave him more space of his
     own, no matter on focusing on playing basketball or good team strategies, it
     all has improved even though the media center has many kinds of rumor about
     him.

NEVER GIVE UP ON DREAMS

                            
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        A few years ago, Jeremy Lin graduated from one of the most prominent California high schools, but he received no athletic scholarships. While his grades were high enough to enter any of the top college around the nation, no one seemed to be interested in his basketball abilities let alone potential.  He sent his résumé to innumerable schools around the country including all of the Ivy League schools and his two dream schools(Stanford and UCLA).  But still no one seemed to be interested let alone offer a positive inquiry.

Jeremy was aware that the Ivy League schools did not offer any athletic scholarships, but he still wanted to play basketball--somewhere.  But even more critical, he realized that the colleges would only use a few minutes to decide whether or not to recruit him.  Jeremy understood that he was not a flashy or freakishly athletic player. He was convinced that for someone to understand him and his game, they would have to get to know him, and watch him for more than just five minutes.  In this way, they could see his devotion, determination, dedication, and discipline.

        Fortunately, Assistant Coach Holden stopped in to see a rail-thin 6’3” Asian kid practice and play in a game,   Jeremy was promptly accepted by Harvard as well as recruited to play basketball.  Four years later, he received a Bachelor's Degree with Honors in Economics, while playing basketball which he enjoyed. After graduation, he decided to follow his dream one more time, and tried out for the 2010 NBA Draft.   Sadly and beyond Jeremy’s expectations, no team in the NBA decided to take a chance and draft him. Jeremy was really broken and cried on his brother's apartment's sofa where he was temporary living at that time. After becoming a journeyman practice player on several teams, Jeremy was given a chance to play in 2012 with the Knicks after several teammates suffered severe season-ending injuries …quickly  Jeremy became a Knick phenomena.

       Even though Jeremy has faced many failures during his short life, his personality and his devotion to God has led him to try even harder and seek success. He has always looked up to God, and never gives up on his hope of playing professional basketball.  He has a passion for playing for God, not just for himself.  He also wants to share God's gospel through his devotion to excel; enhance his teammates; and serve his community.

       After recently being introduced to a new team, Jeremy stated: "…With all the media attention and all the love from the fans, I feel I need to prove myself.  Prove that I’m not a marketing tool or a ploy to improve attendance. Prove I can play in this league. But I’ve surrendered that to God…. I’m not in a battle with what everybody else thinks anymore." (Justin Williams) From this quote in Jeremy's own words, we can see again that Jeremy has never given up on what he is doing, and he even wants to make it better to honor God.

Let it shine but not showing off

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Historically, very few Asians have made it on the NBA scene let alone are recognized as a world-wide idol.   Yao-Ming was probably the first Chinese to break the bamboo curtain, and play for-the Houston Rockets.   He was a giant at 7’6” who played among giants. He was born into a very poor family, and raised by the Chinese government to be a national basketball hero, and hopefully achieve world-wide fame for China.
However, the story of Jeremy Lin is truly one of the most interesting sports sagas for he made it into the NBA in the past couple of years.  He was the first Asian American to break into a starting role.  Yao-Ming came into the NBA though the front door as a Chinese star, and after years of negotiations with the Chinese government. Jeremy, however, snuck in through the back door and no one knew of his abilities.  He was the first American of Taiwanese descent to play in the league.  He was born of Taiwanese parents, who immigrated from Taiwan to United States in the mid-1970s.   He started playing basketball with his father and his brothers when he was little, and this has became one of his biggest interests.  He kept playing basketball as a reprieve from studying hard during his high school years..
     It was about eight years ago in July of 2005 when Bill Holden, the Harvard assistant coach, noticed that Lin was 6 feet 3 inches tall; thin as a pencil; and carried a 4.2 grade point.   Jeremy not only had the physical attributes of a good shooting guard, but his grade point average made him very valuable for he fitted Harvard's high academic standards.  Holden was initially unimpressed with Lin's on-court abilities, so he told Lin's high school basketball coach, Peter Diepenbrock, that Lin was a "Division III player".  Later that week, however, Holden saw Lin playing in a much more competitive game.  He noticed Jeremy driving to the basket on every opportunity with the "instincts of a killer,"   It was then that Jeremy Lin caught Bill Holden’s eye and he became a top priority for him.
       Due to the heavy focus on a child’s education by Asian parents, Jeremy's mom was often criticized by her friends for letting Jeremy play so much basketball,  However, she only allowed him to play the game he enjoyed  if he kept all of his grades up and went to church.  Over the years, Jeremy learned to really focus; strove to do his best in everything; and asked Christ to guide his life’s ambitions, goals, and vocation.  He was known for that Taiwanese kid who “could really shoot the ball,” but also had such a deep faith in God that he wanted to become a preacher.
Through the teaching of his Dad, Mom, Bill Holden, etc., Jeremy Lin became an All Pacific Coast guard in high school,  a First Team Ivy League basketball player at Harvard, and an NBA rocket offensive standout.  In his second year, Jeremy was pushed into a starting role as a shooting guard for the New York Knicks.  He replaced an All-Pro franchisee  player who destroyed his ACL.  In his first game, he shot over 50% and scored 17 points.  Within a week, he was scoring in 20s.  In his third week, he was consistently scoring in the 30s.  In February of 2012, Jeremy scored a  career-high 38 points and had seven assists leading the Knicks in a 92–85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He even outscored the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, who had 34 points.  No one in the history of the NBA had ever had a faster raise to the top or a higher scoring average.  He not only becme the idol of the New York Knick fans, but “the” No. 1 Asian basketball player in the world.
I chose Jeremy Lin because I am a big fan of his.   First, his parents immigrated from Taiwan, which is where I came from.  I can sort of relate to him just because of his ancestry and likes and dislikes.  In some ways, he is someone just like me—a normal Taiwanese kid who has to do well in school, and follow his parents teaching.  Second, he is a fantastic basketball player who follows his interests, strives to excel and develop himself.  Third, he has a deep personal faith with God.  He is such a good example for all teenagers and a real idol to follow. He always gives thanks to God after every games.  He also loves to spread the gospel to people around him.  Fourth, he never changes his personality; and he is always  humble.  Fifth, Jeremy became a star much quicker than Yao-Ming, and made a bigger impact on his professional  team.
I hope people will learn something from this blog as the blog posts something new every time.  This blog will give the reader a  look at basketball through Asian eyes; show the different aspects of Jeremy Lin; and discover some interesting facts about his life and goals. I hope everyone enjoys my blog, and shares good ideas together!