Photo credit of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/45958601@N02/6603236671/sizes/m/
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.
Jeremy is a good role model in his faith.
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