Last evening Loren and I had the opportunity to watch the New York Knicks face the Miami Heat in a showdown of two of the hottest teams in the NBA. For those of you who don’t follow basketball, the Knicks have recently been revitalized by not only the return of their superstar Carmelo Anthony, but the emergence of virtual unknown Jeremy Lin. Lin’s play at the point guard position has been easily THE STORY in the league this year, for a number of reasons.
Lin’s tale is one of utter determination and perseverance, and the unwavering belief that he would one day live his dreams. Lin played basketball at Harvard, where he received NO athletic scholarship, and later went undrafted in the NBA Draft. He was picked up by the Golden State Warriors after the draft, but was eventually cut from the squad. He experienced a similar situation with the Houston Rockets as well, and even ended up playing in China for a period.
Before this season began, the Knicks took a chance on Lin and designated him to the D-League (similar to the minor leagues in baseball). In just a few short weeks, the humble 23 year old has gone from a virtual unknown, playing for the Erie BayHawks in the D-League, to NBA starter – and he’s done it in amazing fashion. In Lin’s first 11 games for New York, he’s averaged close to 24 points and 9 assists, and has helped reenergize a great franchise.
His dazzling play has been an inspiration to many, and as the first American of Chinese / Taiwanese descent to play in the league, he is truly a one of a kind talent. Many people would have given up if they were in Lin’s shoes – after being ignored during the NBA Draft, and bounced around from team to team. But Lin was committed to his dream of playing in the NBA, and because of his determination and work ethic, he’s not only been able to accomplish this, but he’s well on his way to becoming a star in the NBA.
After last night’s game against the Heat, we had the opportunity to meet the Knicks’s point guard and budding superstar, Jeremy Lin. Meeting with him was a special treat, and one that we truly cherished -because Lin’s story is one that any entrepreneur could appreciate. The idea that one can make their dreams a reality through hard work, determination, and commitment is a notion that resonates with any entrepreneur. Jeremy Lin is living proof of that if you stay committed to your dreams, anything is possible!
I hope that his story will inspire each of you to work hard and stay committed to your dreams!
Keep Growing!
-JR