Lin is the just the latest in a great year for Harvard Basketball.
Last year, few people were following Jeremy Lin’s professional basketball career, or lack thereof. He was undrafted and came from Harvard — a bad combination for someone seeking to play in the NBA. Fast-forward a few months, and now, all he does is “lin, lin, lin”. His recent show-stopping performances for the New York Knicks have led to “Lin-sanity,” a phenomenon that is beginning to spread beyond New York and into mainstream pop culture.
Terrible lin-spired puns aside, Jeremy Lin is beginning to establish himself as a potential star in professional basketball. Lin first made waves two weeks ago in the Knicks’ 99-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets. Lin practically came out of nowhere to score 25 points, far more than he had ever scored in a game previously. He made headlines again in perhaps his greatest performance thus far against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lin contributed a whopping 38 points to the Knicks’ 92-85 victory. However, the high score was not the only way Lin demonstrated his skill. Those watching the game could see how Lin was completely unfazed by superstar Kobe Bryant, the player who was expected to make headlines. Although a few high-scoring games could be considered a fluke on Lin’s part, it takes a certain level of talent and determination to be the underdog and block out one of the greatest players in the NBA for the win.
Most recently, the Knicks beat the Sacramento Kings 100-85. Lin finished strong with 10 points and 13 assists. Though this isn’t as spectacular as his game against the Lakers or as stunning as his buzzer-beater three-point shot to beat the Toronto Raptors, it does indicate that Lin is consistently playing well. If the Knicks’ new phenomenon keeps up his game, it could be the push New York needs to be contenders in the NBA championship.
Lin-sanity has also taken Harvard by storm. At a school where few graduates become big names in sports, it is no surprise that Lin’s performance and basketball in general are growing in popularity. The recent success of the Harvard basketball team has also contributed to this, having made it into the Top-25. Between Lin’s rapid rise and the success of Harvard’s basketball and football teams, it has been a very good year for Harvard athletics.
If Lin continues to play well, it will mean more than just success for the Knicks. Harvard’s claim to a potential superstar could offer an oft-mocked athletics program legitimacy. Because Lin shows no signs of faltering, he is likely to make the transition from breakout player to a major force in professional basketball.
Michael Altman ’14 (maltman@college) is all about #LINFTW.
