If I asked you what NBA star holds the record for most points scored in his first five starts, you might guess Lebron, Kobe, Shaq, Johnson, Bird, Durant, Jordon, or so many others. Of course, you’d be wrong because the record was just set, this past week, by a kid named Jeremy Lin. Every now and then, a story like this comes along, and a BLArticle™ just writes itself.
What? You’ve never heard of Jeremy Lin? You’re in good company. Jeremy Lin, an undersized, unwanted basketball player, went undrafted this past summer in the NBA draft and was cut from the two NBA teams he tried out for. He came out of that mecca of future NBA stars called Harvard, and then went on to play for the Reno Bighorns and Erie Bayhawks.
But in a few short weeks, things have changed for Jeremy Lin. It all began when New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was getting his team ready to play the New Jersey Nets, and he found he was literally running out of players. He was missing his top two players, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, and he made a quick decision to sign Lin for a paltry sum from the NBA’s development league. Lin signed to a standard ten-day contract. He doesn’t possess the basketball pedigree those around him do, but after being overlooked for a period of time, he was given a second chance.
After two straight victories, and some gaudy scoring numbers for Lin, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled into Madison Square Garden to see for themselves what all the talk was about. A somewhat amused Kobe Bryant told the press, “Well, he’s got to deal with me now.” Lin did just fine leading the Knicks to victory scoring 38 points, dishing out seven assists, grabbing four rebounds, and two steals. After the game, a bewildered Kobe seemed to have a sincere change of heart: “It’s a testament to perseverance and hard work. A good example for kids everywhere.” That’s an understatement. Jeremy Lin has captured the imagination of an entire nation.
This “Jerry Lin” phenomenon reminds me of a story that took place about 80 years ago, when an undersized, unwanted horse was claimed for a paltry sum, and given a second chance. He did not possess the classic pedigree the other horses around him possessed. However, this horse made the most of the opportunity he was given, and he was beloved. If this horse was racing, the track set attendance records.
The other night, the Knicks pulled into Minnesota, once again without their two high priced superstars, and the Timberwolves fans broke an eight-year attendance record to witness “Lin-Sanity.” They cheered wildly every time Lin touched the ball, and seemed strangely satisfied to watch the Knicks win their fifth straight game with Lin at the helm.
That horse’s name was Seabiscuit, and when he was given a true opportunity to be great, he captured the imagination of an entire nation. Why? Because at that time in our history, are country was struggling through hard economic times, and we desperately needed something to believe in. We could all identify with another soul that was down and out, suddenly given a second chance, and able to take that opportunity to really shine. That muddy colored, crooked leg horse was just the kind of inspirational athlete the country needed. In fact this horse was actually an athlete people could identify with.
In a similar way, Jeremy Lin is an athlete that a bruised and battered nation can identify with. He has been given the second chance so many of us dream of, and he’s succeeding in a way that makes rooting for him almost like rooting for ourselves.
We are a nation starving for more inspirational examples like Jeremy Lin. Stories like this gently remind us to believe. They remind us to believe in our talent, even if an opportunity to put this talent on display isn’t directly in front of us. We need to believe in ourselves and if we stay true to the talents we possess, an opportunity will present itself. When that opportunity appears, we will have our chance to show the world the gifts we possess. We need to believe it’s not a question of “if this will happen,” but “when this will happen.”
In the book, Seabiscuit, when pressed by a reporter about the lack of size in his horse, Jockey Red Pollard responded by quoting Shakespeare: “Though he be but little, he is fierce.” You can see that fierceness in Jeremy Lin’s eyes when he plays, and that’s what attracts an adoring public to catch even a glimpse of this basketball player. Stay fierce, my friends…
Rob,
That’s awesome. I have heard his name on the news but immediately turned the dial in my head. I think I might watch, for the 1st time EVER a basketball game if he is playing.
Everyone loves the underdog.
I am sure you knew this one would get my attention Rob. The Lin story is just the shot in the arm that the NBA needed. Great job writing it up by the way- its good reading.
One thing to keep in mind, to even be considered for the NBA you have to be a phenom, gifted with physical ability and blessed with incredible ball handling talent, literally an all-star at every playing level below the NBA. So I am not completely surprised to see this happen to an NBA “benchwarmer”. The real story may be the obstacles and the bias he has had to overcome to get to the NBA. No mistake about it, his impact has been remarkable and I hope it continues! I’ll even be watching the Knicks when I can now along with everyone else who loves to pull for the underdog.
Rob,
Thanks for the reminder of something great that is happening in a time when miracles are most revered. I was reading Sports Illustrated this morning about this amazing individual and story and the recent rise of Tim Tebow. It seems that our country needs hope and faith, not just in economic and political matters, but more importantly in the human spirit.
Again, thanks for your reminder of the importance of these small but impacting victories.
The Jeremy Lin story just goes to show the possibiity of rising above the criticism of others whose banter is just that: totally unfounded in subbstance. The world would be a better place if those have-nots would cherish their lives and seek to accomplish for themselves instead of put down others for accomplishing or seeking their dreams. There is a lot of energy expended: why not for a positive means?
‘SHADES’ – OF GRANTLAND RICE and RED SMITH, ROB!
WITH THIS BLArticle – THEY HAVE NOTHING ON YOU!!
GREAT MOTIVATIONAL EFFORT!!!
I’D SEND THIS IN – TO A BUNCH OF OTHER SPORTS SOURCES – ESPN, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, NBA, NCAA,
NFL, AAU, WASHINGTON POST, AP, MLB, etc., etc.
THIS DESERVES EXPOSURE!!!
JM
“C. T.”
Another beauifully written BLarticle, Rob! I will say though, I don’t believe the word “hero” is quite correct – I would say that Jeremy Lin and Seabiscuit are more “inspirations” then heroes. Why? Basketball is Jeremy Lin’s JOB – racing was Seabiscuit’s JOB. They excel at their jobs. I excel at mine, but I don’t consider myself a hero. You excel at yours – many best-selling books, always in demand, opening for Presidents and other notables….do you consider yourself a hero for being at the top of your profession? There is no doubt that to your audiences (and your friends), you are an inspiration .Our men and women in the military, the police, firefighters, EMT’s, all of our folks on the front line…THEY are heroes. You and I, Jeremy Lin, Seabiscuit, etc.etc….we aren’t heroes. We are just good at our jobs.
Well one of my rules that I try and follow is to leave the comments for those kind enough to not just read what I’ve written, but submit a reaction to it. I’m so grateful when you do. But I have to comment on my friend Caroline’s comment. It is so on target! What an insightful suggestion. The word is “inspiration” not “hero.” I may go back and actually change it, but if not, I can assure you, I learned from it. What a strong, BLArticle™ lesson for us all.
I love this BLArticle™, Rob! It makes me want to work hard to be an inspiration to those around me – my family, my friends, my team members, and perhaps even the larger world around me. Keep believing!
‘Inspiration’ is a great word. What does it take to inspire someone to reach inside themselves, despite the odds and the naysayers, to go on to achieve their goal? Where does inspiration come from? That bandy legged little horse had heart. Is an inspirational person one who has the heart to excel? Or is an inspirational person someone like our friend Rob who makes us look inside ourselves and strive to reach for the proverbial stars.