Thursday, February 16, 2012

What Jeremy Lin Can Teach Us

Jeremy Lin.  A name that most people had never heard of before three weeks ago.  The undrafted second-year player recently burst onto the scene with the New York Knicks, leading an under-achieving team to seven straight wins without two of their star players (Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony).  Before he got this opportunity, however, he had his hardships.

After winning a state championship in high school, Lin wasn't offered a scholarship by any Pac 10 teams, leaving him to play at Harvard.  In 2010, the Golden State Warriors signed Lin to a small deal but later waived him.  The Houston Rockets picked up Lin earlier this year then waived him as well, allowing Lin to tryout for a spot on the Knicks roster.  I think it's safe to say the Knicks got the steal of the decade with the signing of Lin.

The sensation surrounding Lin is very similar to the success that Tim Tebow had once he was named the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  Lin gives Americans hope that hard work does pay off and when when is given their opportunity, they must seize the moment.

Lin has fought through adversity that he never created himself.  Society creates these stereotypes that almost all of us see/associate ourselves with.  No matter how hard we try, stereotypes affect our lives whether we believe it or not.  Based on his past pedigree and ethnicity, Lin was never really given the chance he deserved.

Once the Knicks gave him that opportunity, he never let go, and that's why Lin has captured the hearts of thousands around the world.


http://bx.businessweek.com/sports-marketing/view?url=http://www.dwayneflinchum.com/2012/02/11/sports-heroes-building-brand-through-performance/


1 comment:

  1. Jimmy - Great post on Jeremy Lin. How do you think Lin's story is helping the image of the Knicks? It interesting to see how sports figures like Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin draw more fans to sports teams. Obviously, it can work both ways. If sports figures maintain a positive image, it can help the organization and vice versa.

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