LinSanity
 

            Jeremy Lin has replaced Tebow and Whitney as news items. His miraculous rise to the top of sports has brought fame to him, along with probably monetary gain.

            His story is an unlikely one. His recognition as having a superior talent was slow in coming. It should not have been.

            For four years he starred at Harvard. Following college he received a contract from the San Francisco Warriors, but was waived-without a fair opportunity to play. He was picked up by the Houston Rockets, but again was waived.

            Finally, the New York Knicks picked him and sent him to the Minor League, returned him and sat him at the end of the bench. After a series of fortuitous events, on February 4, 2012 Lin began his upward march. Coach Mike D’Antoni started him at point guard. Against the New Jersey Nets he scored 25 points, five rebounds and seven assists, in a 99-92 victory.

            Carmelo Anthony suggested that Lin should play more. And he has. On February 10, he scored 38 points and had seven assists against Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers.    On February 19, in a 104-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, last year’s NBA champs, Lin had 28 points with 14 assists and five steals.

            It has been said that the success of any endeavor usually is impeded by a wall of obstacles. Just ask Jeremy Lin.

            Lin was born in the USA but his parents are natives of Taiwan. He learned to play basketball at the Palo Alto YMCA: In High School, he led his team to the CIF championship and was chosen player of the year.

            He wanted to play for Stanford or UCLA but they were not interested. He finally chose Harvard and graduated with a degree in economics. His college career was outstanding. He was chosen for the All-Ivy League First Team.

            Jim Calhoun, Hall of Fame Connecticut coach, said of Lin: “I’ve seen a lot of teams come through here and he could play for any of them.”

            Lin’s Asian heritage has caused him to be mocked and ridiculed because of his looks and Asian stereotypes. However, when he plays the Asian crowd increases dramatically. Then came February 4, and his rise to stardom has been meteoric.

            The Associated Press called Lin “the most surprising story in the NBA.” His jersey number is selling in the thousands. His picture and story are on every magazine.

            Lin would one day like to be a Christian pastor. He is an evangelical Christian and would like to work with inner city young people.

            Lin’s story reminds us that we should never judge people by first appearances. Also that race is a poor criterion for anything. Whatever he does in the future, the year 2012 will be remembered in basketball lore.

            I have followed the exploits of Kyle Maynard for several years. He was born on March 24, 1986 with a condition known as congenital amputation that has left him with arms that end at the elbows and legs that end near his knees.

            His story begins as an 11 year old that dreamed of wrestling. This March he will be 26. He lost every match for a year and a half. But, he has an iron will that enabled him to win 36 varsity matches his senior year in high school; in spite of his limitations.

            Kyle’s parents-Scott and Anita –always insisted that he learn skills that would make him independent.

            Kyle learned to feed and dress himself. He also is able to drive a car with several adaptations. He is especially proud and appreciative of his grandparents and three sisters: Amber, Lindsay and MacKenzie. He says, “We are extremely close. In fact, the girls have always been very protective of me.”

            Following High School, he attended the University of Georgia and competed against other schools-successfully.

            Obviously Kyle is a celebrity, having appeared on the Oprah show, Larry King Show, ABC 20/20, Good Morning America, and the CBS Early Show.

            He has written a best seller book, “No Excuses” and started several fitness centers. He won the 2004 ESPY Award for being the best athlete with a disability. Kyle’s status as a Mixed Martial Arts winner is also well known.

            Perhaps his number one priority at this time is his work with other handicapped people, particularly those who have been injured in Iraq or Afghanistan.

            Those who know him best speak of his perseverance, his competiveness and his compassion for others. A documentary, “A Fighting Chance” was released in 2010 and chronicles Kyle’s life and his pursuit of excellence.

            JEREMY LIN (23) AND KYLE MAYNARD (26) ARE GREAT EXAMPLES FOR OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FIND SUCCESS EVASIVE AND DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.