Linsanity Phase Two: Is Jeremy Lin the Real Deal?

A number a weeks ago, I posted an article discussing the character traits of a true champion in our society. I extolled Jeremy Lin, the Knicks upstart point guard for demonstrating these qualities.

As fate would have it, the very next day, his coach, Mike D’Antonio who was responsible for giving Lin his chance on the court, resigned. Now, the question would be if Jeremy Lin would continue to start and if not, how Mr. Lin would face this new and unexpected challenge.

The type of hero I envision will face a variety of challenges and daunting tasks on his way to achieving his or her goals. The journey will not be an easy one; however, the achievement reached in accomplishing the task that lies ahead is well worth the struggle fought to get there.

The heroes’ goal is an honorable one, one that will benefit his people and people far beyond his reach. This is why he is looked upon as a person of great character, strength, and courage. He or she accepts these impediments, prepares for them, and using his or her skills and knowledge, looks at them as opportunities rather than obstacles. This is a very difficult task and calls upon the very best society can offer up. Often our hero comes from out of humble conditions, adding to his or her universal appeal.

Of course the attributes I am discussing go beyond the world of sports reaching into the world of business, education, government, science; wherever people interact with other individuals to make progress come about.

Will Jeremy Lin hold up to the new pitfalls headed his way? Will he adapt to a new system of play or will move on to another team he feels more suited for? Will he remain noble in his acceptance of his fate, or will he cry “unfair” and blame others for his dilemma? Will he give up after so many attempts to establish himself as player of note or will he adjust and practice harder to improve upon his weaknesses? Can he persevere and find the strength and courage to stand back up after what appears to be another knock down, or will fade away leaving his fans and team mates behind with fond memories of a magical seven game stretch?

The answers are becoming clear after Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Seventy 76ers who are leading their division in the standings. Lin has improved his game, working on driving to the left as well as the right side of the court. He has stopped making as many turnovers, after hours of practice learning to keep control of the ball. He studies films of the games and improves upon the weaknesses his opponents have capitalized on.

Moreover, he still gets up when he is shoved, pushed, jabbed or knocked to the floor. He doesn’t grumble about the unnecessary rough play or protest a ref’s call. He just gets back up on his feet, shakes it off, and plays with even more desire. He is determined to do and be his very best and he brings that out in others around him.

Lin gets the points when the team needs him. He doesn’t fade out in the fourth period when fatigue and exhaustion set in after three quarters of hard play. In a close finish, when every basket makes the difference between winning and losing, Lin is there with a lay up between two hulking opposing players or at the foul line with clean, swishing, free throws from the line. His perfectly arched down court lob passes are as close to perfection as you can expect from a player his size.  The beautiful leaping lay ups and dunks completed by Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire andTyson Chandler bring Knicks fans to their feet cheering, attesting to accuracy and grace of those outlet lobs. Jeremy Lin comes through when you are down and out and you need him the most. That is what a true Champion does. That is why there are so few and that is why we regard them as we do when they emerge from amongst us.

Lin has brought the team up to another level. Where I expected selfish “run and gun” basketball I see passes to open players. In place of three point attempts over and over again, I see a team playing together, supporting each other, communicating, and achieving great success. I am happy to say, that Jeremy Lin has surpassed my expectation and risen to another level both in his game and in his personal life.

He has passed the test and now can expect to receive the recognition he has earned through this hard work, his perseverance, his drive to help others improve, and his unselfish attitude toward his teammates. We need individuals like Jeremy Lin to show us what we as individuals can do when we put our minds to it.  Leaders and individuals from all walks of life should watch him closely to discover what is needed to make positive changes in a society that is in desperate need of a hero.