Jeremy Lin breaks out in New York, takes Linsanity to Houston

You know you’re a big deal when a catch phrase bearing your name becomes a part of pop culture vernacular. Like “Tebowing” from a year earlier, the same phenomenon took place in New York when a virtually unknown guard named Jeremy Lin burst onto the scene with the Knicks. In just a matter of days, “Linsanity” was born.

Lin had been working towards his NBA dream for nearly three years. His pro career (at least in the United States) was precariously heading towards the edge of oblivion. But then a happenstance opportunity allowed Lin to get some playing time on February 3 against the Celtics. Lin impressed head coach Mike D’Antoni and earned a start the next night against the Nets. In that game, he 25 points, five rebounds and seven assists. That led to a record-breaking string of seven games with at least 20 points and seven assists. No other player had ever accomplished that feat in his first five starts. New York went 6-0 in his first six starts.

At the end of the season, the Knicks surprisingly didn’t match an offer by the Houston Rockets. Lin left for Houston and a four-year $28.8 million dollar contract. It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Lin who is doing his best to remain even-keeled and consistent in his faith.

“I’ve always been a low-key person,” Lin told FCA Magazine. “I don’t need to be talked about all the time. Whatever happens, I’m OK with it. I understand this is a platform God has given me. I’m a steward, not an owner. I can’t control how big the platform becomes. I just have to make sure I conduct myself in a way that pleases Him.