As he sat on a couch in the coach's office at Palo Alto High School in Northern California, the walls festooned with aged, curling photos of teams from 50 and 60 years ago, Jeremy Lin understood the importance of his contract with the Golden State Warriors. After all, his new deal meant as much to him as it did to the Asian community that has been rooting for him.
But he's chosen to narrow his focus.
"I understand my unique situation," said Lin, who, as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard, signed a two-year deal with Golden State last week. "But I am playing because I love the game. I am not playing for other fans. I don't think that is the right approach to the game. I appreciate everything they do, and I totally appreciate that support -- I really do. But when I step on the floor it is going to be because I love the game, pure and simple.
"When I put that pressure of pleasing everybody else, the Asian community and every other Asian, that's when I lose my joy for playing the game and that is when it's not fun for me anymore because I am playing for the wrong reasons," added Lin, the son of Taiwanese immigrants. "It is impossible to please everybody."
It is interesting to see a player like Lin in these early days of fame. After a solid summer league performance in Las Vegas with the Mavericks, the versatile guard drew interest from other teams, including the Warriors and Lakers. And Golden State, which recently traded C.J. Watson to Chicago and was in need of a backup for Stephen Curry, gave Lin a partially guaranteed contract.
Suddenly, he is being interviewed on national television shows. His parents -- both computer engineers -- are being called by journalists inquiring about his upbringing, and the Warriors are creating a marketing campaign designed specifically for him.
"Just my whole story is so unique," Lin said. "Not only Asian-American, I'm from Harvard, from the Bay Area, I was virtually unknown coming into the draft scene. Not once -- never -- was I on anybody's draft board coming in. Everyone just kind of removed me from the picture once the season ended. My emergence was so sudden."
It was sudden, but perhaps overdue. As a high school senior in 2006, he averaged 15 points, seven assists, six boards and five steals, leading underdog Palo Alto to a state championship over Mater Dei, a team stacked with future NBA talents.
In his senior year at Harvard, Lin averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals and was unanimously selected for the All-Ivy League First Team. And his 30-point, nine-rebound performance against 12th-ranked Connecticut had Huskies coach Jim Calhoun saying, "I've seen a lot of teams come through here, and he could play for any of them."
But for Lin, who still drives around in his beat-up Ford Taurus with dents spattered on the driver's side, going pro, he says, is "surreal." Especially with his hometown Warriors.
He often thinks back to 2007 when he was sitting in his Harvard dorm room. The Warriors completed their "We Believe" defeat of the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs -- the first No. 8 seed to beat a top seed in a seven-game series -- and only he was there to jump up and down in celebration.
How interesting, then, that his choice of where to play in the league came down to those two teams, and the Warriors won out again.
"Well, we'll see," Lin said. "I have not done anything in the NBA yet. Who knows? If my career is terrible, maybe it will be the Dallas Mavericks who won."
You do not hear too many NBA players talk like this, seeds of self-doubt occasionally sprouting. You also rarely hear this sentence: "I compare myself to [Suns backup point guard] Goran Dragic."
Lin may have been a slashing shooting guard at Harvard, but he will have to return to playing point in the NBA, a position he last played in high school. Adding strength and a consistent jump shot and improving his defense and knowledge of the game are musts for every NBA rookie. And Lin is no exception.
But he will also have to reconcile his beliefs with the NBA lifestyle. A non-denominational Christian, he speaks openly of playing for the glory of God, of one day becoming a pastor who can head up non-profit organizations, either here or abroad.
Lin said that when he showed up to play in the Mavericks' mini-camp, he was handed a jersey with the No. 7, God's number, which represents Divine completion.
"I was like, 'Wow, that's interesting,' " Lin said. "Deep down inside, that was God's way of reminding me he was there with me."
But Lin also has heard the stories about the NBA -- reckless spending, women and drugs.
"I know there is a lot of temptation out there and I have heard about the NBA lifestyle," Lin said. "I am not saying I am better than anybody else, but I am going to try to live the way I have always lived and try not to change just because I am in the NBA."
That mini-camp is where Lin really started to believe he was capable of playing at the NBA level. He sensed it at the pre-draft camp in Portsmouth, Va. It was validated as he went around the country participating in individual workouts and discovered time after time that he was as good as, and sometimes better than, the players against whom he was competing.
Still, that was not translating to recognition.
"I thought there were several workouts where I played very well and it just seemed like nobody noticed or cared," Lin said. "I was very confused at times. I'd call my agent and say I was easily the best one in this workout, and no one seemed to care. Deep down inside I believed in myself and it started to show at summer league."
That's when Lin matched up against Wizards point guard John Wall, the top pick in the draft. Everyone in the gym stopped to watch Wall, and they couldn't help but notice the Asian kid who was playing pretty well against him.
That's when the calls began coming in to his agent and this strange journey began. It remains to be seen where it will go.
"I still need to prove I can play in the NBA," Lin said, "and I have not proved that yet."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Warriors sign undrafted free agent Lin
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Jeremy Lin took a seat in a small room in front of an array of television crews, photographers and print media on Wednesday afternoon. He'd never seen anything like that at Harvard.
"This is unbelievable," Lin said after the Golden State Warriors signed the undrafted free agent guard. "I've never been part of something like this."
He became the first Asian-American player signed by the Warriors since 1947. In an area with a large Asian population, Lin becomes an instant celebrity.
"I consider myself a basketball player more than an Asian-American," said the Bay Area native. "I'm ready to play at this level and I appreciate the support of the Asian community. This is a dream come true. I always wanted to be in the NBA and now I get to do it with the Warriors, the team I grew up watching."
The 21-year-old Lin averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game as a senior at Harvard. The season was highlighted by a 30-point, nine-rebound performance against Connecticut.
Lin is from nearby Palo Alto. He led Palo Alto High School to a state championship in 2006.
"This has not sunk in yet," he said. "I've had a lot to think about the last 12 hours and I still can't get my head around it. Growing up I had my Latrell Sprewell poster and Joe Smith jersey."
Lin became a prospect during his final year with the Crimson and furthered his worth playing with the Dallas Mavericks' summer league team in Las Vegas.
Mavericks president of basketball operations Donn Nelson called Lin before the NBA draft and offered him the opportunity to play in the league. He was originally scheduled to play in the San Francisco Pro-Am League.
"Donn Nelson took care of me," Lin said. "He invited me to July 4th festivities, brought me to Dallas for a 10-day training camp and went out of his way."
Lin became the first Ivy League player to record 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists and 200 steals. He finished his college career as Harvard's all-time leader in games played (115) and fifth in points with 1,483 points.
"I understand there are not many Asians in the NBA and there are not many Ivy Leaguers in the NBA," Lin said. "Maybe I can help break the stereotype."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
"This is unbelievable," Lin said after the Golden State Warriors signed the undrafted free agent guard. "I've never been part of something like this."
He became the first Asian-American player signed by the Warriors since 1947. In an area with a large Asian population, Lin becomes an instant celebrity.
"I consider myself a basketball player more than an Asian-American," said the Bay Area native. "I'm ready to play at this level and I appreciate the support of the Asian community. This is a dream come true. I always wanted to be in the NBA and now I get to do it with the Warriors, the team I grew up watching."
The 21-year-old Lin averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game as a senior at Harvard. The season was highlighted by a 30-point, nine-rebound performance against Connecticut.
Lin is from nearby Palo Alto. He led Palo Alto High School to a state championship in 2006.
"This has not sunk in yet," he said. "I've had a lot to think about the last 12 hours and I still can't get my head around it. Growing up I had my Latrell Sprewell poster and Joe Smith jersey."
Lin became a prospect during his final year with the Crimson and furthered his worth playing with the Dallas Mavericks' summer league team in Las Vegas.
Mavericks president of basketball operations Donn Nelson called Lin before the NBA draft and offered him the opportunity to play in the league. He was originally scheduled to play in the San Francisco Pro-Am League.
"Donn Nelson took care of me," Lin said. "He invited me to July 4th festivities, brought me to Dallas for a 10-day training camp and went out of his way."
Lin became the first Ivy League player to record 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists and 200 steals. He finished his college career as Harvard's all-time leader in games played (115) and fifth in points with 1,483 points.
"I understand there are not many Asians in the NBA and there are not many Ivy Leaguers in the NBA," Lin said. "Maybe I can help break the stereotype."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Inaugural SPARQ Rating National Championships July 8th 2010
June 29, 2010
Tim Tebow scored a 96.92. So far this year, the highest score is
127.86. Who will beat it? On July 8th, the 25 fastest, strongest, most
explosive players in high school football will clash at the inaugural
SPARQ Rating National Championship at Nike Worldwide Headquarters.
For the past six months, Nike Football and SPARQ have been going across
the country hunting for the top high school football athletes,
measuring the athleticism of football players through a series of
drills and tests geared toward the sport - the 40-yard dash, agility
shuttle, kneeling ball toss and vertical jump.
The 25 highest-rated athletes will report to Nike’s campus in
Beaverton, Oregon all with the same goal in mind – to be crowned the
SPARQ Rating National Champion. The competition will be headlined and
emceed by Heisman Trophy winner and Denver rookie Tim Tebow, who had
this to say about the event, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the SPARQ
Rating National Championship because it celebrates the nation’s best
football athletes and all the hard work they have put in this
off-season.”
Who is the country’s most elite high school football athlete? We’ll
soon know. Stay tuned for news and updates about this first-ever, one
of a kind event.
Story via Nike Football
Tim Tebow scored a 96.92. So far this year, the highest score is
127.86. Who will beat it? On July 8th, the 25 fastest, strongest, most
explosive players in high school football will clash at the inaugural
SPARQ Rating National Championship at Nike Worldwide Headquarters.
For the past six months, Nike Football and SPARQ have been going across
the country hunting for the top high school football athletes,
measuring the athleticism of football players through a series of
drills and tests geared toward the sport - the 40-yard dash, agility
shuttle, kneeling ball toss and vertical jump.
The 25 highest-rated athletes will report to Nike’s campus in
Beaverton, Oregon all with the same goal in mind – to be crowned the
SPARQ Rating National Champion. The competition will be headlined and
emceed by Heisman Trophy winner and Denver rookie Tim Tebow, who had
this to say about the event, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the SPARQ
Rating National Championship because it celebrates the nation’s best
football athletes and all the hard work they have put in this
off-season.”
Who is the country’s most elite high school football athlete? We’ll
soon know. Stay tuned for news and updates about this first-ever, one
of a kind event.
Story via Nike Football
Monday, July 12, 2010
Jesse Jackson faults Cavs owner's LeBron comments
CHICAGO (AP) -- Jesse Jackson criticized Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on Sunday, saying Gilbert sees LeBron James as a "runaway slave'' and that the owner's comments after the free-agent forward decided to join the Miami Heat put the player in danger.
Shortly after James announced his decision last week, Gilbert fired off an incendiary letter to Cleveland's fans, ripping the 25-year-old and promising to deliver a title before James wins one. He called James' decision "cowardly'' and later told The Associated Press he believes James quit during a handful of Cavaliers playoff games.
"He has gotten a free pass,'' Gilbert told the AP in a phone interview late Thursday night. "People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.''
Jackson said Gilbert's comments were "mean, arrogant and presumptuous.''
"He speaks as an owner of LeBron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers,'' the reverend said in a release from his Chicago-based civil rights group, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. "His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship - between business partners - and LeBron honored his contract.''
Messages were left Sunday night seeking comment from Gilbert, the Cavaliers and James.
Jackson also called Gilbert's comments an attack on all NBA players and said the owner should face a "challenge'' from the league and the players' association.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank declined comment.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Shortly after James announced his decision last week, Gilbert fired off an incendiary letter to Cleveland's fans, ripping the 25-year-old and promising to deliver a title before James wins one. He called James' decision "cowardly'' and later told The Associated Press he believes James quit during a handful of Cavaliers playoff games.
"He has gotten a free pass,'' Gilbert told the AP in a phone interview late Thursday night. "People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.''
Jackson said Gilbert's comments were "mean, arrogant and presumptuous.''
"He speaks as an owner of LeBron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers,'' the reverend said in a release from his Chicago-based civil rights group, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. "His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship - between business partners - and LeBron honored his contract.''
Messages were left Sunday night seeking comment from Gilbert, the Cavaliers and James.
Jackson also called Gilbert's comments an attack on all NBA players and said the owner should face a "challenge'' from the league and the players' association.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank declined comment.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Celtics, Pierce reach agreement
By Steve Bulpett | Friday, July 2, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce will remain a Celtic.
The club has reached agreement with its captain on a new contract, according to sources. The deal is for four years at $61 million with certain options for both sides after the first three.
The papers cannot be signed and the deal cannot be officially announced until next week.
Pierce opted out of the final year of his previous contract and became an unrestricted free agent at 12:01 Thursday. But he took that route with the intention of re-signing with the Celtics [team stats] in a deal that would help his own future and allow the club better maneuverability.
Pierce will in the 2010-11 season make significantly less that the $21,513,521 he was scheduled to receive. That will aid the Celtics’ position versus the luxury tax.
It’s important to note that, while the basic parameters of Pierce’s new contract (years, money) have been agreed upon in principle, there are still a number of details to be worked out — as one would expect when more than $60 million is involved.
There is no doubt the sides have achieved their main goal of keeping Pierce in Green, but the deal will gain more definitive shape before it can be signed next Thursday.
The team’s other big-name free agent, Ray Allen, has been contacted, but it remains to be seen what other type of interest he gets from NBA teams looking for a veteran shooter.
Nevertheless, Pierce’s return, on the heels of Doc Rivers’ decision to return as coach, means the Celtics are well on their way toward restoring most of the team that came up a game short in the NBA Finals in June.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1265319
Paul Pierce will remain a Celtic.
The club has reached agreement with its captain on a new contract, according to sources. The deal is for four years at $61 million with certain options for both sides after the first three.
The papers cannot be signed and the deal cannot be officially announced until next week.
Pierce opted out of the final year of his previous contract and became an unrestricted free agent at 12:01 Thursday. But he took that route with the intention of re-signing with the Celtics [team stats] in a deal that would help his own future and allow the club better maneuverability.
Pierce will in the 2010-11 season make significantly less that the $21,513,521 he was scheduled to receive. That will aid the Celtics’ position versus the luxury tax.
It’s important to note that, while the basic parameters of Pierce’s new contract (years, money) have been agreed upon in principle, there are still a number of details to be worked out — as one would expect when more than $60 million is involved.
There is no doubt the sides have achieved their main goal of keeping Pierce in Green, but the deal will gain more definitive shape before it can be signed next Thursday.
The team’s other big-name free agent, Ray Allen, has been contacted, but it remains to be seen what other type of interest he gets from NBA teams looking for a veteran shooter.
Nevertheless, Pierce’s return, on the heels of Doc Rivers’ decision to return as coach, means the Celtics are well on their way toward restoring most of the team that came up a game short in the NBA Finals in June.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1265319
Thursday, June 24, 2010
MIAA RESCINDS PENALTY IMPOSED
MIAA RESCINDS PENALTY IMPOSED
ON LYNN ENGLISH BASKETBALL COACH
Franklin, MA June 24, 2010 - A three member sub-committee of the Board of Directors has voted unanimously to rescind the 10 game suspension imposed on Lynn English Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton for recruiting violations.
Following is the sub-committee report on the hearing held on June 23rd and its decision:
In the matter of Lynn English High School appeal of the 10 game suspension of Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton.
The Rules and Regulations of the MIAA (MIAA Handbook rule 88.2) provide member schools an opportunity to appeal a District Committee decision. Such an appeal to a Sub-Committee of the MIAA Board of Directors (BOD) was made by Dr. Catherine Latham, Lynn Superintendent of Schools.
Attending the appeal held on June 23, 2010 at the MIAA Office were: Dr. Latham; Gary Molea (Lynn English Athletic Director); Thomas Iarrobino (Secretary to the Lynn School Committee); and Buzzy Barton. James Peters (Monson High School Principal) served as BOD Sub-Committee Chair, joined by Board Members Charles Lyons (Shawsheen RVT Superintendent/Director) and Francis Whitten (Algonquin Regional HS Athletic Director). Also participating were Dana Brown (District B Chairman and Malden High School Principal) who was Chair of the Committee which conducted the original hearing, and Dick Baker (MIAA Executive Staff Liaison to the Sub-Committee).
Dr. Latham testified first and apologized again for the previous actions of Lynn English representatives. Dr. Latham acknowledged that Lynn has no defense, and that the original penalty was a justified response to the admitted violation of the MIAA Recruiting Rule 44. She appreciated that the District decision did not penalize the team and expressed thanks to Mike Rubin, East Boston HS Principal, for his comments made at the District hearing, urging the Committee to penalize adults, and not the student participant.
Dr. Latham then outlined what she has done since the District hearing:
1. Suspended the Lynn English Principal for one (1) week without pay.
2. Assumed, with the Assistance of Gary Molea, the supervision/operation and management of the entire athletic program at Lynn English High School.
3. Met with all three (3) Lynn City Athletic Directors (Lynn English, Lynn Classical, & Lynn Tech) to inform them that she would not tolerate any violations of MIAA rules.
4. Met separately with each school Athletic Director and their coaches and provided each with an MIAA Handbook and stated all rules must be followed.
5. Has assigned Dennis Thompson, Health & Physical Education Director, and Thomas Iarrobino to work with her on overseeing any and all athletic issues in the city of Lynn.
Dr. Latham then stated her singular appeal was of the penalties assessed by the District Athletic Committee requiring a 10 game suspension of Buzzy Barton for the 2010-2011 season. She also reported that he had accepted his 2010 tournament penalty with dignity and class. Coach Barton will attend an MIAA Coaches’ Education Program prior to his return to coaching.
After hearing testimony from other attendees and posing questions, the BOD Sub-Committee voted the following:
1. Lynn English is to notify the MIAA (Dick Baker) upon the completion by Coach Barton of the MIAA Coaches’ Education Class.
2. Because of the actions and follow through of Lynn Superintendent, Dr. Latham, the Sub-Committee voted 3-0 to then lift the 10 game suspension of the Boys’ Head Basketball Coach.
www.miaa.net
# # # #
ON LYNN ENGLISH BASKETBALL COACH
Franklin, MA June 24, 2010 - A three member sub-committee of the Board of Directors has voted unanimously to rescind the 10 game suspension imposed on Lynn English Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton for recruiting violations.
Following is the sub-committee report on the hearing held on June 23rd and its decision:
In the matter of Lynn English High School appeal of the 10 game suspension of Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach Buzzy Barton.
The Rules and Regulations of the MIAA (MIAA Handbook rule 88.2) provide member schools an opportunity to appeal a District Committee decision. Such an appeal to a Sub-Committee of the MIAA Board of Directors (BOD) was made by Dr. Catherine Latham, Lynn Superintendent of Schools.
Attending the appeal held on June 23, 2010 at the MIAA Office were: Dr. Latham; Gary Molea (Lynn English Athletic Director); Thomas Iarrobino (Secretary to the Lynn School Committee); and Buzzy Barton. James Peters (Monson High School Principal) served as BOD Sub-Committee Chair, joined by Board Members Charles Lyons (Shawsheen RVT Superintendent/Director) and Francis Whitten (Algonquin Regional HS Athletic Director). Also participating were Dana Brown (District B Chairman and Malden High School Principal) who was Chair of the Committee which conducted the original hearing, and Dick Baker (MIAA Executive Staff Liaison to the Sub-Committee).
Dr. Latham testified first and apologized again for the previous actions of Lynn English representatives. Dr. Latham acknowledged that Lynn has no defense, and that the original penalty was a justified response to the admitted violation of the MIAA Recruiting Rule 44. She appreciated that the District decision did not penalize the team and expressed thanks to Mike Rubin, East Boston HS Principal, for his comments made at the District hearing, urging the Committee to penalize adults, and not the student participant.
Dr. Latham then outlined what she has done since the District hearing:
1. Suspended the Lynn English Principal for one (1) week without pay.
2. Assumed, with the Assistance of Gary Molea, the supervision/operation and management of the entire athletic program at Lynn English High School.
3. Met with all three (3) Lynn City Athletic Directors (Lynn English, Lynn Classical, & Lynn Tech) to inform them that she would not tolerate any violations of MIAA rules.
4. Met separately with each school Athletic Director and their coaches and provided each with an MIAA Handbook and stated all rules must be followed.
5. Has assigned Dennis Thompson, Health & Physical Education Director, and Thomas Iarrobino to work with her on overseeing any and all athletic issues in the city of Lynn.
Dr. Latham then stated her singular appeal was of the penalties assessed by the District Athletic Committee requiring a 10 game suspension of Buzzy Barton for the 2010-2011 season. She also reported that he had accepted his 2010 tournament penalty with dignity and class. Coach Barton will attend an MIAA Coaches’ Education Program prior to his return to coaching.
After hearing testimony from other attendees and posing questions, the BOD Sub-Committee voted the following:
1. Lynn English is to notify the MIAA (Dick Baker) upon the completion by Coach Barton of the MIAA Coaches’ Education Class.
2. Because of the actions and follow through of Lynn Superintendent, Dr. Latham, the Sub-Committee voted 3-0 to then lift the 10 game suspension of the Boys’ Head Basketball Coach.
www.miaa.net
# # # #
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
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