Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Jeremy Lin, The AAT-Sensation

I followed Jeremy Lin a bit. But I don't try to watch him because he seems to mess up. LOL. Kidding aside, he is a sensation. I watched basketball since 1982 (thanks Carolyn Rowland) so I missed Billy Ray Bates and his short run in Portland.  I have to say in looking at Jeremy, he always looks like he is going to get injured when he drives to the basket. There is nothing that really stands out about him accept his height of 6'3?  He knows how to play 5 on 5 basketball. But he couldn't play 3 on 3, 2 on 2, and 1 one 1 like they do in those in those pre-draft drills or summer camps in the NBA. Hence, him not being drafted. In short, he is a talent evaluator on the floor. He knows what he can do and what the guys on the floor can do. Everyone talks about what will happen when Melo comes back. I say just watch.

He really reminds of those willowy figured players from the 70's players like Westphal and Dandridge (Please put him in the Hall of Fame).  I'm sure Roy Williams is mad at himself for that one as well as the ACC. I think its good though that he went to Harvard not because of lack of talent but that he learned to score within the offense and the teams that surrounded him. Dean Smith said that any player can score 30 points by himself but can he score 30 through five guys. He can.

His problem is that he didn't create his own scoring. He was too unselfish. I think unlike the 70's skinny guys of Walker, LaGarde, Lamp, Dunleavy, and others before him, he has minor leagues in mid-season like the D-League to develop his one on one, two on two, and 3 on 3 game. Likewise, with dedicated coaches like Eric Musselman who are concerned about player development, he has gotten physically stronger and willing to attack the inside paint more with attitude. Keith Smart too when he was with the Warriors with the no-foul rule.

I think what will make him a great player in the NBA, however, is that he doesn't blame other minorities for his problems and troubles.  Regardless of his religion and belief, Jeremy is a not a pagan convert that puts down others. A true follower of God.

Let that be a lesson to all.