Early Life and Education of Jeremy Lin: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jeremy Lin. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jeremy Lin is a Taiwanese-American professional basketball player currently playing for the New Taipei Kings. He rose to prominence in 2012 with the New York Knicks, leading a remarkable turnaround that became known as "Linsanity." Lin holds the distinction of being the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA and the first Asian American player to win an NBA championship, achieving this feat with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1976: Merger between the ABA and the NBA

The merger between the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA occurred in 1976, serving as a historical point for statistics referenced during Jeremy Lin's career.

1977: Individual turnovers began being tracked

In 1977, individual turnovers began being tracked, providing a historical context for statistics related to Jeremy Lin's performance.

1985: Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing

In 1985, the New York Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing, a point of reference used when assessing Jeremy Lin's impact on the team.

August 23, 1988: Jeremy Lin's Birth

On August 23, 1988, Jeremy Shu-How Lin was born. He is a Taiwanese-American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Won California Interscholastic Federation Division II state title

In 2006, during his senior year, Jeremy Lin captained Palo Alto High School and led them to a 32–1 record, winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division II state title.

2008: All-Ivy League Second Team

In 2008, during his sophomore season, Jeremy Lin averaged 12.6 points and was named to the All-Ivy League Second Team.

2009: All-Ivy League First Team

In 2009, during his junior year, Jeremy Lin was a consensus selection for the All-Ivy League First Team.

2010: Graduated from Harvard

In 2010, Jeremy Lin graduated from Harvard with a degree in economics and a 3.1 grade-point average.

February 2, 2012: Lin excels against New Jersey at the dawn of Linsanity

February 2, 2012 was two days before Jeremy Lin logged then-career highs against New Jersey at the dawn of Linsanity.

2012: Living Arrangements After Joining the Knicks

After joining the Knicks in 2012, Jeremy Lin initially slept on a couch in his brother's one-bedroom apartment in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. He later moved to a luxury condo in White Plains, New York, after his Knicks contract became guaranteed.

2012: Linsanity Trademarked

In 2012, Jeremy Lin trademarked the word "Linsanity" to prevent others from profiting from his likeness, after two others attempted to trademark the term in early February.

January 20, 2013: "Linsanity" Documentary Premieres

On January 20, 2013, the documentary film "Linsanity" about Jeremy Lin premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

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2014: Appearance in Free to Play Documentary

In 2014, Jeremy Lin appeared in "Free to Play", a documentary centered around Dota 2, where he described the game as a "way of life" that helped him connect with family and friends.

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October 2016: Donates to Harvard University

In October 2016, Jeremy Lin donated $1 million to Harvard University to support undergraduate financial aid and renovations to Lavietes Pavilion.

2016: Formation of J.Storm Dota 2 Team

In 2016, Jeremy Lin formed his own professional Dota 2 team, known as J.Storm.

2016: Lin Reflects on Linsanity and Race

In 2016, after returning to New York City, Jeremy Lin stated that "Linsanity" likely wouldn't have been as significant if he were of a different skin color, benefiting him in some ways, but also acknowledging that stereotypes created obstacles to getting opportunities.

February 1, 2020: CBA postpones season due to COVID-19

On February 1, 2020, the CBA postponed the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 2020: Donation and Stance Against Racism Related to COVID-19

In February 2020, Jeremy Lin donated ¥1 million (approximately $144,370) to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out against racism related to the outbreak, emphasizing compassion and empathy.

April 2020: Donates to COVID-19 Relief Efforts

In April 2020, Jeremy Lin donated $500,000 to Direct Relief and Feeding America to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pledged to match donations up to an additional $500,000 and encouraged unity in an article for The Players' Tribune.

May 2020: Speaks Out Against Anti-Asian Racism

During an NBA Together Virtual Roundtable in May 2020, Jeremy Lin further spoke out against anti-Asian racism, urging empathy, thoughtful communication, and calling out ignorant behavior.

May 2020: Knicks Re-broadcast Linsanity Games

In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knicks re-broadcast a week of Linsanity games on the MSG Network, aiming to uplift New York City during a difficult time.