Jeremy Lin’s ‘Linsanity’ Sheds Light on Enigmatic Figure

The magic of the documentary "Linsanity" isn't so much that it captures the stranger-than-fiction rise of Jeremy Lin from basketball nobody to NBA stardom.

It's that it makes you feel as if you could be watching someone you know -- a brother, cousin, best friend -- and that the moments being captured are as authentic as the New York Knicks jersey hanging from Lin's shoulders.

"Lin is shown in the soon-to-be-released movie (January 20th) cherishing a 'Lion King' blanket from childhood. He celebrates finding a heavily discounted mini-water fountain for his apartment. He sings for a roomful of friends and family -- and he's awful," according to the Los Angeles Times.

Of course, few would care had Lin not captured the world's attention with his stirring run of performances for the Knicks in February 2012.

Lin speaks extensively about the importance of his religious faith, but that subject does not dominate the film.

Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin

By the time he took the sports world by storm, the filmmakers were fully embedded, recording behind-the-scenes footage -- including a telling interview the night before he joined the Knicks -- that would have been journalistic gold back then, according to Newsday. Therein is a problem for the film: timing. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and only now is ready for its theatrical and VOD release.

Lin -- the middle child of Taiwanese immigrants -- started playing basketball at his local YMCA at a young age. He became a top player at Palo Alto High School, and was named team captain his senior year -- the same year he and his teammates captured the state title. In addition to being a strong athlete, Lin also excelled at his studies, earning high marks in all of his classes. He served as the editor of his high school newspaper and worked as an intern for California senator Joe Simitian for a summer.

Despite his prowess on the court, Lin couldn't land a basketball scholarship for college. He attended Harvard University, where he became a force to be reckoned with on their basketball team. During his four years there, Lin played 115 games and averaged 12.9 points per game, and was named to the All-Ivy League First Team in his final two years. As one of the only Asian-American players in his division, life on the court wasn't always easy for Lin. Both fans and competitors hurled racist slurs at him, but he did not let these nasty comments deter him, according to biography.com.

He signed with the Golden State Warriors for the 2010-2011 season. After two rejections, Lin ended up with the New York Knicks for the next season. There he quickly became a basketball phenomenon, helping the team secure a string of wins in February 2012.

Once in danger of being cut from the team, Lin has become one of the sport's most sought-after stars. His original contract was only for $762,195, but he received a $25.l million offer from the Houston Rockets in July 2012, according to biography.com.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.