Lin-derella Man

In a span of  two weeks, Jeremy Lin has transformed from "Just another

D-League player filling out an NBA roster" to international phenomenon.

And what better place to do it in than New York City?

On a February 3rd game against the struggling Boston Celtics, former Harvard superstar Jeremy Lin recorded 2 points & an assist.  Little did we know at the time that this would be the final game in which Lin's performance would not be placed under a microscope.  The very next game against Deron Williams & the New Jersey Nets was Jeremy's first chance to prove himself in "The Association" since joining Golden State as an undrafted free agent in July of 2010.  How did he do?  He ended New York's two game losing streak by putting up 25 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals.  Following the victory over New Jersey, the Harvard graduate then destroyed the Wiazrds with 28 points, followed by Utah when he put up 25.

In his first game against a "real defense" in front of a sold out Madison Square Garden crowd, the Palo Alto born point guard torched the Los Angeles Lakers for 38 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds.  He did all of this in 39 minutes of play.  Even after New York's win streak came to a sudden end Friday against New Orleans, the Asian-American superstar wasn't finished.  "Super Lintendo" then went crazy against defending champion Dallas by putting up 28 points & 14 assists.

Jeremy Lin's sudden rise to fame has come out of seemingly nowhere.  Can anyone honestly sit there and say that they saw this "Linsanity" era approaching?  Were there any signs?  2 points against Boston, then 25 against New Jersey?  In my humble opinion, this is simply a case of a talented player who never got a shot finally recieving an oppurtunity, and making the most of it. 

Jeremy Lin may have caught the eye of many college basketball experts after his 30 point, 9 rebound, 3 assist, and 3 steal performance against Connecticut.  Lin finished his final college season (2009-10) with averages of 16.4 ppg & 4.5 apg.  He also shot 52% from the field. 

In 2005-06, as a senior in high school, Jeremy Lin's team upset basketball powerhouse Mater Dei by four points.  This helped Palo Alto capture a CIF State Championship.  Lin finished the season as the Northern California Division II player of the year and was named to first-team All-State.

As for the media attention which he has been recieving, Tim Tebow can relate to that.  During a Saturday Night Live skit, many "Lin puns" were used.  However, the 23 year old seems to be handling all of the attention, whether positive or negative, extrememly well. 

Since Lin did begin shining when nobody seemed to expect, one only knows what his ceiling may be.  Is he simply a one hit wonder or a solid point guard for years to come?  His nine turnovers against the Hornets concerned me.  Towards the end of the game he seemed like he was trying to do too much as well.  Regardless of what happens with Jeremy Lin, "Lin Mania" will most likely never be forgotten by anyone who witnessed it. 

Clippers Look to Rebound Tonight vs 7-22 Wizards

After being exposed during a loss vs. Dallas, "Lob Angeles"

will try to rebound against a team that they have already blown out this

season.

Blake Griffin, yes the high flying superstar Blake Griffin, seemed rattled towards the end of Monday night's loss to the defending champions.  After missing five of his six foul shots during the fourth quarter, Griffin threw the ball away.  One of the rare qualities in Blake Griffin may be that he is a smart basketball player for his size & athleticism.  However, BG32 allowed the free throw misses to get inside his head, passed up an open shot, and committed a turnover when Shawn Marion picked off his poor pass.

With Griffin's struggles, Paul was unable to do anything against ruthless Dallas double teams.  The Clippers put together a mini rally at the end, but Caron Butler missed a three that would have put the Clippers ahead with three seconds remaining.  Delonte West hit the ensuing foul shots to preserve a 96-92 Maverick victory at the American Airlines Center.

Tonight, the Clippers take on a Wizard team that is coming off victories over Portland & Detroit.  Although most people believe the key matchup lies in John Wall vs. Chris Paul, it isn't that simple.  For Washington, I believe it boils down to how effective Jordan Crawford can be off the bench.  In their win against Portland Tuesday, Crawford lit up the Blazers for 21 points on 9 of 16 shoting off the bench.  For Los Angeles, how well can they play help defense.  With John Wall's ability to blow by defenders, the second man will need to halt him before he puts together another 29 & 9 performance like he did yesterday.





My Final Four (2/6/12)

Can Kentucky really be this good?

Current Final Four Predictions:  Kentucky, Ohio State, Missouri, and North Carolina

Kentucky:  Like I said in the description, can UK really be this talented?  Head and shoulders the best team in America, the Wildcats should have no problem at least getting to New Orleans.  A player that could very well win Player of the Year, Anthony Davis is the defensive presence coaches dream of.  Averaging 4.6 blocks per game, opposing players often think twice before bringing the ball inside when #23 is on the court.  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is turning heads as well.  Although he scored only one point during Saturday's win vs. LSU, the 6'7" freshman pulled down six rebounds.  To further prove my point, if you placed Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Anthony Davis, and Doron Lamb individually on any team, nine times out of ten they would easily be the best player.

This team is so talented that they have almost zero negatives or downside.  As long as defense remains their main objective, they should have no problem making the final four.

Ohio State:  After Jared Sullinger's 24 & 10 performance vs Wisconsin on Saturday, the Buckeyes remain one of the more talented teams in college basketball.  Him and Fort Wayne, Indiana native Deshaun Thomas provide a formidable matchup for any frontcourt in the nation. 

To be honest, I was sold on this team after they destroyed Duke by 22 points on November 29th.  William Buford will control this team's backcourt, as well as Aaron Craft.  6'4" Sophomore Lenzelle Smith Jr. will need to step up in a big way as well.  Smith Jr. proved that he was certainly capable when he lit the Hoosiers up for 28 points during a game on January 15th.

Missouri:  Missouri may be the most tournament ready team in the nation.  With a loaded started line up, the Tigers have four players averaging double figures.  Marcus Denmon, preseason All-American choice by many, has not disappointed a tad bit during the Tigers' 2011-12 ride to national relevance.  Did you forget about Kim English?  The 6'6" senior from Baltimore has averaged double digits in three of his four collegiate campaigns thus far.  

When Phil Pressey is at his best, Missouri can beat anyone in college basketball.  He is a playmaking guard who can change the game in an instant.  My only concern about this team is their lack of size underneath.  For Frank Haith's sake, hopefully their backcourt excels to make up for their lack of size come tournament time.

North Carolina:  To say the Tar Heels confuse me would be an understatement.  Their loss in Rupp Arena is the only one of their defeats that anyone may have seen coming.  But losing 90-57 in Tallahassee?  This is the second most talented team in the country behind Calipari's Wildcats.  All of this team's problems should be solved by the time March rolls around.  UNC is much too talented to endure a surprise exit before the get to New Orleans.