Jeremy Lin Wasn't Ready for 'Linsanity,' More a Private Person
Breakout NBA star Jeremy Lin has admitted that he was not ready for the fame and glory that would come following his rise from the bench to pivotal player on the New York Knicks teams.
"Just not being able to go anywhere (was difficult)," Lin told FOX Sports Florida in an interview on Wednesday.
"I'm a more private person so I get like nervous. It's kind of scary when I go out and people recognize me and stuff… It took some getting used to," the point guard added.
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Following a March injury Lin underwent surgery for a chronic meniscus tear and says that things have since settled down.
"It's settled down. Not as much stuff going on, not getting pulled in as many different directions, and just learning how to say no, and learning how to weed people out and things like that."
As one of the few Asian-Americans in NBA history and the first American-born player of Taiwanese or Chinese decent, Lin made a huge splash not only in the United States, but also across Asia.
In the few months since Lin burst onto the scene he has managed to land a two-year contract to serve as the face of the Volvo Car Corporation as a "brand ambassador" with a focus primarily on the U.S. and Chinese language markets in Asia. He was also honored as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.
"I feel like it's a real blessing from God," Lin said of Time magazine's unexpected honor. "I am deeply humbled and honored."
In July, the 23-year-old Harvard graduate will be a restricted free agent, but he will "absolutely" be back with the Knicks next season, according to interim coach Mike Woodson.
"Will he be back next season? Absolutely," Woodson told the New York Post. "Jeremy's a big part of our team. The future is very bright for him."
Lin has also said that he would like to see himself return to the Knicks.
"Yeah, I'd love to, Yeah. This city and the organization have been great for me. They believed in me so that's great," Lin told FOX Sports Florida on Wednesday.
