‘Linsanity’ awed by PH ballers’ speed

Former New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin poses prior to Game Three between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. AFP

Jeremy Lin has played all over the world and, unsurprisingly, every team he has faced has left a lasting impression.

One of those came in 2024 when Lin suited up for the New Taipei Kings in the East Asia Super League. During that campaign, he went up against the Meralco Bolts and put on a show against the PBA club.

Article continues after this advertisement

And if there was one thing that stayed with him after that matchup, it was the Bolts’ speed.

FEATURED STORIES

SPORTS

SPORTS

SPORTS

“They have tremendous speed, they’re very quick laterally and that’s something that sticks out to me with Filipino players and teams,” he said during the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Invitational at OCBC Arena in Singapore on Sunday.

“A lot of them are extremely athletic. They can jump high and move quickly, and that stuck out to me as well.”

In that 2024 meeting, Lin powered New Taipei to an 89-77 victory over Meralco at PhilSports Arena.

Article continues after this advertisement

Despite the Bolts’ speed and athleticism, Lin finished with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.

The 2019 NBA champion, however, had more to say about Filipino basketball than just the talent on the floor.

The man who sparked “Linsanity” also praised Filipinos’ passion for the game and the respect they show their opponents.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Filipino squads in the PBA are, first off, very respectful. They play hard, they play to win,” he said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.