For Jeremy Lin, the Philippines is no longer just known for its unwavering love of basketball.
After seeing Filipino players compete firsthand, the former NBA star believes the country already possesses many of the qualities needed to eventually produce its first full-blooded NBA player.
Lin, whose own journey broke barriers as the first American player of Taiwanese descent in the NBA, said Filipino basketball continues to trend in the right direction, with the country’s combination of talent and passion giving him confidence about its future.
His comments come at a time when Philippine basketball is celebrating another milestone after Jordan Clarkson became the first player of Filipino descent to win an NBA championship, helping the New York Knicks capture their first title in 53 years.
Although Clarkson has proudly represented Gilas Pilipinas in international competition, the distinction of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to reach the NBA remains one of the country’s biggest basketball aspirations.
Lin believes that dream is far from unrealistic.
Having competed in the East Asia Super League with the New Taipei Kings, Lin had the opportunity to face Philippine club Meralco and witness Filipino talent up close.
What stood out to him wasn’t only the passion that has long defined Philippine basketball, but also the physical tools displayed by many local players.
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“At the end of the day, I also saw a lot of Filipino players who are extremely athletic as well. They can jump high and move quickly, and that’s something that’s stuck with me as well,” he said.
The former New York Knicks guard understands what it means to carry the hopes of an entire community.
Lin became a global sensation during his unforgettable “Linsanity” run in New York, transforming from an undrafted guard into one of basketball’s biggest stories almost overnight before eventually winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
Years later, he experienced Madison Square Garden from a completely different perspective.
Watching the Knicks finally return to the NBA’s summit allowed Lin to appreciate just how deeply basketball remains woven into New York’s identity.
“When Linsanity was happening, as a player I had no real understanding of what the environment was because I was too focused on the game. But as a spectator in Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, that was the most insane atmosphere that I have ever been in,” Lin said.
For Philippine basketball, Lin’s optimism serves as another reminder that while the country’s long-awaited breakthrough has yet to happen, the next generation may already be laying the foundation for history.
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