Jeremy Lin recalls tough hoop journey after signature shoe release

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Despite the rough path he had to go through to get to where he is now, Jeremy Lin is still grateful that he was able to overcome the obstacles in his life and even molded him into the player he is now.

The first-ever player of Taiwanese descent to take part in the prestigious NBA league and the first Asian-American to win a title with the Toronto Raptors just earned a signature shoe deal with Xtep, one of the popular Chinese sports brand.

Currently suiting up for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Lin was honored to announce the release of his signature shoe, the Xtep Jlin One.

In just two days, the signature shoes sold out and were a hit in the sneaker market making the Beijing superstar proud.

“When I was young until now, it always felt like my basketball journey has been an uphill climb. There are many times I didn’t think I’ll make it to the next level. People looked at me for being Asian. I lacked confidence,” shared Lin.

Lin recalled his tenure with the NBA as a roller coaster ride and considered it as one of the toughest times in his professional career

He also emphasized that what makes his first shoe deal so meaningful to him is it represents how his basketball career was. The journey, the success, the failures, everything.

“It’s personal, when I think about these shoes. It’s a great reminder of my ups and downs. I want to be the best version of myself as a basketball player and as a human,” Lin said.