TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The New Taipei Kings (新北國王), a professional basketball team, retired Taiwanese-American basketball star Jeremy Lin's (林書豪) jersey Sunday (Dec. 28) before 6,500 fans at their home stadium. Jay Chou (周杰倫), Taiwan's pop music icon, made a surprise appearance at the ceremony honoring Lin's 15-year career. The event celebrated Lin as the first Taiwanese-American NBA player and the figure behind the 2012 "Linsanity" phenomenon.
Chou joked that Lin attended the ceremony to practice singing his songs, drawing laughter from the crowd. Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming (姚明) sent a video message humorously warning Lin to watch his weight in retirement. Former NBA star Dwight Howard expressed regret over never winning a championship alongside Lin during their time together in the NBA.
Walter Wang (王文祥), chairman of the New Taipei Kings, extended an open invitation for Lin to return to the team if retirement becomes dull. Canadian actor Simu Liu, star of Marvel's "Shang-Chi," advised Lin to focus on his basketball strengths and avoid venturing into acting. Kenny Manigault, Lin's former teammate, also sent congratulatory video messages celebrating the jersey retirement ceremony.
Lin recalled his 2012 breakthrough game against the Lakers, while playing for the New York Knicks, urging young people to embrace challenges and accept failure as part of the growth process. Lin became the first Taiwanese-American NBA player in a league with historically few Asian-American athletes throughout its history. His "Linsanity" phenomenon in early 2012 sparked global basketball excitement and inspired Asian-American communities worldwide with unprecedented representation. ◼
