Stanford University's Attempt to Recruit Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin, famous for his journey from Harvard to the NBA, received attention from several colleges during his high school years. Stanford University, in particular, expressed an interest in recruiting him. However, the relationship between Lin and Stanford is more complex than it might seem. This article delves into the details of Stanford's recruitment efforts and Lin's decision to attend Harvard instead.

Stanford University's Recruitment Efforts

During his high school years at Palo Alto High School in California, Jeremy Lin was an outstanding basketball player, catching the attention of several colleges. Stanford University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, showed interest in recruiting him. According to various reports, Stanford offered Lin a chance to join the varsity team, but it was a walk-on spot rather than a scholarship offer. A walk-on spot in college basketball means that the player does not have a guaranteed position on the team and can be replaced by a scholarship recruit in subsequent years. This arrangement did not satisfy Lin, who had other academic and athletic goals in mind.

Stanford was not the only school interested in Lin. The university informed him of their interest but ultimately opted not to offer him a scholarship. Their regret over this decision is evident in the fact that they later kicked themselves for missing an opportunity. Had Stanford offered him a scholarship, they might have secured a future star. Instead, they encouraged Lin to pursue other opportunities, including Harvard University.

Lin's Decision to Attend Harvard

Lin eventually decided to attend Harvard University, primarily due to the academic guarantees and the basketball player acceptance program that offered him a guaranteed spot on the team. Unlike walk-on spots, which are not guaranteed, Harvard provided a more comprehensive support system for Lin as an athlete. In addition to his basketball career, Lin was also recognized for his exceptional academic performance. Harvard did not offer full athletic scholarships, but they understood that they needed to provide financial assistance to ensure Lin could focus on both his academics and basketball. Lin's academic acceptance at Harvard was based on a written promise that they would provide financial aid for all four years of his college career.

Post-Harvard and NBA Journey

After graduating from Harvard with high academic honors, Lin's basketball journey took an unexpected turn. His performance on the Harvard team and his strong work ethic caught the attention of professional scouts and the New York Knicks, leading to his well-documented rise to fame. Lin became a significant figure in professional basketball, known for his exceptional skills and his journey from Ivy League to the NBA. His story continues to inspire many young athletes and college students alike.

Conclusion

The relationship between Jeremy Lin and Stanford University is a reminder that the world of college basketball can be competitive and complex. While Stanford's initial attempt to recruit Lin was well-intentioned, it ultimately fell short due to the specific needs of this talented and driven individual. Lin's decision to attend Harvard with a guaranteed spot on the team was a strategic choice that allowed him to pursue his academic and athletic ambitions simultaneously.

References

Lin's journey from Stanford to Harvard, his walk-on experience, and his subsequent rise to NBA fame demonstrate the multifaceted landscape of college basketball recruitment. For more detailed information, refer to the sources listed below.

Source: Joe Lacob, incoming Warriors owner and Stanford booster, commenting on Stanford's failure to recruit Lin.