Rockets guard Lin relishing Manila trip

MANILA, Philippines – Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin admitted having fun in his first visit to the Philippines.

The charismatic Lin, an American of Taiwanese descent, said he’s been enjoying Filipino culture so far, having tried out local delicacies while mingling with passionate fans.

"My stay so far has been really great. Yesterday I tried some Filipino cuisines, a deep-fried fish, picked green mangoes and chicken stuffed with rice," said Lin, the man behind the Linsanity phenomenon.

Lin and the rest of the Rockets are in town to take part in the historic NBA Global Games Philippines, where the figure in a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

The Harvard graduate bared he is enamored by Filipinos’ passion for hoops.

"They (fans) have been great. They are really enthusiastic, fun and polite. They love basketball and they also have been pretty funny," he added.

Lin said their stay in Manila helped them get closer as a team.

"I think training camp is already a bonding experience no matter where you have it. But the fact we're coming over here to play the games, I mean training, is one thing but different from games and we've been spending time together," said Lin.

"I think people are closer now. It’s just natural, you travel and spend time together. Whatever obligations we have after that, we still hang out with each other. We're just knowing each other better that is a good thing for us," he added.

A reporter then asked Lin about his advice to players trying to make the NBA, pointing out local cager Japeth Aguilar’s failed bid to enter the big league. Aguilar, an NBA aspirant, almost made it to the roster of the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA D-League.

Lin, of course, never hesitated to give his two cents.

"I think for them, it's just a matter of pursuing your passion. There is always going to be adversity I think for Asians to break ground in basketball. There is going to be more adversity for them. They need to persevere," said Lin.

Lin also recounted his own well-documented difficulties in achieving his dream to play in the NBA and believed everything is possible with God.

"I never envisioned myself here. I didn't think I was capable of making it this far but there are a lot of miracles happening in my life so it’s a great experience for me," said Lin, who went from an undrafted player out of Harvard to the starting point guard of a potential Western Conference powerhouse.

"In everybody's life there is only so much you can control. But the things you can control, the work ethic, mentality, I do my best and the I leave the rest to God," he added.

Lin’s life is featured in the documentary “Linsanity,” which has been well received by the public. Lin himself has watched the film and believes it effectively  depicted his struggles and eventual success in the NBA.

"I have seen it a couple of times. I'm happy with how it came out," he said.