Lin says hard work will silence critics

SAN JOSE, California - Agence France-Presse

Guard Jeremy Lin has become an overnight sensation last season when he rocketed from ambiguity to stardom in just a few matches with the New York Knicks. AFP photo

Jeremy Lin says he has developed a thick skin over the years, so nothing doubters can say will throw him off his game or spoil the excitement of returning to Houston to play for the Rockets.

“I will always, always have doubters,” Lin told the San Jose Mercury News. “But I really want to reach my potential to bring glory to God. That is more motivation than haters and doubters. I want to work just as hard, give just as much, whether or not I have haters.”

The 23-year-old Lin signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Houston Rockets last week.

He said at the time he was “shocked” by the negative reaction of some basketball fans to his decision to leave the New York Knicks for the Lone Star State. But any ill feelings didn’t last very long.

“You have to say something about my mom or my family for me to get really, really upset,” Lin said last week when he signed with the Rockets.

Lin said he had really hoped to re-sign with the Knicks but when it came down to the crunch there was only one offer on the table.

“I didn’t go back to them and ask for more money,” Lin told the Mercury News.

“It wasn’t like they gave me the choice to sign one of the two and I chose the one that would hurt the Knicks. I had one contract offer. That was it.”