Linsanity sweeps America

Linsanity sweeps America | Marketplace from American Public Media
by Sally Herships
Marketplace Radio, Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on Feb. 8, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Lin's newfound popularity has boosted business for basketball.

We've all heard about Lin-sanity at this point. This Marketplace Radio story covers some of the sales numbers involving the New York sensation, Jeremy Lin. Ticket sales are up 17%...when the Knicks are on the road. MSG network TV ratings are up 70%! Lin-sanity continues. Even the NBA commissioner David Stern found a way to get Lin to the All-Star game even though all of the starters, reserves, and rising stars (rookies) had been selected. Stephen Colbert has a good reason why sales of Jeremy Lin jerseys are selling so fast.

On in all, he's a sensation. He's fun to watch. He plays for the largest NBA market with the largest media presence, plus he's from Harvard (1 of 4 to ever play in the NBA) and he happens to be Taiwanese-American, more than just a rarity in the NBA (the only one by last count, ever). With seven straight victories, he's brought the NY Knicks to .500 winning percentage and within contention of a playoff spot all while superstar Carmelo Anthony has been on the bench. Many pundits are suggesting that with the return of 'Melo the momentum will subside because the flow of the offense usually runs through (and ends) with 'Melo. Despite this, 'Melo is convinced he can play with anybody including Lin. If he can then the Knicks might continue this improbable run. There's not a sports fan I've come across that isn't excited about the rise of Lin. Who wouldn't be with exciting plays like this?

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Photo: David Shankbone