Jeremy Lin poses for a photo with young players in Beijing, June 28, 2018. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Atlanta Hawks star of the National Basketball Association Jeremy Lin shared his knowledge and experience with young Chinese players who qualified for the inaugural Jr. NBA World Championship next month.
As a mentor of the Jr. NBA's Chinese team, Lin attended the opening ceremony of the training camp in Beijing and spoke with the players.
On being asked how to qualify and how to face adversity, he said "staying confident" is the key, and a confident player will get rid of distractions and focus on training. Even if the player doesn't play well, he will be able to adjust and respond positively, he added.
Jeremy Lin speaks at the opening ceremony of the training camp for the Jr. NBA World Championship in Beijing, June 28, 2018. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Lin, who suffered a knee injury last season, told younger players the injury was a major hurdle that no one could have foreseen.
He shared his experience on recuperation, saying when adversity strikes, one needs to focus on solving the problem and be grateful to those who help.
The 29-year-old Chinese American also shared his observation on the development of Chinese youth basketball, saying China now has a lot of good coaches, and students also have chances to play all over the world, a big change over the years.
He also encouraged young people to practice more basic skills.
Jeremy Lin guides a young player in Beijing, June 28, 2018.(Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
The Chinese campus basketball team held a one-week training session at the Wuqing NBA center in Tianjin from June 28.
After tactical practice and physical adjustment, the team will set off on August 3 for the trip to the Jr. NBA World Championship.
The tournament will see boys and girls, aged 13 and 14, compete in Orlando, Florida, from Aug 7-12. The NBA announced the qualifying teams and their rosters on June 26.
Jeremy Lin speaks at the opening ceremony of the training camp for the Jr. NBA World Championship in Beijing, June 28, 2018. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)