National Basketball Association

Lin: 'Linsanity' got into my head

Published Jul. 24, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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"Linsanity" took everyone by storm last season — Jeremy Lin included.

Say what you want about Lin's basketball potential, but the Harvard product is one of the more grounded players in the NBA. So, despite his controversial exit from New York, which was the subject of much debate, he's willing to look back candidly at what has been a crazy year.

Lin admitted during an interview with the San Jose Mercury News that "Linsanity" — the hoopla that surrounded the guard last season — got to his head a little bit.

"If I'm being honest, in some ways, yes," Lin reportedly said. "I fought it every day. But I think subconsciously it had its effect, everyone catering to you. People were saying only good things for so long that when people said negative stuff, it was like, 'Whoa, what's going on?' "

Lin faced even more scrutiny after signing an offer sheet with the Rockets — one the Knicks did not match. Whether it's some fans' insistence that he's selfish or simply overrated, Lin doesn't seem to be too concerned with the haters.

"I will always, always have doubters," Lin said. "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."

Lin also said that the backlash he's received isn't a matter of who's right and who's wrong. No matter what, he intends to "respond with love."

Rockets fans will likely respond with plenty of love themselves if Lin can harness some of that stellar play from early last season.

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