Jeremy Lin fans have been foaming at the mouth all week for a taste of those hard-to-acquire Lin jerseys—and despite an influx of them coming into midtown Manhattan today, we saw that the Lin away-team (blue with orange) jersey is already selling out all over. But a few lucky Linatics were able to snag them before then at the MSG lobby, including Chris Lee: “I like that he is an American born Asian, who has worked his way up. He succeeded at Harvard academically, played well there, and now he is succeeding with the Knicks. He is an inspiration to Asian-Americans…He is living the American Dream.“
According to workers at MSG, Lin's jersey has suddenly become one of their hottest pieces of sports memorabilia, in a town that just celebrated a Super Bowl victory. Other fans weren't as lucky as Lee though: Tzuhui, who was in line seconds after Lee got one of the final MSG jerseys, told us she was insanely jealous: "I am trying to buy merchandise for my nephew in Taiwan." Apparently the Knicks newest weapon at point guard has Linvaded Asia as well.
Despite the fervor surrounding the player, many people seemed surprised to see a Jeremy Lin jersey so soon. Marty from Long Island was shocked to see a full display of jerseys at the Modell's on E. 42nd Street. But he does agree that Lin deserves a place among the Stoudemires and Anthonys: "Watching the Knicks and Lin, it really puts a smile on your face."
There seemed no bigger Lin fan today then Wayne from Bayside. He walked into that Modell's in a panic, but breathed a sigh of relief when he found them near the front of the store. "I want to buy t-shirts for my three kids, they are crazy about him," said Wayne, an Asian-American and a Crimson alum, too. “For me, I’m a graduate of Harvard so it’s great to see a Pride of Harvard, and of Asian descent doing so well.”
