Jeremy Lin says he draws inspiration from Tim Tebow

Jeremy Lin is the hottest name in sports at the moment. Only a kid from Harvard who nobody took a chance on that has scored 20-plus points in three straight games could create this much buzz around Super Bowl time. In many ways, Lin is like Tim Tebow. While he was not a celebrity in college, he is single-handedly winning games for the Knicks after riding the bench for the first part of the season. In fact, Lin says he is inspired by Tebow in many ways.

“Actually (Tebow has provided me with) a lot of inspiration just because he’s such a polarizing figure but I think the things he says in interviews, his approach to the game is just unbelievable and I respect him so much,” Lin said during an interview with 95.7 The Game in San Francisco. “I want to be able to do some of the things that he does in terms of the amount of charity work and the non-profit work, and the way he impacts people off the field. I think that is what is most inspiring to me about him.”

Lin scored 23 points and dished out 10 assists in a win over the Wizards on Wednesday. It was his third straight game with at least 20 points and seven assists. Not bad for a guy who sleeps on his brother’s couch. Warriors G.M. Larry Riley is kicking himself for cutting the point guard and the Rockets know exactly how he feels.

Lin will get his first true test against the Lakers on Friday night. If he can continue to be successful and carry the Knicks against tough opponents, he could be just the spark the team needed in the wake of Carmelo Anthony’s injuries and Amar’e Stoudemire’s family tragedy.