Shortly after announcing his departure from the Chinese Basketball Association, former NBA star Jeremy Lin will be returning to the court after signing a deal with a Taiwanese basketball team.
On Thursday, Lin announced that he is joining the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers of the Taiwanese P. League+ on his social media accounts.
“KaoHsiung, here I come!” Lin wrote in a post that featured an image of him wearing his new team’s jersey.
The 34-year-old, who was the first American-born player of Taiwanese descent in the NBA, previously announced his departure from the Guangzhou Loong Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association, choosing to return to the U.S. to “rest and reset.”
On Thursday, the Steelers welcomed and introduced Lin in a social media post, calling him “the strongest boost” to their team.
“From the NBA, CBA and back to Taiwan, that man has become a big event in domestic basketball this year … ‘Linsanity’ is no longer far away,” the Steelers wrote.
According to the team, there were multiple Taiwanese clubs pursuing Lin.
However, the 34-year-old chose the southern port city team as he identifies with the franchise’s “Big South Program.” He also hopes to help bring more attention and resources to the basketball scene in southern Taiwan.
“His (Lin’s) game, leadership and toughness will bring new stimulus to the greater South’s basketball scene, and he will help bridge the gap between our younger and veteran players,” Steelers General Manager Kenny Kao stated in a video, according to Focus Taiwan.
Lin’s arrival in Taiwan and debut game have yet to be announced.
