Ginebra San Miguel will face a global superstar in its East Asia Super League debut next month.
Jeremy Lin announced on Thursday evening that he is moving from Kaohsiung to the P.League+ runner-up, New Taipei.
“To Kaohsiung and the Steelers, thank you for giving me some of my best times and memories as a basketball player,” the 35-year-old combo guard said. “I will forever cherish the short but amazing time we had together. I hope that through last season, I’ve impacted you all as you have impacted me. There will always be love for the Steelers in my heart.
“After many months of thinking and praying about the upcoming season, I’ve decided to play for the New Taipei Kings.”
After a two-year stint in the Chinese Basketball Association with Beijing and Guangzhou, Lin decided to return to his home country last year, signing with the Steelers.
The former NBA pro averaged 26.32 points, 8.47 rebounds, and 8.89 assists in what ended up as his only season with Kaohsiung.
However, he could only lead the Steelers to fifth place after finishing the season with a 17-23 record.
Now, he not only joins a contender in the six-team league but also reunites with his brother, Joseph.
“This is a dream come true, a dream Joseph Lin and I have had our whole lives.
“To be able to share the court together as teammates. Thank you to the Kings organization for this opportunity and for believing in me,” he continued.
The signing means that Ginebra, the runner-up in the PBA Governors’ Cup, will face Lin and New Taipei in a battle of kings.
The Gin Kings and the Kings are placed in Group B in the tournament of Asian champions along with B.League champion Ryukyu and KBL second-placer Seoul SK.
The EASL is scheduled to begin on October 11, featuring a home-and-away format.
