Jeremy Lin acknowledged the difference between the PBA and other Asian leagues after the New Taipei Kings faced off against the Chris Newsome-led Meralco Bolts in the 2024-25 EASL season.
MACAU—As the 2024-25 EASL season draws to a close, former NBA sensation Jeremy Lin definitely remembers his trip to the Philippines despite sitting out their game in Manila.
Placed in Group B, Lin’s New Taipei Kings matched up against the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco Bolts, where the two teams split their matchups.
But when it mattered the most, it was the Kings came out on top, winning a double overtime game at home against the Bolts to advance to the Final Four.
[ALSO READ: Meralco misses semis bus in EASL with loss to New Taipei in 2OT]
Lin may not have had the chance to face the Bolts this season, but he took note of the distinct playing style of the PBA and its reliance on imports.
"I didn’t get a chance to play this year against Meralco, but what I’ve seen is…it’s not right or wrong, it’s just different," Lin shared during the EASL Final Four 2025 media availability at Studio City here. "What I’ve noticed from the PBA teams is you have to worry about the imports. They score and they score."
Lin pointed out how PBA imports often put up staggering numbers, somewhat of a rarity in other neighboring leagues. Such is the case with the likes of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Justin Brownlee, and Kadeem Jack, who have all put up big games as seen in the recently-concluded Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
"You’ll see players averaging 30 points, almost 40 points sometimes. In other leagues, that’s virtually—you’ll never see something close to that. Maybe 25 points, but even averaging 20 is already a lot," Lin observed.
[ALSO READ: Hiroshima’s second half surge fuels EASL Final Four 2025 victory over New Taipei]
While imports play a significant role, Lin acknowledged the local talent as well, particularly highlighting Meralco’s Chris Newsome.
"We definitely have to focus in on the imports, but Meralco has Newsome as well and he’s a great player. It’s not only the imports, but you definitely have to focus on them."
Despite not singling out a specific PBA team he’d like to compete against next, Lin remains appreciative of the league and its passionate fanbase.
"I love competing against different leagues and I just love this whole EASL experience," he said. "I’m good with any team in the PBA. It’s just good to have that exposure and also to be able to play."
Lin, who has experienced basketball culture in various countries, expressed his disappointment in not being able to play in the Philippines this season.
"That’s one thing I miss. I wish we got to play in the Philippines this year because the love for the game, for basketball, is amazing out there and the fans are awesome."
While Lin’s opportunity to play on Philippine soil didn’t materialize this time, his admiration for the PBA and Filipino basketball culture remains evident, and fans can only hope to see him compete in the country in the future.