Jeremy Lin last played in the Philippines back in 2013.
The EASL game between the New Taipei Kings and the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night was all sorts of special for guard Jeremy Lin.
First, the first American-born player of Taiwanese descent to have played in the NBA returned to the Philippines after 11 years. In 2013, he played for the Houston Rockets in a pre-season game against the Indiana Pacers.
Second, he's playing with his brother Joe for the New Taipei Kings, calling it a "dream come true".
Third, the Kings totally ran away with the victory at PhilSports Arena, 89-77, to stay undefeated in Group B.
The 35-year-old Lin also scored a game-high 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. No big deal.
But really, what made this game extra special for Lin is that it was a homecoming for his wife.
"My wife’s parents are from Cebu and Batangas. It's different coming back now and seeing her side of the family out here and they were able to come to the game tonight as well," Lin said in an EASL interview.
"I know we’re not too far from Batangas. It’s good to be out here and good to see the Filipino fans."
Lin probably has more than enough supply of kapeng barako.
He seemed to have enjoyed his stay, sharing this message on his Instagram Story.
"Salamat po 🇵🇭. Until next time," he posted.
It's going to be a battle of Kings vs. Kings as New Taipei will be staking its undefeated record against Japan B.League champion Ryukyu on January 10.