Jeremy Lin's parents emigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the 1970s. He was born in Los Angeles in 1988. Jeremy showed an interest in basketball at an early age.

His grandma moved to the US to look after him while his parents worked. She said little Jeremy started playing basketball when just a toddler. Jeremy's father is an avid basketball fan and would often play with the boys after work.

Family friends described Jeremy as a naughty little boy who ran around like a little monkey. But his family's strong faith in Christianity helped turn him into a well-behaved kid.

Jeremy Lin joined Palo Alto High School's basketball team his freshmen year. But at only 5'3", would he ever make varsity?