Jeremy Lin: Rockets PG Increases Marketing Appeal with Basketball Camp in China

While Jeremy Lin became a marketing icon last season in New York with the Knicks, he figures to boost his international brand with the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets, who have a strong Chinese following because of Yao Ming's career in Houston, now have Lin, who should attract his fair share of Asian fans.

Later this month, Lin will be leading a four-day basketball camp in southern China, according to the Associated Press (via Yahoo! Sports). He said he expects about 80 kids to attend.

Lin hasn't even been with the Rockets for a month and he's already made a trip to China. He's already spreading his appeal throughout the world. 

This is what Lin does.

Since "Linsanity" broke out last season, he's been a very adept businessman, capitalizing on his marketing opportunities. Hey, what else would you expect from a Harvard graduate?

The 23-year-old won NBA TV's first ever "Social Breakout Player of the Year" award in June after his success connecting to fans on Twitter and Facebook (via Turner Sports).

As of this writing, he has over 878,000 followers on his Twitter account @JLin7.

He was also named one of the top eight influential Chinese-Americans by Chinese publication Vivid Magazine in July 2011 and included in Time magazine's "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World" in April.

The latest venture by Lin is just another example of his smarts off the basketball court. You could also say he made out well with his three-year, $25 million contract this summer.

Expect Lin to continue to increase his marketing appeal moving forward as he grows comfortable with his popularity worldwide and makes a name for himself on and off the court.

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