Palo Alto Native Jeremy Lin Hired To Promote Volvo
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) - New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin has signed a two-year contract with automaker Volvo to promote the company's cars around the world — especially in Asia.
The Chinese-owned company said in statement Tuesday that Lin, a guard who shot to stardom this season, will participate in Volvo's worldwide corporate and marketing activities as a brand ambassador.
Lin, a Palo Alto native, later tweeted "Thank you Volvo for allowing me to be part of your family!! Praise God for this opportunity!"
Lin wasn't selected in the 2010 draft and was eventually signed by Golden State, just across the bay from where he stared at Palo Alto High School. He split last season between the Warriors and the D-League, then was waived the day camps opened this season. Houston claimed him but cut him two weeks later, and the Knicks claimed him, with D'Antoni recalling being impressed after seeing Lin work out a year earlier.
The first American-born NBA player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. China is a major market for the NBA. Earlier this month, the Miami Heat's Lebron James agreed to promote Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream in Asia.
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