Rising NBA star Jeremy Lin finds an admirer in President Obama

Washington, Feb 16 (ANI): White House press secretary Jay Carney has revealed that Barack Obama is enthusiastically following the exploits of the New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin.

The 23-year-old professional basketball player, who was picked up off waivers by the Knicks in December, has become an overnight sensation after dominating in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers last week and outscoring L.A. superstar Kobe Bryant.

"The president is an avid sports fan and particularly avid basketball fan and we were speaking about Jeremy Lin on Marine One as we flew here to Andrews Air Force Base this morning," the Politico quoted Carney as saying.

"It's just a great story and the president was saying as much this morning. Obviously terrific for the New York Knicks but it's the kind of sports story that transcends the sport itself.

"It's a great story and yes, he's very impressed and fully up to speed. I know he's watched Lin play already and he's seen the highlights from last night's game," Carney added. (ANI)