Harvard's Hoops Star Is Asian. Why's That a Problem?

Jeremy Lin has emerged as one of the country's élite college basketball players. Why does he still get mocked for being Asian?

Elise Amendola / AP

Harvard's Jeremy Lin drives by Boston College's Biko Paris during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Boston on Dec. 9, 2009

Certain truths are tied to March Madness, that time of year when the NCAA men's basketball tournament turns every cubicle dweller into a college-hoops junkie. That batty lady who picks the winners based on the cuteness of the mascots will crush you in your office pool. Duke will have a guy who gets under your skin. And the Harvard basketball players will be locked in the library instead of pulling off a Cinderella upset.

It's been 64 years since the Crimson appeared in the NCAA tournament. But thanks to senior guard Jeremy Lin, that streak could end this...

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