NBA star Jeremy Lin donates $1 million to Harvard University

Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) drives to the basket past Boston Celtics forward Jordan Mickey (55) during the second half at TD Garden, Boston, US, on Oct 17, 2016. Boston Celtics beat Brooklyn Nets 120-99 for the fifth preseason win. Lin has averaged 16.3 points for the Nets in three preseason games. [Photo/IC]

Jeremy Lin, point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, announced he would be donating $1 million to Harvard University, which he attended as a college athlete.

The fund will be used to support the school's undergraduate financial aid and renovate its basketball arena.

"Without question, my time at Harvard prepared me well for success both on and off the court," said Lin in a statement. "I'm honored to put that same world-class education within reach for deserving students and to support improvements to the facilities where I spent countless hours practicing and competing."

William R. Fitzsimmons , Harvard College dean of admissions and financial aid, said, "I find it inspiring to see the commitment to financial aid and Athletics that Harvard College and Jeremy share. His generosity will strengthen the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), through which more than half of our undergraduates receive need-based grant aid."

Lin played for the Harvard men's basketball team from 2006 to 2010, served as team captain his senior year, and was a three-time All-Ivy League selection. He was also the first player in Ivy League history to record 1,450 points (1,483), 450 rebounds (487), 400 assists (406), and 200 steals (225).

"I was fortunate to have coached such a remarkable person as Jeremy and I truly believe his commitment will allow us to better serve our campus community, energize current students, and excite future Harvard scholars and athletes." Said Thomas G. Stemberg, coach for Harvard Men's Basketball team.

The 28-yer-old Chinese American used to play for Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets.

In 2012, Lin shot to fame when he led a winning turnaround for the New York Knicks and inspired the "Linsanity" mania. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2016.