Christian basketball star Jeremy Lin had a mostly forgettable performance in the last NBA season, but he feels very confident that things will turn out differently this coming season now that he will be playing for the Charlotte Hornets.

"I'm optimistic because I think I've put in the work and I'm a better player. I also think Coach [Steve Clifford] understands my game at a different level and hopefully this will empower me to do the different things that I feel like I'm capable of doing. It's on me to perform, wherever the coach likes me or not. But having that open communication is really important," he told the Charlotte Observer.

Lin worked relentlessly all summer long to amp up his game—practicing ball handling, a lot of defence, and working on his shooting skills. "On my shot, I tweaked the shooting form, lowering the release point slightly. As for the floater, you don't have to take as much of a beating when you shoot it, and against elite shot-blockers it gives you another option," he said.

Lin played for the Los Angeles Lakers prior to being traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He said he feels quite at ease with this development.

"As for Charlotte, it's definitely different from every other city where I've lived. It has just been a lot more laid back out here and I just go about my business. Everybody's very, very, very polite," he shared.

In-between practicing basketball, Lin makes constant trips to China. His visit to China this month will mark the third time he will be visiting that country in a span of four months. The basketball star says he appreciates the reception his Chinese fans always give him.

"I'm really thankful for the fans out there. They are very enthusiastic. They will come to the airport. Our flight got delayed until 4 in the morning on one of my recent trips and a group of them still waited out there," he said.