That was fast.

Zhou Aiming (known as Amy Chou in the US), the president of the US-China Sports Association, couldn't possibly have expected Jeremy Lin to be spearheading a China Tour by NBA stars this July when she signed an agreement with him last year.

The guard hadn't yet made his way from the bench to the limelight with the New York Knicks when Chou, a former judo world champion, talked with Lin's agent about the China visit.

Chou said she thought she spotted something special in Lin's highlight video, but potential sponsors asked her to replace him with bigger names like Dirk Nowitzki or Dwight Howard.

"I did not know him, but I saw his great potential when I got his video," she said. "His passing, his moves and his identity as an Asian-American. So I decided to sign him even though some companies, who were interested in sponsoring the China Tour, asked me to replace him with someone better known in China."

Chou made the right decision and Lin became a sensation in the US after a series of impressive games that made him an international phenomenon.

Chou said Lin's sudden popularity will draw unexpected attention to the tour, which includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Taiwan from July 13 to 25.

Chou said the tour is scheduled to feature 16 NBA players - including All-stars like Kevin Love, Paul Pierce, Blake Griffin and Jason Kidd - but the final roster won't be released until July because some of the players might participate in the Olympics.

"One thing I'm sure of is Jeremy Lin will come to lead the China Tour," Chou said.

The games are designed to develop basketball in Chinese communities. The tour is also supported by the China Social Welfare Foundation and will work to support the charity.

chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn