Basketball star Jeremy Lin, a Chinese American who plays for the New York Knicks, has been named one of Time magazine's 2012 100 most influential people in the world.

Time said the 100 people named "inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world."

Lin is a 23-year-old player who attracted a worldwide following, dubbed "Linsanity" by the US media after a series of impressive performances. He became a phenomena earlier this year when he went from an NBA journeyman and Knicks benchwarmer to a starting point guard for the side.

He averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game in February and March before sidelined with a knee injury.

His appearance on the Time list is sure to give him a boost as he recovers from surgery.

After Knicks teammate Steve Nocak tweeted him to offer his congratulations on the news, he is said to have responded: "Now I'm blushing..."

Asked by the magazine to write an entry recommending Lin for inclusion on the list, Arne Duncan, the US Secretary of Education, praised his work ethic and academic success.

"Lin has dismissed the thought that being a world-class athlete on the court is somehow at odds with being an excellent student off the court," Duncan wrote.

"Contrary to what you might read, Jeremy, 23, is no overnight sensation.

"In fact, he achieved success the old-fashioned way: he earned it. He worked hard and stayed humble. He lives the right way; he plays the right way."

The list also includes Britain's Duchess of Cambridge and singer Adele.