The Tamil Creator Podcast (EP #80): Gokul Natesan - The Life Of A Professional Basketball Player

"Gokul joins Ara on this week’s episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss getting his basketball chops from his dad who played in India, the process of becoming a professional basketball player (the good and the bad), hooping with NBA star Jordan Poole, the Raptors vs. Warriors championship series, South Asian representation in the NBA, the importance of keeping a long-term view in mind, and so much more."

Podcasts

Sep 13, 2022

Ara Ehamparam

Business Owner

Toronto, Canada

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He joins Ara on this week’s episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss getting his basketball chops from his dad who played in India, the process of becoming a professional basketball player (the good and the bad), hooping with NBA star Jordan Poole, the Raptors vs. Warriors championship series, South Asian representation in the NBA, the importance of keeping a long-term view in mind, and so much more.

"The Tamil Creator" is a podcast started by me (Ara Ehamparam) to celebrate, spotlight and learn about the brilliance among Tamil creators globally. I want you to feel like you're a fly on the wall eavesdropping on a conversation that is a combination of educational, inspirational and entertaining.

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To get more information, please visit the website at TheTamilCreator.com.

Timestamps

00:19 - Ara introduces this week’s guest, Gokul Natesan
01:06 - Gokul’s childhood; Starting basketball 5 years old, getting a scholarship, his parents being supportive
06:58 - Growing up as a Golden State Warriors fan, his family being enthusiasts as well, the Raptors parade
08:42 - How Gokul became a professional basketball player; how he found his opportunities
10:11 - Playing in Australia, Ukraine, Finland, and Uruguay - his favourite experience? How does he pick a league?
12:20 - Acclimating to different team cultures and hierarchies to stand out individually and fit in as well
13:49 - How to build team camaraderie and chemistry
14:55 - The downside of being a professional athlete; isolation
16:27 - Travelling to games and how taxing it is
17:49 - Playing shooting guard, hooping with Jordan Poole, and what Gokul wants to get better at
19:34 - The different types of basketball trainers Gokul works with; nutrition, strength, etc.
20:13 - The lack of South Asian representation in the NBA & WNBA; will this change?
21:23 - Advice for the younger generation of hoopers
24:17 - What his friend circle looks like; does everyone understand his journey?
25:49 - The Tamil community in the Bay Area
26:59 - Will Gokul join the Ontario Tamil Basketball Association / Ontario Tamil Basketball League?
29:14 - His biggest learning lesson; how it translates from the basketball court to real life
30:54 - Advice he would give his 16-year-old self
31:57 - The personal legacy he wants to be remembered for by his friends and family
32:35 - Creator Confessions
41:20 - The Wrap Up