Gokul Natesan (@gokuln_) is a professional basketball player who grew up in California.
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.
Follow Gokul:
– Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gokuln_/)
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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
Intro Music
Produced And Mixed By:
– The Tamil Creator
– Yanchan
Written By:
– Aravinthan Ehamparam
– Yanchan Rajmohan
