EP #80: Gokul Natesan - The Life Of A Professional Basketball Player

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_/)Timestamps:00:19 - Ara introduces this week’s guest, Gokul Natesan01:06 - Gokul’s childhood; Starting basketball 5 years old, getting a scholarship, his parents being supportive06:58 - Growing up as a Golden State Warriors fan, his family being enthusiasts as well, the Raptors parade08:42 - How Gokul became a professional basketball player; how he found his opportunities10:11 - 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 well13:49 - How to build team camaraderie and chemistry14:55 - The downside of being a professional athlete; isolation16:27 - Travelling to games and how taxing it is17:49 - Playing shooting guard, hooping with Jordan Poole, and what Gokul wants to get better at19:34 - 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 hoopers24:17 - What his friend circle looks like; does everyone understand his journey?25:49 - The Tamil community in the Bay Area26:59 - 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 life30:54 - Advice he would give his 16-year-old self31:57 - The personal legacy he wants to be remembered for by his friends and family32:35 - Creator Confessions41:20 - The Wrap UpIntro MusicProduced And Mixed By:- The Tamil Creator- YanchanWritten By:- Aravinthan Ehamparam- Yanchan Rajmohan      Support the show