Shooting guards who can accurately and consistently hit the perimeter shots is critical for a team's offensive spacing and schemes. For Cupertino High of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League, junior Gokul Natesan provides this offensive threat. As a sophomore last year, he averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in helping the Pioneers to a 14-12 record that ended with a 54-46 loss to Leland in the second round.
At 6-foot-4 and 160 pounds, Natesan has been on the varsity team since his freshman year but became a starter last season. He considers his 3-point and mid-range shooting to be his strengths. Natesan models his game after Connecticut Husky Richard Hamilton, because he works tirelessly in running off screens to free himself for the open shot.
Cupertino High Coach Craig Ellegood says, "Gokul is a very good competitor who loves to play basketball. He has a great outside shot and he is not afraid to take the 'big shot.' Gokul works diligently to improve his overall game, this year he has improved his ballhandling & his perimeter defense. Gokul has taken on greater responsibilities this year as he plays more like a guard from an offensive perspective. Gokul relishes the opportunity to succeed as a basketball player, he is not afraid. Gokul's personality is somewhat reserved, but he certainly is willing to speak up to his teammates and say whatever is necessary to help the team win."
Natesan considers himself to be a finesse player who likes to run a lot within the half court setting and create shots for himself and his teammates. Natesan has been playing AAU basketball since 4th grade. His current club team is the San Jose Vipers where he works on improving his ball handling skills because he does not want to be known as a one dimensional player who can just shoot.
In addition, Natesan works with his private trainer, Carl Foster. Foster says about his pupil's basketball skills, "He is that unique shooter who only needs an inch to get his shot off against high quality competition. Plus, he's a sponge for information on how to get better. We have worked diligently the past six months on getting him to learn how to get his shot off the dribble, as easily as he can get it off the catch. He is one of my favorite pupils because he absorbs so much of what I share with him. I've seen his ball handling & footwork grow tremendously over that span of time. I fully expect him to play collegiate basketball & impact a solid program for years to come. He's got a chance to really develop into a valuable piece of a collegiate puzzle."
Natesan's efforts have indeed paid off. He was an All League Selection as a sophomore. He was selected to play in the Slam N Jam Super 100 Camp in El Cerrito in October. He also participated in the NCP College Prospect Camp in September to fine tune his skills. He hopes that his improvements will allow the Pioneers to win league and go far in the CCS playoffs. Individually, he wants to earn league MVP while making it to the All-CCS team. Currently, the team is 7-4 while Natesan is averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists
If Natesan can add to his perimeter game, then college coaches would need to start taking note. Natesan will easily qualify academically as he has a 3.83 GPA with a 1950 SAT score. His best subject is Math as he would like to major in something analytical as well. Natesan wants to play for a school that has a fast break transition pace or a school that can run motion offense with a lot of ball movement. Geographically, he is ok with anywhere in the United States but wants to get a good academic education.
Coach Ellegood says, "This is Gokul's 3rd year on the varsity, each year he has improved, he is a pleasure to coach, he has good skills, but I really enjoy his competitiveness. I like the fact that he is striving to become a complete basketball player, who will do whatever is necessary to help his team win. Gokul will play somewhere after high school, I could definitely see him play at the D3 level and if he grows maybe he can find a D2 school that fits. I know when he does graduate, Cupertino will miss him."
Whenever Natesan encounters shooting slumps, he just reminds himself to relax and to remember that basketball is still a game and having fun is the key. This analytical and philosophic approach was instilled to him by his family who is originally from Chennai in southern India. However, Natesan was born in the Bay Area. As a result, Natesan is an athletic inspiration to a lot of kids in the South Asian community. Watch for Natesan to shoot lights out for his Pioneers in Cupertino.
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