The Boy Who Waited for the Court to Empty

For B. S. Gautham, basketball began on a small court in front of his house in Malleswaram. As a child, he would wait until everyone finished playing before stepping onto the court to practise his shots“. At that time it was very difficult to get a ball also. People used to have just one ball to play with” he recalls.

Like many children, he first played cricket, but basketball fascinated him with its movement, teamwork, and constant action. When seniors told him he was too slow and not suited for the game, he took it as a challenge. “Why can’t I play?” he asked himself. That determination became the foundation of his journey.

Learning Basketball from Magic Johnson and Cassettes

In the 1980s, international basketball was not easily accessible in India. Gautham would wake up around 4:30 or 5 in the morning to watch NBA matches whenever someone brought recordings from abroad. Inspired by players like Magic Johnson, he practised their moves and developed his own style of play.

“I never played basketball in a normal fashion” he says. For him, the beauty of the game was not just scoring but creating opportunities for others. “Making another man’s job easy—that became a habit for me.”

From Karnataka Courts to the Indian Jersey

Gautham’s talent soon took him from local courts to the national stage. Between 1985 and 1989, he represented the Karnataka junior team and served as captain. From 1986 onwards, he represented the Karnataka senior team and later led the side as captain.

In 1989, he entered the Indian basketball circuit and represented the country at the 10th Asian Basketball Confederation Cup in Manila, where he also captained the Indian team.

One of his most memorable moments came during his international debut. “My first international basketball, I debuted in front of my house” he recalls. Playing a Test match against Syria in Bangalore while wearing the Indian jersey was a deeply emotional moment for him. “There is something different when we wear Indian colours… we always feel very proud of our country”.

Representing India Across the World

Gautham went on to represent India in several major tournaments, including the 1992 tour of the United States, the 1994 Merdeka Cup in Singapore, the 1995 Asian Basketball Confederation Championship in Seoul, and the 1995 South Asian Federation Games, where India won gold.

In 1996, as captain of the Indian team, he participated in the Bob Cousy International Tournament in the United States. That year, he became the only Indian player selected for the All-Star Team announced in the United States.

He later represented India at the Independence Cup in Chennai, the 19th Asian Basketball Confederation Championship in Saudi Arabia, and won gold at the 2003 Europe Cup International Tournament in Dhaka, where he was also named the Most Valuable Player.

The Shot That Ended a 32-Year Wait

One of Gautham’s most unforgettable moments came during a National Championship match in Punjab. Karnataka had not won a senior team medal in 32 years, and in a tense third-place game against Tamil Nadu, they were trailing by one point with only seconds left.

Gautham took the decisive shot from the free-throw line. “I thought that after 32 years Karnataka senior state team should get this medal” he remembers. His successful attempt helped Karnataka finally secure the long-awaited medal.

A Captain Who Built Teams

For Gautham, leadership was never about being the star player. He believed basketball was always a team effort. “I can’t do miracles. If I want to do miracles, my subordinates should be good” he said.

Known for his discipline and dedication, he often practised late into the night, sometimes shooting alone under dim lights and paying young boys to pass him the ball. His commitment helped him build strong teams, including the Vijaya Bank team that became one of the most respected basketball teams of its time.

Still a Student of the Game

Despite receiving numerous honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (1992–93), Kempegowda Award (1995), Kreeda Ratna Award (1994), Ekalavya Award (1995), and Hoysala Ratna Award (2008–09), Gautham still considers himself a learner.

“For my biodata and papers, the awards and achievements are there. Otherwise, I am always learning. Even today, I am a student” he says.

Passing the Game Forward

After his playing career, Gautham continues contributing to basketball by organising summer coaching camps for children. He focuses not only on teaching skills but also on developing discipline, fitness, and love for the sport.

His advice to young players reflects the philosophy that shaped his own career: “Start the game with passion and go with full fight—200% dedication and discipline”.

Sources and References

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1xWiNNfmF0&t=6s

An Interview by ytvindia

‘Malleswarada Rashtra Shilpigalu - Brief life sketches in Kannada of eminent citizens and organisations of Malleswaram Locality ‘

Published by: Malleswaram Residents Welfare Association