The Tamil trainer behind Canadas basketball rise

For Mathushan, basketball was never just a sport. Growing up in Toronto, the game shaped his discipline, his friendships and eventually his career.

Today he works as a trainer within Canada Basketball, contributing to the development of elite athletes including NBA-level players. His journey from a Tamil Canadian kid playing across Toronto to working at the highest levels of the sport reflects years of consistency and a commitment to creating opportunities for those coming after him.

It comes at a moment of unprecedented strength for Canadian basketball. The national team took a historic bronze at the 2023 World Cup, the countrys best finish, beating the United States in the bronze-medal game, and is currently unbeaten in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, with the second round resuming this month as Canada pushes towards Qatar.

Finding a way to stay in the game

Mathushans basketball journey ran from club sides and school teams through to university basketball, each stage teaching him something about the game. By his third year at university, though, he faced a reality familiar to many children of immigrant families. With Tamil parents who had sacrificed to give him opportunities, he felt a responsibility to find a stable career and contribute to his family.

"I loved basketball so much, so I wanted to find a way to still be involved in it," he explained.

That search led him towards physiotherapy and basketball skill development. While studying physiotherapy he began teaching skills and coaching younger players, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, when outdoor courts remained open, demand for his training kept growing. Teaching gradually became a full-time coaching pathway, and coaching became the ideal way to stay connected to the game.

"My brother plays professionally in Thailand, and it has always been a dream for both of us," he said. "But making money through basketball and building a career from it was probably the best outcome. Coaching has given me that opportunity."

Waiting for the opportunity

His route into elite basketball came through years of patience and preparation. His mentor, David, who works with NBA players and later became head trainer at Canada Basketballs National Training Centre, played a key role in opening doors. Mathushan began by helping behind the scenes, rebounding, passing, assisting sessions, and stayed involved for several years, waiting for the chance to prove himself.

It came in 2023, when he received his first formal contract. As David moved from second in command to leading the programme, Mathushan became his deputy. He spent years working around NBA players before joining Canada Basketballs national team environment, attending FIBA camps and becoming part of the training staff for Canadas international competitions.

"You have to be ready when the opportunity comes," he said. "Being prepared allowed me to prove that I belonged there."

At the National Training Centre his responsibilities include organising training sessions, designing programmes for different groups and ensuring each athlete gets the specific work they need. During national team camps the environment becomes more collaborative still, with trainers working together to support every player, whether fully fit or managing injuries through modified training. The days can run to six or eight hours.

"Everything is in service of the player and getting their work in," Mathushan said.

Working with NBA players

Among those he has worked with is Dillon Brooks, the Phoenix Suns forward and Canada international, a relationship built through years of consistent work and one that began through David. Mathushan assisted during training sessions before becoming a trusted member of Brooks development team.

"When David isnt there, Im there to take over and make sure Dillon gets what he needs," he said.

Working at that level has changed his view of elite athletes. One of the biggest lessons, he says, is that great players are always willing to be coached.

"They respect your work," he said. "You have to treat them like everyone else because they still need training. Dont hesitate to tell them what they need to improve."

Alongside the NBA athletes are the young players he has developed from the beginning. One is Ishan Sharma, whom he has trained since the age of 14 and who is now approaching 21.

"Its more than basketball," he said. "Our families are close. I trained his older brother too. He is one of the hardest-working kids I know."

Where the work ethic comes from

Mathushan points to Kobe Bryant as a major inspiration, whose dedication and relentless work ethic shaped how he approached both basketball and life.

"He pushed me to become who I am now, on the court and off the court," he said.

Davids own commitment and professionalism played a significant part too, as does the drive of the younger athletes he trains.

"They push me too," he said. "They make me want to compete as a trainer and continue becoming better."

Most of all it comes from his family. His father worked as a truck driver, often sleeping in his cab, while his mother worked in clothing manufacturing and woke at 4.45am every day for 25 years.

"That work ethic is something I carry with me," he said.

You need to see what you can chase

As a Tamil working in elite basketball, Mathushan hopes to see greater Tamil representation across the sport, from players and coaches to physiotherapists and media professionals, something he believes starts with Tamils reaching senior positions within sporting organisations.

"You need to see what you can chase," he explained. "Having a good example makes a huge difference."

He is candid about the obstacles. Basketball scouting relies heavily on what he calls the eye test, on physical characteristics such as height, strength and athleticism, and he believes Tamil athletes can be overlooked because they do not fit traditional expectations, despite qualities such as intelligence and strong hearts.

"There are disadvantages, so you have to work harder," he said.

For young Tamil athletes hoping to pursue the game seriously, his advice centres on consistency and planning.

"You have to identify what you want and create a plan," he said.

The qualities needed to succeed in basketball, he believes, discipline, resilience, teamwork and commitment, translate directly into life.

"Be consistent. Have a plan. Give yourself five years and you will put yourself in a really good position."

He also acknowledges that immigrant parents may not immediately understand unconventional career paths.

"Our parents may not always see the vision. But thats okay because they only know what they know," he said.