Interview with Geethu Anna Jose

She was the captain of India national basketball team (Women’s). She joined the Southern Railway in 2003.She played for the Ringwood (Australia) Hawks during the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Big V seasons and while she was selected to play for Dandenong in the Australian WNBL 2008/9 season; she did not take up that offer. She is the first Indian women basketball player to become a professional and play for a club in Australia.

I had the chance to interview Geethu Anna Jose in a State level Cub tournament in Chennai, and here’s the conversation we had about her and basketball.

Geethu Anna Jose

Rajalingam: Can you tell us how you got into basketball?

Geethu Anna Jose: I started my sports training in Athletics, then moved to Volleyball I my school days. It was my school principal, who encouraged me to try my hand at basketball. I started my basketball training from my age of 13. And then, I got recruited by Southern Railway, and I am playing for them for the past 7 years.

Rajalingam: Are you still playing for Ringwood Hawks?

Geethu Anna Jose: I am not playing for them right now. Their playing season coincided with the dates of the National Camp here, and playing for my Country will always be my priority.

Rajalingam: How will compare Australian women players with Indian women players?

Geethu Anna Jose:: The Australian players have good work ethics. Even the bench players there, plays well than the main players here.

Rajalingam: What you can say about the basketball scenario in Australia and India?

Geethu Anna Jose:: In Australia, kids start playing the game, when they are 5 years. Here, in our country, our kids play cricket. Things have to change a lot, for the same to happen in India.

Rajalingam: How you got selected to play for the Ringwood Hawks?

Geethu Anna Jose:: Actually, I was playing in Melbourne in the Commonwealth games, and the team scout contacted Anil Kumar sir and he helped me join their team.

Rajalingam: What you can tell about the coaching system in Australia and India?

Geethu Anna Jose:: The coaching system is completely different in Australia. They have a team of professionals like coach, trainer and a psychologist, so the coach can focus on the on-court training alone. But here, the coach has the burden of taking care of both on- and off-court training schedules.

Rajalingam: Have you got any sponsors as of now?

Geethu Anna Jose:: I could not get any sponsors until now. Most of them were not willing to sponsor me, as I was already employed by Southern railway. I am still looking out for sponsors, and I hope to get one.

Rajalingam: What’s your view about taking basketball as a profession?

Geethu Anna Jose:: In other countries like Australia, players play the game since there is money in the game, and also because they get paid well. But in India, we play the game for the love of it. But the scene is slightly improving in India, with the recent decision about paying the team players.

Rajalingam: What do you feel about the growth of basketball in Tamil Nadu?

Geethu Anna Jose:: Basketball is really growing in Tamil Nadu. Mr.Ramajayam sir, the President of Tamil Nadu Basketball Association is really doing a good job. And the game has been promoted better than before. There was nothing in the game before.

Rajalingam: What’s your future plans in your basketball career?

Geethu Anna Jose:: As I have already played for an Australian league, I have an exposure to the International leagues. I am planning to try my hands at the WNBA trials and hope to play in WNBA, in near future.

Kudos to you, Geethu. My wishes for you to play in WNBA.