Meet Sunday Shades Ambassador Delvin Goh. He’s a full-time basketball player with the Singapore National Basketball Team. How does he train, what’s his routine like, what does he eat? Let’s dive in and get to know him.
Profile
Sport: Basketball, National Team (Singapore)
Name: Delvin Goh Kok Chiang
IG handle: @delvingoh
Facebook: Delvin Bryant
1. When did you discover that basketball was your passion and that you were going to pursue it as far as you could?
Actually, I started out by being forced to play by the teacher-in-charge of basketball as I’m really tall and quick. Eventually I gave myself a little bit of time to understand the game of basketball. After seeing the ball fall through a net as a challenge, it pushed me to try and conquer it. I then picked it up and never look back since, and I went on to win school zonal and national championship. Thereafter, I joined the National youth team, becoming the youngest to ever joined the National Men’s team and Singapore’s one and only professional basketball team: Singapore Slingers. After my first year with Singapore Slingers, I knew that I was going to pursue basketball as my career.
2. Who inspire you?
I was really a boy with zero interest and knowledge about basketball. But after being forced to join this sport, I started watching NBA players on videos, particularly the late Kobe Bryant. He eventually became my all-time favourite player: his work ethics, his mamba mentality inspired me to push myself to another limit. Even now, I am still watching his videos and documentaries.
3. Have you participated in any major events?
I have been to many major competitions since my secondary school days. I’ve played in the FIBA Asia youth competition, ASEAN School Games, FIBA Asia men’s competition, FIBA World 3x3 U-18, and the SEA Games 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. I have also participated in NBA Basketball without Borders Asia 2012, and was selected as the all-star team starting 5.
4. In your opinion, what was your best performance?
I don’t think that I have any best performance. I go in to do my best, I learn stuff. You win some and you lose some. But as a team, I would say the 2013 & 2015 SEA Games were our highlights as we won the bronze medals.
5. What’s your training like when training for a competition?
For the National Team, we train 5 nights a week, drilling all the team philosophy. For Singapore Slingers, some of us full-timers will train twice a day, 5 times a week. Morning would be individual work as there won’t be enough players to play up and down. Nights would be team practice, going through team tactics and plays, drilling on defence and basically just play.
6. Do you maintain a special diet? If so, what do you eat? Are there cheat days?
I don’t have a special diet, I eat almost anything. HAHA! But there are instances during the season or 2-3weeks before competition that I start to eat healthier, like salad and chicken breast to keep my body in good condition. I would go into a plain water diet where no other drinks are allowed to cut down on sugar intake. Other than that, I love enjoying my life. HAHA!
7. When not training for a competition, what’s your training like? Do you cross train? What does a typical week look like?
Usually after a season ends, we would take 1 to 2 months off for some time with our family or to go on a vacation to relax our minds. After that I will be back, doing my usual cardio, lifting weights and getting some individual training going just so that I can keep myself at 60% fitness before pre-season hits again. So I’ll spend 3 times a week training, do some coaching and take the remaining days off.
8. Do you see yourself as an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes?
It depends on how others see us. I always go out there and be myself, and if people see me as an inspirational role model, that’s good! I do have the experience of being the youngest. I’ve also played overseas as an import, and I have been the starting 5 for the National Team and Singapore Slingers for 5 years now. There are things that I have that nobody have, vice-versa. I do hope to be an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes and so I welcome any questions! I am always open for a meet-up to talk more.
9. Where are your favourite training spots in Singapore? Why?
I love the OCBC Arena, that is where we play at and it’s probably the best place that you can hoop in. As for weights training, it has got to be the Sports Singapore gym, as they have the best equipment all around. As for my usual cardio sessions, ie. running sessions, I love to run near my house through the park connecter, with the cool breeze especially during the evenings.
10. Have you always been fit and fab? Was there a time when you were not? Can you tell us more about that? 
I won’t say I am always fit and fab. I have never had a 6-pack. I think that being strong doesn’t mean that you have to have a 6-pack. Basketball is about strength and the ability to run and jump. I went from FAT (11years old) to SKINNY (14years old) to BIG (18 years old) to being AVERAGE (NOW).
11. If there are readers who would like to get started in your sport, what advice do you have?
Be ready to work. Natural talent can get you somewhere, and hardwork can also get you somewhere. But when combined, you will be there. Never give up, height gives you an advantage but it isn’t everything. Work hard and smart, focus on the things that will really help you, and don’t be fooled by the fanciful stuffs.
12. Do you have anything else about yourself you’d like to share?
I’m 200cm tall and I’m a full-time basketball player. I am friendly although many people say I look fierce all the time. If you have any questions regarding basketball or about life in general, do not hesitate to look me up. I am going to take my property agent exam soon, please find me too in the future for your house-hunting journey. Last but not least, I am starting a T-shirt business, whereby you can create your desired customised graphics and having them printed onto T-shirts. It’s called DrêamGraphiques.
We appreciate Delvin Goh for granting us this interview. He's both a high achiever but who remains very down-to-earth. We wish him the best in all his endeavours!