Raptors Uprising first-round pick Timelycook set to make most of second chance in NBA 2K League

TORONTO, Ont.—Eric “Timelycook” Donald is a strong believer of the saying everything happens for a reason.

It’s been a year now since professional NBA 2K player Timelycook last competed in the NBA 2K League, but the 2020 Raptors Uprising GC first-round pick looks at his time away as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes, and in hindsight a blessing in disguise.

“Not being able to be a part of the league was very tough. But I think everything happens for a reason because I was having my daughter at the time,” explained the Season 1 veteran. “So, I think that just gave me time to go home and spend time with her and basically just be there for my child.”

Shortly after the Season 2 NBA 2K League Finals wrapped up in August, one that the lockdown defender watched closely as a fan, Kali Joelle Zamora Donald was born—a day that Timelycook knows changed his life for the better.

“I’m just highly motivated because I know I had a rough life growing up, so I want her to have a great life,” said the new parent, who has spent almost every day beside his daughter since she was born.

In the process of sorting out Kali’s passport to come visit north of the border, the 25-year-old realizes that he’ll miss her immensely every day. But as he also acknowledges, like most new fathers, there’s now a larger, greater reason to set a good example and strive for success.

“This is a job; these are the sacrifices that you have to make,” added Timelycook. “It’s just going to be tough because I know, me, one of those things—growing up without a father—I take pride in being there for my little one, but I know it’s all going to work out for the best because once it’s all said and done, she’s going to have a great life and we’re going to be good.”

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For now, Timelycook will have to settle for daily FaceTime calls to stay in touch with his family while he embarks on a new journey north of the border.

But if there’s one benefit from having to be away from his loved ones back home, it’s that he now gets to live in the same gaming house and develop a unique, real-life bond with some of his long-time esports teammates.

Raptors Uprising retained player Kenny Got Work, 2020 second-round pick ReeceMode, and Timelycook have all been Pro-Am teammates for about the past five-to-six years. In fact, Kenny and Timelycook earned $250,000 USD together when they won the NBA 2K17 Road to the All-Star Tournament.

“It’s crazy because me, Kenny Got Work, and Reece have been playing on the same team since like NBA 2K15, so we have great chemistry,” explained Timelycook. “I’ve been to Kenny’s house in Memphis—it’s a great thing.

“Right now, we’ve been playing some pool, we’ve been playing some ping pong at the Bell Fibe House, so it seems like we already knew each other; it’s not new, but rather like a brother who has been living elsewhere and we’re just reconnected. I think our bond is going to get even stronger.”

Since he touched down in Toronto for the first time in his life last Friday, the 25-year-old is embracing every moment alongside Kenny and the rest of his teammates. And while getting down to work is still his number one priority, the Cincinnati, Ohio native says he’s most excited about experiencing the diverse culture that the 6ix has to offer.

And when asked what he’ll bring to Raptors Uprising in 2020, the 25-year-old’s answer shows just how much he has grown.

“Leadership and a proven, highly-motivated winner that will do anything it takes to get the win,” answered Timelycook. “But even though we are trying to knock teams heads off, I still want to give other players around the league advice—not as far as gameplay—but life lessons, you know, having kids and what to expect etc.

“I’m really trying to be bigger than just a gamer.”
Timelycook knows better than most people that second chances don’t come around too often; you can bet that it’s one that the new father will not take for granted.