Jose Fonseca: The Most Important Person to Duke Basketball That You Do Not Know

At the time of me writing this article, I’m sure many of you don’t know who Jose Fonseca is. That doesn’t bother Jose from working “up to as many as 75 hours/week” for the team. “I am part of the behind the scenes support staff who helps our guys shine under the bright lights.” That kind of selfless attitude is a key to the Duke basketball program’s success.

Jose Fonseca is the athletic trainer for the Duke men’s basketball team. He works tirelessly throughout the season, and even the offseason, to make sure the team can heal and play through injuries. “The team is my sole responsibility, so whatever time it takes…I put in.” His complete dedication is what helps make the team go. His hard work has been crucial to Duke, as many Duke players have successfully returned from injury with Jose’s help.

Originally born in San Salvador, El Salvador; Jose Fonseca’s move to the US has been a great one. He earned a B.S. at Penn State in exercise and sports science with an emphasis in athletic training in 1997. Two years later, he earned his Masters in kinesiology, also at Penn State. After graduating from Penn State, he worked as an athletic trainer at East Tennessee State University (men’s basketball and baseball) and Nebraska (basketball and football) before coming to Duke.

Jose Fonseca first joined the Duke Basketball program in 2004. He first interviewed in June of 2004 and got the job in July. After starting in August 2004, he has been a part of a Duke basketball program that has made the NCAA tournament every year. He has been accustomed to success at Duke, and that success begins with head coach, Mike Krzyzewski.

A big part of Jose Fonseca accepting the job at Duke, was the presence of Coach Krzyzewski. That offseason, Coach K had gotten an offer to coach the Los Angeles Lakers and turned it down. After joining Coach K and Duke basketball, Jose said he has “never been happier.”

Coach K has clearly been very impactful in Jose’s life. When asked about what it is like to work with Coach K, Jose responded “It is amazing! I pinch myself every day and hope that my time at Duke it is not a dream. Coach K is the best in every aspect of coaching and being a man. I really couldn’t ask to have a better boss.” Jose has clearly not regretted his decision, and loves to be a part of Duke basketball.

Last season may have been one of the most difficult for Jose. He worked long hours all year to make sure two dedicated seniors were able to play through nagging injuries. “It was difficult and very stressful, but Seth and Ryan were terrific patients which made my job easier.” He obviously had help with the dedication from the seniors, but his hard work was a major reason Seth Curry and Ryan Kelly  had such successful senior seasons.

The work to help Duke players did not end after the final buzzer. This offseason, Jose has helped four players; Curry, Kelly, Marshall Plumlee, and Josh Hairston; in returning from surgeries. The offseason is usually the down time for Jose, but that has certainly not been the case this season.

When helping players return from injury, Jose has a lot of help with the dedication of the Duke basketball players. “All of our players work hard in every aspect.” That hard work is crucial in Duke players returning from injury. When asked who he thought was the hardest working returning from injury, Jose did give a player. “Kyle Singler. He is on another level.” His response is not surprising, as Singler proved his hard work this season in the NBA, starting for the Detroit Pistons after being a second round draft pick the year before.

Not surprisingly, Jose’s best moment as a part of the Duke basketball program was winning the 2010 National Championship. 2010 was truly a special team and was the team that got Jose Fonseca his first championship as a trainer.

Jose is very optimistic about the 2013-14 basketball season, “I am excited to see our team this year and have big expectations. I am looking forward to seeing how different we will play as we are more athletic. I think that we will be an extremely fun team to watch.” I agree with Jose completely, it is a different team from last year but will definitely be successful.

I think I speak for all Duke fans and hope Jose’s job will be easy this season, meaning no serious injuries. But I know, if anything were to go wrong, Jose will be up for the challenge.

Jose Fonseca is a truly amazing and selfless man who is a crucial member to Duke basketball. I really appreciate that he was willing to do the interview with me. Everyone thank him for me, and follow him on twitter @BestCutManInMBB . The next time an injured player returns for Duke, you now know who to thank.