Former Endicott basketball player to join the Lakers S&C staff
December 7, 2011
BAKERSFIELD, December 6, 2011 – The Los Angeles Lakers have hired the Jam’s Head Athletic Trainer/Strength & Conditioning Coach, Tim DiFrancesco, as their new Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, the team announced today.
“The Lakers epitomize what it is to be a champion, what it is to be successful. They take the time to go above and beyond in every single level of their organization and for me to be a part of something like that is truly what I always wanted. It is truly a dream come true,” said DiFrancesco.
DiFrancesco spent two full seasons and was in the beginning of his third year with Bakersfield. During his time with the Jam, he trained three NBA GATORADE Call-ups in Alade Aminu, Brian Butch, and Trey Johnson, and third player ever to be selected in an NBA Draft from an NBA D-League team in Chu Maduabum. Last season he also trained NBA assignees from the Lakers Devin Ebanks, Derrick Caracter and the Clippers Willie Warren.
“It has been a real honor to be part of this organization,” said DiFrancesco when reflecting on his time with the Jam. “I can’t thank this organization enough because this will always be what I look at as the platform that put me in the position I’m in right now.”
"Tim has been a huge asset to our organization and we are excited that he has received this opportunity,” added Head Coach Will Voigt. “The Lakers are getting one of the brightest young strength coaches in the business.”
Tim was most recently interviewed for a Sports Illustrated article, “The New Training Table” by Alexander Wolff, released on November 7, 2011.
DiFrancesco, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS, AQx CMT became an NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2007 and shortly after co-founded TD Athletes Edge, LLC with his brother, Scott DiFrancesco. TD Athletes Edge offers high level, research based performance training for athletes and clients of all levels.
“Athletic training, physical therapy and sports performance all go hand-in-hand and its super important to have a really good feel for all those different backgrounds if you are going to be able to give an athlete the best possible optimal environment to achieve their performance goals,” expressed DiFrancesco.
Tim graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2006 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Athletic Training from Endicott College in 2003. He was a four year member of the varsity men’s basketball team at Endicott.
“I love the game of basketball as far back as I can remember and always wanted to play at the highest level that I was physically capable of playing. I initially think that I got into the field of athletic training so that I could help people rehab and be around sports,” said DiFrancesco as he looked back on his career path. “What is really gratifying to me is when I see the progress on the court and I see guys that either based on an injury or physical limitations had not achieved a certain level on the court and ultimately, they get to that certain level, reach their goal.”
Tim has a passion for working with athletes and patients of all levels to help them achieve their goals and reach their performance potential.
“I focus on the moment and do the best I can at that moment. There are different ways in which you can be involved in professional athletics, be able to help athletes to achieve their goals,” replied DiFrancesco when asked about his ultimate career goal. “Becoming the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with a professional team, especially with a team that is as special as the LA Lakers, has been at the top of my list.”
“The Lakers epitomize what it is to be a champion, what it is to be successful. They take the time to go above and beyond in every single level of their organization and for me to be a part of something like that is truly what I always wanted. It is truly a dream come true,” said DiFrancesco.
DiFrancesco spent two full seasons and was in the beginning of his third year with Bakersfield. During his time with the Jam, he trained three NBA GATORADE Call-ups in Alade Aminu, Brian Butch, and Trey Johnson, and third player ever to be selected in an NBA Draft from an NBA D-League team in Chu Maduabum. Last season he also trained NBA assignees from the Lakers Devin Ebanks, Derrick Caracter and the Clippers Willie Warren.
“It has been a real honor to be part of this organization,” said DiFrancesco when reflecting on his time with the Jam. “I can’t thank this organization enough because this will always be what I look at as the platform that put me in the position I’m in right now.”
"Tim has been a huge asset to our organization and we are excited that he has received this opportunity,” added Head Coach Will Voigt. “The Lakers are getting one of the brightest young strength coaches in the business.”
Tim was most recently interviewed for a Sports Illustrated article, “The New Training Table” by Alexander Wolff, released on November 7, 2011.
DiFrancesco, PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS, AQx CMT became an NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2007 and shortly after co-founded TD Athletes Edge, LLC with his brother, Scott DiFrancesco. TD Athletes Edge offers high level, research based performance training for athletes and clients of all levels.
“Athletic training, physical therapy and sports performance all go hand-in-hand and its super important to have a really good feel for all those different backgrounds if you are going to be able to give an athlete the best possible optimal environment to achieve their performance goals,” expressed DiFrancesco.
Tim graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2006 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Athletic Training from Endicott College in 2003. He was a four year member of the varsity men’s basketball team at Endicott.
“I love the game of basketball as far back as I can remember and always wanted to play at the highest level that I was physically capable of playing. I initially think that I got into the field of athletic training so that I could help people rehab and be around sports,” said DiFrancesco as he looked back on his career path. “What is really gratifying to me is when I see the progress on the court and I see guys that either based on an injury or physical limitations had not achieved a certain level on the court and ultimately, they get to that certain level, reach their goal.”
Tim has a passion for working with athletes and patients of all levels to help them achieve their goals and reach their performance potential.
“I focus on the moment and do the best I can at that moment. There are different ways in which you can be involved in professional athletics, be able to help athletes to achieve their goals,” replied DiFrancesco when asked about his ultimate career goal. “Becoming the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with a professional team, especially with a team that is as special as the LA Lakers, has been at the top of my list.”