JCU Athletics has been on an exciting journey in recent years, and at the heart of it all is Coach Jose Cano, who has been shaping both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

We sat down with Coach Cano to hear about his experiences, insights, and vision for basketball at JCU.

You’ve been part of JCU Athletics for several years now. How would you describe your journey with us; from your early days in Rome to international tournaments and preseason camps like Sapri?

My journey has been steady and symbiotic—learning from each other and figuring out the best way to move the basketball agenda forward. I’ve loved coaching; it’s been an incredible experience seeing different countries and different styles of basketball. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

Coming from New Jersey and with experience playing in the Italian Serie C, how has your background shaped your coaching style here at JCU?

Well, coming from Texas, it took some time to integrate into Italian basketball coming from the USA. I think I’m in a unique position to help our students, most of whom come from the US, adjust to the playing style here, especially to the refereeing, which is very different from back home. That perspective really informs how I coach and guide the team.

This year marks the first official season for the women’s 5v5 basketball team. What excites you the most about leading this new chapter?

I’m excited because I’m part of something entirely new for JCU, but more importantly, I’m proud of the young women who come to every practice and work so hard. We’ve started from ground zero, focusing on the fundamentals every day. Seeing how much they’ve improved already makes me eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

Having coached both the men’s and women’s teams, what similarities and differences do you notice in their approach, dynamics, or development?

There are big differences, but at the core, it comes down to basketball IQ: both teams have an abundance of it. The women tend to be more technical in their approach, while the men focus more on athleticism. Both approaches, when used effectively, are challenging for the opposing team.

What goals do you have for your teams this season, and what are your long-term hopes for the growth of basketball at JCU?

This season, I hope to see both teams in the finals – the men in the Europa League and the women in the Champions League. Long term, I want these programs to be a staple and a highlight of JCU. I want players to come here not just to study abroad but to compete at a high level and chase championships anywhere the basketball gods take us in Europe.

Coach Jose’s passion, dedication, and global basketball perspective make him a cornerstone of JCU Athletics. Whether on the men’s or women’s court, he’s building programs that don’t just play basketbal: they define it! Sign up for tryouts of Spring 26!