Utah Utes Tap Alum Alex Jensen to Revive Basketball Program
The University of Utah men’s basketball program, eager to recapture its former glory, has turned to a familiar face. Alex Jensen, a key member of the Utes’ 1998 Final Four squad, has been appointed as the team’s new head coach, as announced by the university on Thursday. This decision marks a significant turning point for a program striving to escape a period of mediocrity and re-establish itself as a national force.
Jensen’s hiring signifies a strategic move by Utah’s athletic director, Mark Harlan, who emphasized Jensen’s extensive coaching background and player development skills. "Alex brings with him tremendous experience coaching at the collegiate, NBA and international levels, and is widely-respected for his ability to develop players and teach the game of basketball," Harlan stated. He further expressed confidence in Jensen’s vision and plan to lead the Runnin’ Utes back to national prominence, adding, "Alex has a vision and a plan for leading the Runnin Utes basketball program back among the nations elite, and I am confident that he will elevate our program and reignite the passion of our fan base along the way."
Jensen’s coaching resume is indeed impressive. Since 2013, he has honed his skills as an NBA assistant coach, initially with the Utah Jazz from 2013 to 2023. His tenure with the Jazz solidified his reputation as a skilled tactician and player developer. More recently, he joined Jason Kidd’s staff with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2023-24 season, experiencing the pinnacle of professional basketball as the Mavericks made a memorable run to the NBA Finals.
Beyond his NBA experience, Jensen also possesses valuable collegiate coaching experience. He spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Saint Louis University, working under the guidance of his former college coach, the late Rick Majerus, from 2007 to 2011. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in college basketball strategy and player recruitment.
Jensen’s connection to the University of Utah runs deep. A Utah native and former Utah Mr. Basketball, he starred as a starting forward on the Utes’ memorable 1997-98 team that reached the national championship game, ultimately falling to Kentucky. As a senior in 2000, he was recognized as the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year, further solidifying his legacy at the university. Following his collegiate career, Jensen embarked on a seven-year professional career overseas, broadening his understanding of the game on a global scale.
Adding another layer of intrigue to Jensen’s appointment is the potential addition of another former Ute standout to his coaching staff. Reports indicate that Andre Miller, a 17-year NBA veteran and current head coach of the Denver Nuggets’ G League affiliate, is being considered for a position on Jensen’s staff. Miller’s extensive NBA experience and coaching acumen could provide invaluable support to Jensen as he navigates the challenges of leading a college basketball program.
Jensen inherits a program seeking stability and success after a period of inconsistency. The Utes, who recently concluded their first season in the Big 12 Conference after 13 years in the Pac-12, finished the regular season with a 16-14 record. The program has struggled to replicate the success of Jensen’s playing days, making only three NCAA Tournament appearances since the 2005-06 season and failing to reach the tournament since 2016. Former coach Craig Smith, who was dismissed in late February, compiled a 65-62 record in his four seasons at the helm.
The decision to hire Jensen mirrors a similar move made by Utah’s rival, BYU, who hired Phoenix Suns assistant coach Kevin Young after Mark Pope departed for Kentucky. Young has enjoyed a successful first season with the Cougars, leading them to a 22-8 record and securing a top-10 recruiting class headlined by A.J. Dybantsa, the nation’s top-ranked prospect. The Utes are likely hoping that Jensen can have a similar impact, both on the court and in recruiting.
In a statement released by the university, Jensen expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Runnin’ Utes. "My basketball journey has been filled with so many people who have helped shape me as a coach and as a person, ultimately guiding me to this opportunity to lead the Runnin Utes basketball program," Jensen said. "I’m thankful for all of the great mentors I’ve had along the way as I embark on this next step to lead Utah Basketball. This is an exciting chapter for my family and me, and I’m looking forward to returning to a place that has meant so much to me. I can’t wait to get to work with our student athletes, coaches and the University as we move forward to achieve our goals."
Jensen’s return to Utah represents a homecoming and a chance to restore the program to its former glory. His blend of NBA, collegiate, and international coaching experience, coupled with his deep ties to the university and the state of Utah, positions him as a promising leader for the Runnin’ Utes. The challenges ahead are significant, but with Jensen at the helm, Utah aims to reignite its basketball program and recapture the passion of its loyal fanbase. The road to rebuilding a program is long and arduous, but by hiring Alex Jensen, Utah has taken a significant first step.
