SALT LAKE CITY — Alex Jensen is back home as the head coach of the University of Utah’s men’s basketball team. He was hired just 10 days after the departure of Craig Smith.
Jensen, a Centerville native, has had a rich coaching career. For almost 20 years, he has worked mostly in the NBA. He spent a decade as an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz and recently joined the Dallas Mavericks in July 2023. His return to Utah marks a significant moment, especially since he was once a standout player under the legendary coach Rick Majerus.
Jensen’s decision to come back to college basketball comes at a crucial time. The Mavericks recently traded star player Luka Doncic, which created a lot of changes within the franchise. Now, Jensen is focused on reviving Utah’s basketball program, which hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since the 2015-16 season. He will also work on enhancing the team’s NIL opportunities and strengthening connections with boosters and fans.
While Jensen has extensive experience in professional basketball, he will have to adapt quickly to the collegiate level in the Big 12. His last coaching role in college was back in 2011 as an assistant at Saint Louis. After that, he took a head coaching position with the Canton Charge in the NBA’s D-League.
His long time in the NBA gives him a unique edge in preparing players for their future careers. Jensen aims to blend that professional mindset with the increasing commercialization of college sports, where student-athletes are starting to see more financial benefits.
During his time as a player at Utah, Jensen was part of an impressive team. He played four seasons and excelled in his senior year, averaging 13.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He played a key role in getting Utah to the NCAA Tournament every year, including a run to the finals in 1998.
Now, Jensen hopes to bring that winning spirit back to the program. The Utah athletic department is optimistic that his passion and experience will lead the Runnin’ Utes back to the NCAA Tournament.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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