Rudy Gobert Shares Thoughts On Alex Jensen Becoming Head Coach At Utah
Mar 19, 2025, 1:10 PM
SALT LAKE CITY—After being officially introduced as head coach of the Utah men’s basketball program, four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert shared thoughts on Alex Jensen’s new gig.
Utah landed their top choice and the coach they believe will help elevate the program to national relevancy again. Jensen will be tasked with raising the bar and reigniting the passion for the program.
Jensen’s appointment has been well-received by many, and Gobert reflected on their relationship and how he feels Jensen will handle the job.
RELATED: Utah Has Officially Introduced Alex Jensen As Head Coach Of The Men’s Basketball Program
Rudy Gobert shares his thoughts on Alex Jensen accepting the Utah basketball head coaching job
The Utah Jazz were in Minnesota for a road game against the Timberwolves. Given the long-standing relationship between the two, the defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert shared some thoughts on Jensen’s new gig.
“I was happy for him, it’s like a full-circle moment for him, you know, he played there when he was younger,” Gobert said. “Him coming back home with his family, he’s like family to me too, and it’s just really exciting.”
“I think it’s huge; it’s a new era for college basketball, but I think Alex really understands our aspect of the game and outside of the game. I think he’ll be a great teacher to these young men, teach them great values. Obviously, when you play well, the money follows, but I think he’s going to be a great guy, individually, for those kids, and I’m excited to see how he’s going to lead this team.” – Rudy Gobert on Alex Jensen
Both Gobert and Jensen started their NBA careers with the Jazz in 2013, and the four-time Defensive Player of the Year then shared some insights into what allowed their relationship to flourish.
“First of all, he’s really competitive, it’s something not a lot of people know about him,” he said. “I loved that he was always honest with me, he wasn’t just telling me what I wanted to hear. He always tried to push me the right way and help me get better.”
That’s some high praise‼️
Listen in for what @rudygobert27 of the @Timberwolves had to say about Coach Jensen and his return to the Runnin’ Utes🗣️🗣️@utahathletics | @UUtah | #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/PyV7wGU0KC
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 19, 2025
Utah Jazz head coach, players chime in on Alex Jensen’s new role
“I’m very happy for AJ, he’s a heck of a basketball mind, and he’s got a great demeanor,” Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “He understands how to communicate with this generation of players.”
Jordan Clarkson is one of the most beloved Jazz players, worked with Jensen more than any current member of the team. He joined the team in 2019, just as the Jazz started to trend toward the top of the Western Conference, and he shared that he reached out to the former Ute after learning he’d gotten the job.
“I think it’s big time, I think he’s ready for that position,” Clarkson said. “I know he’s been around the league for a while. He’s got ties here, so it’s exciting to see him get that job and I already texted him congrats.”
Walker Kessler also worked with Jensen as a rookie and shared a favorite memory from their time together.
“His humor was so dry and he would just say stuff and he wouldn’t laugh, but it was, it would be so funny,” Kessler said. “We had a starting lineup with me, Lauri, and Kelly [Olynyk], and he called Tres Leches. So he’s a great dude, I’m super happy for him.”
