Takeaways: Alex Jensen’s Introductory Press Conference As Utah Basketball Head Coach
Mar 17, 2025, 8:23 PM | Updated: Mar 18, 2025, 8:57 am
Alex Jensen, 'Home Sweet Home' as Utah basketball head coach. Photo by Steve Bartle, KSL Sports
SALT LAKE CITY—With new men’s basketball head coach Alex Jensen, University President Taylor Randall and athletics director Mark Harlan didn’t just make a nostalgic hire; they made the right hire for Utah basketball.
It’s a home-sweet-home type of vibe with Jensen taking over the men’s basketball program. After nearly two decades of coaching, Jensen has returned to lead his alma mater.
Jensen didn’t go into too much detail but shared some thoughts and answered questions with the media in front of fans at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
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Leaning into the home sweet home vibes for Alex Jensen’s introductory press conference… pic.twitter.com/4ERXrs9gFK
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) March 17, 2025
Alex Jensen is a connection to the past and, more importantly, the right leader for Utah basketball’s future
“What we’ve done here — it’s rather simple. We have reached into our past to develop our future, and it’s time for a new day,” Mark Harlan shared when introducing Alex Jensen.
As a former Runnin’ Utes player, Jensen was a vital piece to Utah’s success under Rick Majerus. He contributed some of the greatest moments in program history. That dynamic is a significant reason why there is so much excitement over his return to the program. Jensen recognizes that connection and understands its importance but maintains his focus on the future.
“I remember playing here, and the history, especially basketball, it’s rich. And I remember thinking, ‘You’re in a long chain of great players and great teams.'” Jensen shared. “I don’t want to say it’s a continuation of the past, but I think it’s a connection. I’ve specifically approached this looking forward and to carry on this tradition.”
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It was encouraging to hear him be candid about his understanding of the current college landscape. It is entirely new to him and will require a lot of adaptation to how he operates. And his willingness to see that and be honest about it was refreshing.
“When I stopped recruiting last time (as part of Rick Majerus staff), they had just introduced text messages, and I said, ‘I’m glad I’m leaving, it’s going to get crazy,'” Jensen shared. “But no, it’s going to be a lot of work, and I know that, and I’m excited. Again, it’s hard finishing up in Dallas, but I’m going to do my due diligence to get a staff that understands and knows that because there is a lot of work to be done, that’s where a lot of the wars are won, in the recruiting.”
It was clear that Jensen’s return is not just to bask in the glory of his playing days, he’s focused on leading this program into the future. Jensen brings a lot to the table but also knows that he needs to evolve. Jensen’s connection to the past is important for many fans, but his qualifications and honest approach make him the best man for the job.
Jensen’s NBA background will influence his coaching style
“I’ve worked with some great coaches, I spent one year with Tyrone Corbin, who gave me my shot in the NBA, and then spent eight years with Quin Snyder,” Jensen said. “We went through a lot of different teams and ups and downs building a program. Then even a year with Will Hardy, and the last couple with Jason Kidd.”
It’s obvious that Jensen’s league background will influence his coaching at Utah. He’s spent the last 12 years of his career there. He will rely heavily on what he’s learned over the years and coach NBA-style basketball tailored to the guys on the roster.
“In terms of style, it’s going to be a lot of NBA stuff, but it will evolve based on the players,” he said. “I want them to play free, not be afraid to make mistakes and a team that plays hard with a solid core of things we do every night. I think it’s something that’ll change and you can tailor it to your team.”
Think of the teams Jensen has been a part of over the years and the players he’s coached. He’s worked with some of the world’s most dynamic offensive players, including Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Donovan Mitchell. He spent years assisting in the development of a well-structured defensive system with the Utah Jazz. Jensen has been around so many different brands of basketball he possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding schemes and the x’s & o’s.
Utah will go through many forms and variations of team and individual player strengths. That ability to adapt and tailor to the players will be incredibly important to maximize results. However, Jensen still made clear that there is an identity he wants his program to embody.
“It’s going to be a tough, hard-nosed, competitive team that will make the fan base proud,” Jensen said. “That’s the one thing that I will strive to do, and won’t cut corners, but it’ll be a team that they’ll be proud of.”
Finalizing his staff is important, but Jensen will take his time
“One of the things from the get-go is I knew it would be difficult, but I felt like I needed to finish the season in Dallas,” he shared. “They’ve been great, and I don’t think they would mind if I left, but I just feel it’s the right thing to do to finish it out there, which makes all that, you know, hiring a staff and getting going a little more difficult.”
The Mavericks have been unraveling since the Luka Doncic trade. They’ve seen an unbelievable rash of injuries and are in free fall. Still, Jensen remains committed to that team and finishing the year out.
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With that, Jensen knows that filling out his staff is important. There is apparently great interest in joining his staff but Jensen is going to be thorough with this process to get it right and ensure he has the right people around him.
“Just like when I’m making the decision, going through the extreme due diligence, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with a lot of people, and a lot of people want jobs,” he shared. “But I’m taking my time, I’ve spoken to a lot of teammates recently, but I want to take my time and do it right instead of rushing. In fact, I’ve talked to a lot of former college coaches that have said that, take time with your staff and do it right.”
Decisions will be made in a timely manner. Jensen will be patient but seems to understand that staff needs to be in place soon. All eyes are on former players, particularly one former teammate, and for good reason, but it’s important for fans to be patient with this. With Jensen at the helm, it seems things are falling into place.
It will be critical that Jensen has assistants on staff who have those relationships in recruiting. As he mentioned, recruiting is where the wars are won, and having assistants that can lead the charge on the recruiting trail will be vital to the program’s success.
He’s got a lot on his plate right now, juggling the obligations of being a new head coach while maintaining a commitment to his current team, but Jensen’s presence positions Utah basketball for growth and long-term success.
