Alex Jensen Rebuilding The Runnin’ Utes Program Will Strengthen The Utah Basketball Community
Mar 18, 2025, 2:48 PM | Updated: Mar 19, 2025, 10:28 am
SALT LAKE CITY—With Alex Jensen now leading the University of Utah men’s basketball program, the former Runnin’ Ute standout will soon begin to lay the foundation for his program.
Jensen’s connection to the university and extensive coaching background uniquely positions him to reconnect the program with its storied history and inspire optimism for the future.
It’s become clear, though, that his mere presence is already resonating with the Utah basketball community, which bodes well for him and the program’s future.
Introducing, the 17th Head Coach in Runnin’ Utes History, Alex Jensen‼️ pic.twitter.com/khgmVsyjHB
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) March 18, 2025
RELATED: Alex Jensen Officially Introduced As Head Coach Of Utah Men’s Basketball
Building a tough, hard-nosed identity is a call back to Runnin’ Utes glory days
Jensen, a prominent figure during Utah’s successful run under legendary head coach Rick Majerus from 1994 to 2000 (Jernsen served a two-year church mission from 1995-97), understands that re-establishing a tough, competitive identity is key to filling the Huntsman Center once again.
As a player, Jensen helped Utah to a 109-24 record that included four regular-season titles—three in the WAC and a share of one in the MWC. The Runnin’ Utes also won two conference tournament championships in the WAC.
Most importantly, the Runnin’ Utes went to the NCAA Tournament each year Jensen was on the team. That included a run to the national championship game in 1998, ending as runner-up to Kentucky that year. In each of those seasons, Utah was among the toughest defenses in the country. Here’s a rundown of Utah’s defensive numbers each year Jensen played.
| FG% Allowed | PTS Allowed | |
| 1994-95 | 15th – .398% | 21st – 64.9 |
| 1997-98 | 6th – .386% | 4th – 57.6 |
| 1998-99 | 29th – .395% | 4th – 55.4 |
| 1999-00 | 136th – .428% | 20th – 61.8 |
That sort of defensive culture seems to serve as the foundation Jensen will be the program upon. That’s a good thing for Utah, as the Big 12 is one of the toughest defensive conferences in the country with nine teams ranking in the top 40 of Kenpom’s defensive rating metric.
“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.” – Alex Jensen
In addition to his focus on toughness, Jensen brings a sophisticated understanding of basketball schemes and player development. His adaptability will allow him to tailor strategies to his roster’s strengths and adjust to opponents’ challenges.
However, Jensen seemed focused on having core principles centered on effort, and tenacity will form the foundation of his team’s identity. That blue-collar mentality always seems to resonate with the basketball community in Utah.
Alex Jensen’s hire will strengthen the Utah basketball community
Within the state of Utah, there is a strong basketball community. Thanks to the Utah Jazz and the success of nearly every local college program, basketball carries a lot of value here. The hiring of Jensen strengthens Utah basketball’s own community, which is a tight-knit, passionate group with a dedicated fanbase and former players.
His mere presence has already resonated with Runnin’ Utes fans. Utah’s ticket office has seen a surge in inquiries regarding season tickets, particularly from fans who had distanced themselves in recent years. Not only have previous season ticket holders expressed interest in returning to the Huntsman Center, but hundreds of totally new season ticket requests have flooded the ticket office.
That speaks to one aspect of the Utah basketball community, but another is the relationship between the program and former players. Many Runnin’ Ute alums have expressed renewed enthusiasm, eager to see Jensen steer the program back to prominence.
That’s an important dynamic for Utah to harness. There are so many great alumni that want to be more connected and involved with the program. For various reasons, those connections have suffered over the years. Jensen’s presence instantly re-establishes those relationships but the program as a whole, needs to do a better job of nurturing those ties.
Another important element within the community centers on the next generation of basketball players coming up in Utah. Great basketball is being played up and down the state, but a stronger program in the heart of it will only strengthen the basketball community within it.
Having greater ties to the Utah Jazz also benefits the community. Utah basketball had a tremendous relationship with the Utah Jazz in years past. Jensen’s presence directly connects to the organization, bolsters Utah basketball’s “community.” KSL Sports Ben Anderson asked Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy and players who Jensen coached about his new role.
“I’m very happy for AJ, he’s a heck of a basketball mind, and he’s got a great demeanor,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “He understands how to communicate with this generation of player.”
“I think it’s big time, I think he’s ready for that position,” Jordan 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.”
“His humor was so dry and he would just say stuff and he wouldn’t laugh, but it was, it would be so funny,” big man Walker 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.”
Having those relationships with current players and staff will benefit Jensen as he works to establish himself as a collegiate coach.
Jensen brings all of these elements together to create a community that values tradition, success, and the future of Utah basketball.
