Runnin’ the Utes

Nearly three decades ago, Alex Jensen BS’05 walked off the court in San Antonio after Utah’s heartbreaking loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Championship Game. Now the Centerville, Utah, native is back where it all started, trading his NBA assistant coach whistle for the chance to lead his alma mater. Jensen’s journey took him from team captain under Rick Majerus to 12 years coaching professional basketball—including nearly a decade with the Utah Jazz, developing stars like Rudy Gobert; a season as NBA D-League Coach of the Year; and two years as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. But home kept calling. We sat down with Jensen to talk about his remarkable path from University of Utah player to men’s basketball head coach.

Back when you played for the U, did you ever imagine that you’d return as head coach?

It’s surreal. A lot of memories from my time here have come back, and it’s exciting. I tell recruits about how we used to fill the Huntsman Center and few teams left with a win. Being the coach here is not something I ever thought about during my playing days, which makes it even more surreal.

What’s one memorable piece of wisdom from Coach Majerus that has stuck with you?

One lesson that keeps coming back to mind is that Coach Majerus did not want to be bothered with anything that didn’t concern winning the next game. Everything he did was for the betterment of the team. We used to say “team together” when I played here, and we are going to do the same thing now.

How did you tackle this off season’s roster rebuild, and what qualities guided your player selections?

I was very deliberate with building our roster, similar to how I filled my coaching staff. I took my time and made sure each player was the right fit for our program and that we were right for them, too. We never rushed decisions or compromised our core values. We made sure the players we recruited are competitive, smart, skilled, and have a real love for the game.

You’ve spent a lot of time coaching in the NBA—from the Canton Charge with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization to the Utah Jazz to the Dallas Mavericks. What did those NBA experiences teach you, and how will they shape the way you manage the Runnin’ Utes program?

I have been fortunate to have a great coaching career. Starting with Coach Majerus in college to the different NBA coaches I have worked with, I have been able to learn a lot. Coaching at different levels gives you new perspectives, but you also realize that the essential elements remain the same no matter what.

What kind of team are you trying to build at Utah? When fans watch the Runnin’ Utes under Alex Jensen, what do you want them to notice about your team’s style of play or culture on the court?

Our team is going to compete night in and night out. We’re going to play a fast-paced style of basketball similar to what you see in the NBA. And we’re going to play together.

We know basketball keeps you busy, but what about Alex Jensen off the court? How do you spend your free time?

I have three girls, ages nine, seven, and four, and that keeps me busy off the court. I enjoy going to their various activities, like dance, soccer, and basketball. Spending time with my girls keeps me grounded.