Utah Basketball’s Future: What to Expect in Alex Jensen’s First Year
The upcoming 2025-26 season for the University of Utah’s basketball team presents a fresh starting point under newly appointed head coach Alex Jensen. A former player turned NBA assistant coach, Jensen brings 15 years of professional experience as he takes on the challenge of revitalizing a program that has not made an NCAA Tournament appearance in nearly a decade.
Building a New Era: Alex Jensen’s Vision
Transitioning into his role, Jensen acknowledges the significant turnover within the roster, with 80% of players being newcomers. This includes a mix of transfers and freshmen, which contributes to a long learning curve. Nevertheless, Jensen has outlined a 10-point plan focused on player development to foster a competitive spirit.
Roster Dynamics and Player Development
Jensen is determined to build a team culture centered on passion for the game. He emphasizes the importance of players eager to improve and contribute to the team’s success. Noteworthy players include:
- Keanu Dawes, a junior forward and the team’s lone significant returnee, who is expected to lead on the court.
- Terrence Brown, a junior guard with a strong scoring ability, who averaged 20.6 points per game last season.
- Don McHenry, a fifth-year transfer, who embodies the leadership Jensen seeks.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
Utah’s non-conference schedule kicks off with an opening game against San Jose State on November 3, 2025. They will face a series of teams that fall outside the top 150 of the KenPom ratings. Jensen’s approach is to take challenges in stride, preparing his players to “compete night in and night out in the Big 12.”
The Utes have been predicted to finish 13th in the Big 12, reflecting low expectations due to the roster’s vast changes. However, Jensen fosters a mindset focused on growth and the importance of continuous improvement throughout the season.
Health and Adaptability
An unfortunate setback came early for the team, losing forward Babacar Faye for the season due to an injury sustained in practice. Another player, Seydou Traore, also faced injury concerns in the exhibition games. Despite these challenges, Jensen remains optimistic about the team’s overall health heading into the season opener.
Insights Gained from Exhibition Games
The team has already engaged in two exhibition matches, which, although resulting in losses, provided crucial learning opportunities. Jensen emphasizes the importance of using these games to identify strengths and weaknesses, crucial for building team cohesion.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start for Utah Basketball
As the Runnin’ Utes prepare for a new season, they are focused on developing a solid foundation under Alex Jensen’s guidance. By prioritizing player enthusiasm and commitment to improvement, Jensen aims to reinvigorate Utah basketball and set the stage for future success.
