### Utah Basketball Welcomes Back Alex Jensen: A New Era Begins - Alex Jensen has been appointed as the 17th head coach of the University of Utah's men's basketball program, marking a significant return to his alma mater. Jensen, a former star player for the Utes, was officially named head coach on March 6, 2025, after the dismissal of Craig Smith, who led the team for nearly four seasons. Jensen's deep ties to Utah, both as a player and a coach, position him as a promising leader for the program's future [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6175054/2025/03/06/utah-alex-jensen-head-coach-dallas-mavericks]. ### Structure of Jensen's Transition to Head Coach 1. **Background and Appointment** - Jensen's hiring comes after a week of speculation following Smith's firing. He has a rich history with the Utes, having played on the 1998 Final Four team and earning accolades such as Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2000 [https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/utah-hires-alex-jensen-as-basketball-coach-mavericks-assistant-who-played-for-utes-will-replace-craig-smith]. 2. **Current Role and Future Plans** - Despite accepting the head coaching position, Jensen intends to finish the current NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he has served as an assistant coach for two seasons [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/reports-utah-basketball-head-coach-011108791.html]. 3. **Coaching Experience** - Jensen's coaching career began under the legendary Rick Majerus at Saint Louis University, followed by a decade as an assistant with the Utah Jazz before joining the Mavericks in 2023 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/mavericks_assistant_leaving_to_take_college_head_coach_job/s1_127_41865275]. ### Supporting Evidence of Jensen's Qualifications - **Coaching Record**: Jensen has been recognized for his contributions in the NBA, including a stint that saw the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals in 2022 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/mavericks_assistant_leaving_to_take_college_head_coach_job/s1_127_41865275]. - **Player Achievements**: As a player, Jensen was pivotal in Utah's success during the late 1990s, contributing to the team's NCAA Tournament run and earning individual accolades [https://www.espn.co.uk/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44137359/sources-mavs-assistant-alex_jensen-coach-alma-mater-utah]. - **Community Connection**: Jensen's roots in Utah and his previous success with the Utes resonate well with fans and stakeholders, making him a popular choice for the head coaching role [https://www.si.com/nba/jazz/news/former-utah-jazz-assistant-major-college-coaching-job]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for Utah Basketball - **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Jensen's Return**: His appointment as head coach is seen as a "dream hire" for the Utes, aiming to revitalize the program after a challenging period [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/utah-basketball-lands-dream-hire-new-head-coach-replacing-craig-smith/f6ff92a9553816f200dcd8c6]. 2. **Dual Commitment**: Jensen's decision to finish the NBA season with the Mavericks reflects his dedication to both his current and future roles [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/reports-utah-basketball-head-coach-011108791.html]. 3. **Community and Legacy**: His deep connections to the Utah basketball community and previous success as a player and coach position him well to lead the Utes into a new era [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/mavericks_assistant_leaving_to_take_college_head_coach_job/s1_127_41865275]. In summary, Alex Jensen's return to the University of Utah as head coach is a significant development for the basketball program, promising a blend of experience, local ties, and a commitment to excellence.