When Alex Jensen thinks about his first few months in charge of the Runnin’ Utes, the word “deliberate” comes to mind.
The first-year Utah head coach has officially filled out his staff and roster. He’s now focused on laying the foundation for something bigger.
“With things like this, I try to be very deliberate,” Jensen told The Salt Lake Tribune. “Our only goal is to be here and make it good. So I think it gives us kind of the luxury of taking our time and doing it right.”
That’s a lesson he learned from former legendary head coach Rick Majerus.
“If it didn’t have anything to do with winning the game, he didn’t care,” Jensen said. “Coach Majerus was going to do it the right way no matter what.
“I’m taking that same approach.”
Jensen made a splash by hiring Sacramento Kings assistant general manager Wes Wilcox as Utah basketball’s first GM this offseason. He also brought on a bevy of other staffers with NBA experience.
The goal is to create an NBA development pipeline for players on the roster.
Utah’s head coach hopes to use that as a recruiting tool and a formula to build success on the court.
“There’s a purpose for everything,” he said. “If the NBA is your goal … getting a routine, having them eat the right way, lifting weights and all those things … you have to be really good at what you do. It’s not just on the court, but it’s off the court.”
“The people that are successful do that.”
Jensen and the Runnin’ Utes staff have already built in plans to help each player maximize their development.
Utah’s head coach started by recruiting players with NBA intangibles.
The next step is getting them to develop ahead of the season.
Jensen will use the same deliberate approach that helped him put together his staff.
“It might not be for everybody,” Jensen said. “I think it attracts players that see our vision and see themselves as part of it.
“With my experience in basketball, when you win, everybody benefits.”
Poll results
(Steve Griffin | Tribune file photo) Utah’s Andre Miller runs up the court after the Utes defeated North Carolina in the 1998 Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Last week, I asked you if Jensen should have hired Andre Miller to his staff.
Here’s what you had to say:
Q1: Should Alex Jensen have hired Andre Miller this offseason?
Q2: Why?
We had many interesting replies to this one …
Here’s why a few fans think Jensen should have hired the Runnin’ Ute legend:
“[He is a] legacy player who can help relate to recruits. Link to the past glory,” one fan said.
Another added: “Name recognition. Lots of NBA experience will look very good to incoming prospects as well as great coaching for those in the program.”
In contrast, here’s why some fans think he shouldn’t be on the staff:
“Too soon, let it pay out and if needed bring him on board later,” one person said.
Another fan had an even hotter take.
“Andre should only come back as a head coach,” they said.
Q3: Do you think he could be hired in the future? If so, what do you think he’d bring to the table as a Ute assistant?
Although many of you disagreed on Jensen’s decision to not hire Miller this offseason, there was a consensus on this question.
“He’d bring a huge boost to NIL for basketball, great knowledge of the game, and point guard play would almost definitely improve,” a person said.
Another fan said: “Andre has many pluses. He should be well received by contributing alumni and have strong recruiting potential. Assuming there is no financial barrier, he should be a net asset.”
4th down: Is Devon Dampier ready to be a star for the Utes?
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah quarterback Devon Dampier (4) at the Utah Utes spring football game in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Devon Dampier is set to be Utah’s starter in 2025.
In 2024, he finished with 2,278 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Dampier was also a threat as a rusher, carrying the ball 155 times for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns.
After transferring to the Utes from New Mexico this offseason, one analyst thinks he’s primed for a big year next season.
One that could eclipse the likes of some former legendary Utah quarterbacks.
“This is the quarterback I’m planting my flag on for the 2025 season. This is my sleeper,” On3 analyst Cody Bellaire said. “The University of Utah has never seen a caliber of athlete like this. That includes Alex Smith, that includes Travis Wilson, and that includes Tyler Huntley. They did not have the juice that Devon Dampier has in the run game.”
What are your thoughts on this take? Is Dampier ready to be a star for the Utes?
Let me know in our latest poll.