Alex Jensen Addresses Utah Basketball Rebuilding Effort

The Utah head coach discussed team development and expectations at Big 12 media days.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Alex Jensen Addresses Utah Basketball Rebuilding Effort

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Alex Jensen addressed the Utah basketball team rebuilding effort during Big 12 media days. The program is looking to improve after a challenging 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Jensen is navigating the competitive landscape of the Big 12 while integrating a new roster of transfers and international prospects. The coach uses the team's last-place preseason ranking as a motivational tool to drive player development.

Utah recorded a 10-22 overall record last season, including a 2-16 mark in conference play. Jackson Holcombe enters the season coming off an average of 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

The players

Alex Jensen

He is the head coach of the Utah basketball program and is focused on team growth after a difficult previous campaign.

Jackson Holcombe

He is a key player for Utah who transferred to the program to participate in the team's ongoing development goals.

Rick Majerus

He is a former influential basketball coach whose established principles are currently being used to guide the current Utah team.

The details

Alex Jensen is utilizing coaching principles learned from Rick Majerus to establish clear expectations for his players in game situations. The team is currently building its identity through a blend of returners like Jackson Holcombe and new arrivals from the transfer portal.

The 2025-26 season saw Utah finish with a 10-22 overall record.
Alex Jensen spoke at Big 12 media days on October 20, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The Big 12 conference basketball preseason poll sets the competitive baseline against which the team evaluates its current progress. Utah is using the projected last-place finish to challenge the squad and define its identity within the league.

Jackson Holcombe remains the central offensive engine for the team, meaning his individual stat line will be the primary indicator of Utah's potential to outperform its preseason ranking. Success for the program now depends on the chemistry between the veteran core and the new international recruits.

The takeaway

Jensen is emphasizing discipline and ownership to turn the program around after a difficult year. Players are being challenged to embrace high standards regardless of the external expectations set by conference media.