Update on the MBB coaching search from Alex Markham

[Utecity]

https://x.com/amarkhamrivals/status/1896394370427064623?s=46

Interesting update, from what we’ve heard this seems like the best case scenario. Obviously not a done deal yet but things seem to be trending in the right direction

[FountainofUte]

Let’s see if leadership at the U can seal the deal. I am hopeful, but I’m also anxious to see this thing get done.

There are a lot of ways that this could go wrong, having a popular, famous alumnus take over the head coaching job. There are probably more examples of this failing than examples of this working, but I think the dynamics of this one lean it in Utah’s favor for it being a successful job.

I genuinely think Alex Jensen is one of those guys who could coach any team at any level to its highest point. I have no doubt that he can do his part. The question is if the pieces surrounding him like the the A.D., the administration, the boosters, the fans, and the students can all do their part as well. That is half of the equation, and frankly possibly the bigger half.

[Minnesota Ute]

I wonder if the current NIL era is actually better for folks with NBA chops than it was back when we brough in Boylen from the Bucks. I have heard many commentators talk about how NCAA teams will be run much more like professional franchises in the go forward, with a GM type making player decisions around money in consultation with the head coach. Not that you still don’t need to sell a player on your program, but the money piece is going to be a big driver going forward.

Along with that though, we shouldn’t expect the second coming of RM from anyone, including Alex, because that ship sailed. It was already unmoored and headed out of the bay with the big name programs cheating. But now that it’s out from under the table and a virtual requirement, it needs to be managed accordingly.

[Trailgoat]

Solid post MU. Seems some schools are already on it or at least out in front of everyone else. Houston from a BB perspective is doing something right. Kelvin Sampson with solid NIL support has turned Houston into a power house. UH’s been making deep runs into the NCAA tourney the last 6 years straight.

Agree on expectations. Looked back to see when Jensen and Miller overlapped. Holy sh$%, looking at the rosters of Majerus teams from the early-mid 90s to 2000 at Utah. If I counted correctly, which is a stretch :), 2-3 of the late 90s teams had 5-6 NBA level players. RM played the rag tag player coach speak game in the media, but he recruited and developed a lot of very talented basketball players.

[Minnesota Ute]

I often wonder what all those players would have been and become without RM though. Not saying they wouldn’t, but I do wonder.

[GameForAnyFuss]

Contract has been sent to Jensen.

https://x.com/AMarkhamRivals/status/1896729804633985142

[ProudUte]

The longer this goes without an announcement is not good. It seems that Alex is not sure if he wants to take the job. I understand it would be hard to take on a sinking ship.

Alex met with Harlan last Friday, and I’m sure he was offered the job at the time. If we don’t hear anything today, I have my doubts we will get Alex.

I hope Alex decides to come back to the U.

[FountainofUte]

I feel like it’s too soon to be in the worried camp. We have no idea how this process actually works. The season is still going. There may be minimum interviews they have to do with other people before an offer can be extended. Alex may have to be making some calls to see what interest other people have being on his staff. There’s a lot that we just don’t know.

I think for me once it goes beyond the end of the regular season and we still don’t know that’s when I’ll get nervous.

And to call Utah sinking ship is a bit unfair. That is a relative statement. I like the comparisons I’ve seen referring to Utah mbb as more like a dormant lawn, or even optimistically a sleeping giant. Those are just as plausible as a sinking ship.

Look at our basketball program and in comparison to a lot of our old Mountain West conference buddies. Even as down as we’ve been, I still like where we are compared to a lot of those guys. But we went from competing in a two bid league where there were three or four good teams every year into a power conference where even the bad teams had resources —and that was the Pac 12.

Now in the Big 12 we are in a conference where 1 through 16 every school cares about basketball and has some history to their program and they all are trying to claw to the top. Relative to all that we have a lot of work to do.

[GameForAnyFuss]

If you’ve ever been involved in the contract review process, and the attorneys who review them, you’ll know that it could easily take weeks. Having a contract reviewed and executed within 2 business days is pretty much unheard of.

[utefansince79]

For all we know, Alex has made a commitment which is being kept secret while he sorts out the process of leaving his current position.

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