The search continues to be all-in on Alex Jensen. Utah didn’t let Craig Smith go without knowing that there was a serious and likely chance to land Alex. There was enough dialogue with Alex to feel comfortable firing Craig.
Two different times this week, I’ve had people tell me that the deal was done, neither time I fully bought that, including one of the times being this morning. I’ve talked with enough people around those times to hear other things that lead me believe it’s close and that boosters expect it to happen.
Here’s the thing, Alex is happy in the NBA, but Nico Harrison destroying souls in Dallas, has led to a messy situation there and Alex’s contract is also up after this season. That gives Utah an opening. I’ve also been told that some family close to Alex would prefer him moving to the college ranks as a head coach.
There is no national search unless things go south with Jensen, but even at that, focus would shift to Andre. The reason I say this is, it continues to be all in on Alex. The move was made with the intention on Alex being the next head coach and knowing Andre is a golden 1B option or also Alex’s perfect lead assistant. The boosters, Harlan, and Randall view this as perfect timing.
So what needs to happen? Utah still needs an impressive sales pitch to get Alex to leave the comfort of the NBA. At differing times the last week, it has sounded like that pitch needs to be better. That being said, zero hope has been lost. Utah still needs to pay Alex well, but ultimately he needs to see a continuous path to competitive NIL resources.
If it’s indeed Alex like expected, I don’t see the negotiations going much longer. The boosters are dead set on Alex being the guy. They just need to understand that sufficient resources for the basketball program need to follow.
Two different times this week, I’ve had people tell me that the deal was done, neither time I fully bought that, including one of the times being this morning. I’ve talked with enough people around those times to hear other things that lead me believe it’s close and that boosters expect it to happen.
Here’s the thing, Alex is happy in the NBA, but Nico Harrison destroying souls in Dallas, has led to a messy situation there and Alex’s contract is also up after this season. That gives Utah an opening. I’ve also been told that some family close to Alex would prefer him moving to the college ranks as a head coach.
There is no national search unless things go south with Jensen, but even at that, focus would shift to Andre. The reason I say this is, it continues to be all in on Alex. The move was made with the intention on Alex being the next head coach and knowing Andre is a golden 1B option or also Alex’s perfect lead assistant. The boosters, Harlan, and Randall view this as perfect timing.
So what needs to happen? Utah still needs an impressive sales pitch to get Alex to leave the comfort of the NBA. At differing times the last week, it has sounded like that pitch needs to be better. That being said, zero hope has been lost. Utah still needs to pay Alex well, but ultimately he needs to see a continuous path to competitive NIL resources.
If it’s indeed Alex like expected, I don’t see the negotiations going much longer. The boosters are dead set on Alex being the guy. They just need to understand that sufficient resources for the basketball program need to follow.
