Tommy Connor returning to Utah as an assistant

by JazzyUte on Apr 7, 2011 9:32 PM MDT in Basketball

Big developments in Larry Krystkowiak's assistant search - as Tommy Connor, former player and assistant under Rick Majerus - will return to Utah as an assistant under Krystkowiak.

It marks his first return to The Hill since leaving the bench to coach at Westminster - a position he's held ever since.

I am also hearing rumblings that Alex Jensen, current assistant to Rick Majerus at St. Louis (and former Ute, of course), will be joining the coaching staff with Colorado State's DeMarlo Slocum - though neither are official at this hour.

But at the moment, this appears to be Krystkowiak's first staff at Utah. What do you think?

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Woot

Great hire.

I keep accidentally eating my pets. Maybe I should get something less appetizing, like a cat instead of a Twinkie.

Sort-of-daily sort-of-funny sort-of-thoughts at danoftheday.com

by CrimsonUte on Apr 7, 2011 9:41 PM MDT reply actions

Hellz yeah

Connor AND Jensen? Too good to be true. I hope it is!

by fountainofute on Apr 7, 2011 9:48 PM MDT reply actions

Nice

Very intrigued by the hire (and possible hires)—I think it’s a great move to nab some former Utes with great basketball minds that know the state. An immediate departure from Boylen’s approach… I just hope they are strong overall recruiters (since the rumor is that isn’t Coach K’s biggest strength), and can be effective recruiting OUTSIDE the state.

by la tortuga on Apr 7, 2011 10:19 PM MDT reply actions

Not sure about Jensen as a recruiter

“The hardest thing is recruiting,” said Jensen, who notes Saint Louis is a strong academic school a long way from many of its conference foes. “I thought it would be easier. Some people are built for it. I have gotten better at it. Coach says all the time that players win games and not coaches.”

…from a Des News article a few years back.

by Middy_U on Apr 7, 2011 10:45 PM MDT reply actions

Awesome!

Love it. Let’s get Donny Daniels just to make it a complete reunion.

by willlouty on Apr 7, 2011 11:11 PM MDT reply actions

glory days

It is hard for me to evaluate people I don’t know personally, but I remember Alex Jensen. Alex was defensive standout and played for our team during the championship years. As both Tommy and Alex have ties to the Fat Man, I am for giving these guys a shot. Heck I would I hire Doleac too even if he is not too busy with his med-school activities.

I am guessing since Utah for the next few years may be short on the talent side, they need to make for athleticism by hard nose physical play hallmarks of the Majerus and Sloan systems. A system I think Connor and Jensen subscribe too as well. I am pleased with their hires. So far I like Coach K’s moves.

by Utah-UCLA alum on Apr 7, 2011 11:16 PM MDT reply actions

This is a real coup

What a great start for Larry K and this program. WithTommy on board I don’t know if we need anymore Utah guys. Alex would be nice though. I would like to see Donny D come back too.

by ForeverUtes on Apr 8, 2011 1:46 AM MDT reply actions

I would like to see Donny return as well...

But it’s not happening. I don’t know what happened, but he isn’t interested.

The more I read about DeMarlo Slocum, the more I like. He’s young, has ties to Nevada and California and is very close to the AAU circuit.

by JazzyUte on Apr 8, 2011 1:54 AM MDT up reply actions

Love it!

When I saw this in the paper this morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I wonder if this will get Locke to shut up. Probably not.

Formerly SportsInUtah
Follow me on twitter: @BigBenSportsGuy

by BigBenSportsGuy on Apr 8, 2011 8:15 AM MDT reply actions

I love it too.

He should be able to hit the ground running locally.

"From the end spring new beginnings." - Pliny the Elder

by daedalus17 on Apr 8, 2011 5:43 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Looks like Jensen might not be coming along with these two coaches after all...

Which is why I didn’t say it was a done-deal like with Connor. Lot of speculation, but now it appears it will be Andy Hill, current assistant at Montana.

by JazzyUte on Apr 8, 2011 3:58 PM MDT reply actions