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Rod Jensen Named University of Virginia Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
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July 17, 2002
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Rod Jensen has been hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Virginia, head coach Pete Gillen announced Wednesday (July 17). Jensen brings 22 years of collegiate coaching experience to Virginia, including seven as a head coach at Boise State University.
“We are thrilled to have Rod Jensen join our Virginia basketball family,” said Gillen. “Rod is a very talented coach who has enjoyed success both as a college assistant and as a head coach at Boise State University.”
“Rod will help us in all areas of our basketball program and he will be especially helpful in the improvement of our defense. Rod has a great reputation as a defensive coach and we are very happy that he will bring his talents to the University of Virginia.”
“It has been my life-long dream to coach and to have the opportunity to continue coaching at a great university, in a great conference, and under a great coach is exciting. I am ecstatic to be coming to UVa,” said Jensen.
Jensen spent the last seven years as the head coach at Boise State where he compiled a 109-93 record. In 1998-99, he led the Broncos to the Big West Conference East Division title with a 12-4 mark en route to a 21-8 overall record. Jensen is the second winningest men’s basketball coach in Boise State school history. Prior to being named head coach at Boise State, Jensen served as an assistant coach at the school for 12 seasons and helped the team advance to the NCAA Tournament three times (1988, 1993 and 1994).
A 1975 graduate of the University of the Redlands with a B.A. in business administration, Jensen began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater. He served as an assistant coach for two seasons from 1980 to 1982 before moving on to Penn State University for one season (1982-83).
“Rod will not be on the road recruiting at this time, but will be working on the floor with our players and in individual instruction sessions,” said Gillen.
In addition to the hiring of Jensen, Gillen also announced changes in responsibilities for two current staff members. Scott Shepherd, who has been an assistant coach the last three seasons, will become the Director of Basketball Operations. Alexis Sherard, the former Director of Basketball Operations, will become an assistant coach. “Alexis Sherard will be on the road as a full-time assistant with the recruiting responsibilities of a full-time assistant coach,” said Gillen. “Scott Shepherd is going to be the Director of Basketball Operations for the next year and there is an excellent chance he will assume another position on the staff the following year.” Walt Fuller, who is entering his fifth season with the Cavaliers, will continue his recruiting responsibilities.