Projected Utah Basketball’s Starting Five, Rotation, Final Roster Needs

SALT LAKE CITY—Alex Jensen and his Utah men’s basketball program have been working hard to put together the 2025-26 roster. Though there is still work to be done, here’s an initial look at the projected starting five and rotation for the Runnin’ Utes. 

To this point, Utah has 11 spots accounted for, with seven coming through transfer portal additions. These initial moves have served as the foundation for Jensen’s program vision.

Here’s an in-depth look at the current roster and the playing style the team is poised to adopt.

Coaching Philosophy: Alex Jensen’s Vision

A former Utah standout and seasoned NBA assistant, Jensen is assembling a roster that reflects a modern, versatile, and defensive-minded brand of basketball. Jensen brings a wealth of experience from his time as an assistant coach with the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. Accordingly, Jensen is expected to bring a coaching philosophy heavily influenced by the NBA.

With the 11 players currently on the roster, there’s been an emphasis on increasing the athleticism across the roster. That speaks to the defensive identity Jensen wants to establish. The athletes Utah has brought in will allow Jensen to create a robust defensive game plan.

Interestingly, each player offers something slightly different on the offensive end, which is key to good roster construction. With four spots remaining, Utah still has room to make an addition or two that could provide greater clarity on the offensive vision, starting five, and rotation.

Projected starting five and rotation for Utah basketball

Jensen and his staff have four spots left to fill with the roster (pending approval of the House settlement). Those remaining spots could impact the current projection of Utah’s starting five and rotation. Yet, as it currently stands, here’s how things look:

Terrence Brown – G, 6’3″, Junior, Fairleigh Dickinson

Projected Role: Starter

Brown averaged 20.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game last season, showcasing good scoring ability and playmaking potential. Utah lacked guards that were capable of breaking down defenders and getting paint touches. Brown seems capable of doing that, not only for his own offense, but creating opportunities and action for others as well.

Elijah Moore – G, 6’4″, Sophomore, Syracuse

Projected Role: Starter

Moore contributed 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game at Syracuse. His shooting potential is intriguing and key to Utah’s outlook next season. Moore was considered one of the top shooters coming out of the 2024 recruiting cycle. If he can make a leap to 36% or higher from deep, that would be significant for the offense.

Jahki Howard – F, 6’6″, Sophomore, Auburn

Projected Role: Starter

Howard’s limited playing time at Auburn yielded 4.2 points per game, but he made a positive impact seemingly every time he was on the floor. Given his athleticism and hustle, Howard seems to be a key piece to Jensen’s defensive vision. Howard has potential as a shooter as well, and with development in his game could become a rather impactful player for Utah.

Keanu Dawes F, 6’9″, Junior, Utah

Projected Role: Starter

Dawes is the lone returning player with significant minutes, averaging 8.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 61% shooting from the field. Dawes seems poised for an increase in minutes and role, but his ability to impact games without action designated for him is his greatest asset. Dawes should continue to be a productive presence for the Utes next season.

James Okonkwo – F, 6’8″, Senior, Akron

Projected Role: Starter

Okonkwo is an athletic, long, big man with a 7’2″wingspan and good leaping ability. He contributed 6.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating efficiency and defensive capability. The playing experience he gained at Akron could be just what he needed in his return to the Power Conference level. 

Don McHenry – G, 6’2″, Senior, Western Kentucky

Projected Role: 6th Man

McHenry very well could start for the Utes next season. He brings veteran leadership and scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game last season. His first season at WKU was a bit more efficient, but McHenry is a capable scorer. His ability to create off the dribble and score efficiently will be valuable in late-game situations.

Babacar Faye – F, 6’8″, Senior, Western Kentucky

Projected Role: Top Frontcourt Option

Faye was a big addition for the Utes, as he averaged 15.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in 10 games before an injury shortened his season. Faye shows the ability to score inside and out, while adding length and athleticism to the frontcourt. He should be in contention for a starting role.

Seydou Traore – F, 6’7″, Junior, Iowa

Projected Role: Top Wing Option

Traore could also be in contention for a starting role, as he seems capable of playing either forward spot on the wing. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game at Iowa this past season. The year before that at Manhattan, he averaged 11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in twice as many minutes. Traore is an intriguing addition who adds versatility on both ends of the floor for Utah.

Ibi Traore – F, 6’9″, Freshman, Utah

Projected Role: Depth

Traore’s freshman season was cut short due to injury. His size and potential as a rim protector and rebounder will be assets as he returns to full health. Traore is another athlete with length inside. 

Alvin Jackson III – G, 6’5″, Sophomore, Salt Lake Community College

Projected Role: Depth

Jackson’s size and athleticism provide defensive versatility in the backcourt. While statistical data is limited, his physical tools suggest potential as a perimeter defender and secondary playmaker.

Kendyl Sanders – F, 6’6″, Freshman, IMG Academy

Projected Role: Depth

Sanders, a 3-star recruit, brings energy and versatility from IMG Academy. His development will be crucial in providing depth and flexibility on the wing.

What’s left for Utah basketball’s roster construction?

Utah should be aggressive and fill the final spots with players who can either make a difference next season or offer promising potential for development. How they elect to utilize those final spots will provide the final bit of clarity on what next season should look like for the Runnin’ Utes.

Utah seems pretty set along the wing with the players they have brought in. However, Jensen and his staff may look to add another shooter to round out the roster. A true point guard could be the focus, allowing others to take on more of the scoring load. Perhaps Utah looks to add another big man who can make a difference.

There are still players in the transfer portal who can contribute. There are typically late bloomers from the high school ranks that Utah could get in the mix with. There are likely international options that Utah will evaluate and potentially pursue as well.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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