SALT LAKE CITY — Monday night didn’t need pyrotechnics or a dramatic unveiling to feel significant, it was the first true look at the Alex Jensen era at Utah — and from the opening tip, you could feel a fresh identity beginning to take shape.

The energy was purposeful, the style was clear, and the foundation being laid looked like something sturdy enough to build a season — and a program — on.

Seydou Traore proved to be pretty dynamic for the Runnin’ Utes. Keanu Dawes finished with a near double-double. Utah’s guards looked noticeably more dynamic.

The Utes opened the season with a 7:00 p.m. home tip against San Jose State, and while the crowd wasn’t quite “sold out and snarling,” it was noticeably better than your typical early-November shrug of a turnout.

People are curious. People

See Full Page