Mike JensenWhat I DoI write sports columns focusing on colleges and Philly hoops. Over the years, I've covered Smarty Jones, World Cup soccer, and a memorable decade of John Chaney.Haverford College’s Tom Donnelly, coaching icon, at the finish line with lessons for us all“Thirty-five of the hardest races I ever ran," Donnelly said of his own cancer treatment.Mike Jensen Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboardFormer Temple football player Jarred Alwan had Stage II CTE ‘from all those hits to the head’Family and friends gathered for the former Camden Catholic and Temple star at his gravesite Friday to observe his 30th birthday.Mike Jensen Nov. 12, 2023Link copied to clipboardGood vibes on Hawk Hill start with Lynn Greer IIIThe leadership of St. Joseph's point guard has the Hawks starting off the season on the right foot.Mike Jensen Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboardA new Big 5 era is beginning. Here’s everything you need to know about the men’s basketball landscape.Drexel joins the Big 5. A tournament format begins. Will it all change local men's college basketball?Mike Jensen Nov. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboardVillanova’s latest Blue & White scrimmage offered a glimpse of the puzzle aheadThe Wildcats looked good, but with transfers blending in, don't count on a solidified starting lineup yet from head coach Kyle NeptuneMike Jensen Oct. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboardSusan Francia, a Penn grad with two Olympic gold medals, now has a mom with a Nobel PrizeThe Abington High graduate is part of a storied family.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboardBig backing and even bigger bucks have turned Villanova basketball into a professional team With an era of excellence in the history books, and the business of college basketball changing so radically, the balancing act for Villanova? Adapting to the times while keeping its culture intact.Mike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboardMy closing Off Campus column fixes every single thing in college sportsIn his farewell column, Mike Jensen shares what he would do if he were king of college sports.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboardBill Zwaan finishes off a legendary college football coaching career at West ChesterBetween Widener and West Chester, Zwaan won 217 games as a local head coach.Mike Jensen Nov. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboardTipoff Central: A look around the Big 5 and elsewhere on college basketball’s opening dayCollege basketball season has tipped off. The Inquirer has wall-to-wall live coverage of Philly teams in action on Monday, and even Philly-area locals playing away from home.Mike Jensen, Jeff Neiburg, Josh Verlin, Matt Mullin, Max Dinenberg, Rymir Vaughn, Diamond Leung, and Isabella DiAmore Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboardBob Knight had many ties to Philly, most of all to John ChaneyBoth coaches were demanding, had tempers, were disgusted by turnovers. They had a mutual respect that ran deep.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardWhen it comes to attracting top student-athletes, Temple is ‘woefully’ behind on having the dollarsThe university's financial investment in athletics seems massive on paper. In the case of NIL, its collective contends it doesn't even scratch the surface of giving the Owls a competitive advantage.Mike Jensen Oct. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboardIn the new money era of college sports, what’s the plan for St. Joseph’s, La Salle, and Drexel?Being a mid-major college program was a difficult path to succeed at before NIL came along. With the advent of the NCAA's transfer portal, how can schools without massive war chests compete?Mike Jensen Sept. 29, 2023Link copied to clipboardOhio State QB Kyle McCord put in 10,000 hours for those 85 seconds at Notre DameA former tutor explains what he saw from the St. Joseph's Prep graduate.Mike Jensen Sept. 25, 2023Link copied to clipboardCall it Palestra magic, but understand how Penn’s Big 5 upset of Villanova came aboutPenn's zone defense and some big individual efforts carried the Quakers to a Big 5 upset.Mike Jensen Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboardThe Big 5 has a new team and a new format, but it looks the same as it ever wasDrexel played its first-ever game in the new Big 5 tournament structure, but La Salle prevailed in a contest that looked like Philly hoops.Mike Jensen Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboardPhil Martelli is an acting head coach? Make that two Phil Martellis in the same role, please.Phil Sr. is the acting head coach at Michigan with Phil Jr. at Bryant. And don't forget about the youngest brother Jimmy, an assistant at Penn StateMike Jensen Nov. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboardJared Armstrong had to flee his dream job playing basketball in Israel“We were in the living room trying to figure out what we were going to do,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got to do something. We don’t have no guns. If they come, we’re dead.”Mike Jensen Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboardPenn’s hard truth? In the case of college sports and the Ivy League, it isn’t all about the moneyThe idea of a collective to help financially attract top athletic talent is a nice thought. But when it comes to the Ivy League, that's all it is at the moment.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboardLa Salle set to play on a new basketball court, with a new nameTom Gola Arena will receive a much-needed renovation. But it won't be named Tom Gola Arena, anymore. Welcome, Explorers fans, to the John Glaser ArenaMike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
Haverford College’s Tom Donnelly, coaching icon, at the finish line with lessons for us all“Thirty-five of the hardest races I ever ran," Donnelly said of his own cancer treatment.Mike Jensen Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Haverford College’s Tom Donnelly, coaching icon, at the finish line with lessons for us all“Thirty-five of the hardest races I ever ran," Donnelly said of his own cancer treatment.Mike Jensen Nov. 17, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Former Temple football player Jarred Alwan had Stage II CTE ‘from all those hits to the head’Family and friends gathered for the former Camden Catholic and Temple star at his gravesite Friday to observe his 30th birthday.Mike Jensen Nov. 12, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Former Temple football player Jarred Alwan had Stage II CTE ‘from all those hits to the head’Family and friends gathered for the former Camden Catholic and Temple star at his gravesite Friday to observe his 30th birthday.Mike Jensen Nov. 12, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Good vibes on Hawk Hill start with Lynn Greer IIIThe leadership of St. Joseph's point guard has the Hawks starting off the season on the right foot.Mike Jensen Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Good vibes on Hawk Hill start with Lynn Greer IIIThe leadership of St. Joseph's point guard has the Hawks starting off the season on the right foot.Mike Jensen Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboard
A new Big 5 era is beginning. Here’s everything you need to know about the men’s basketball landscape.Drexel joins the Big 5. A tournament format begins. Will it all change local men's college basketball?Mike Jensen Nov. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
A new Big 5 era is beginning. Here’s everything you need to know about the men’s basketball landscape.Drexel joins the Big 5. A tournament format begins. Will it all change local men's college basketball?Mike Jensen Nov. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Villanova’s latest Blue & White scrimmage offered a glimpse of the puzzle aheadThe Wildcats looked good, but with transfers blending in, don't count on a solidified starting lineup yet from head coach Kyle NeptuneMike Jensen Oct. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Villanova’s latest Blue & White scrimmage offered a glimpse of the puzzle aheadThe Wildcats looked good, but with transfers blending in, don't count on a solidified starting lineup yet from head coach Kyle NeptuneMike Jensen Oct. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Susan Francia, a Penn grad with two Olympic gold medals, now has a mom with a Nobel PrizeThe Abington High graduate is part of a storied family.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Susan Francia, a Penn grad with two Olympic gold medals, now has a mom with a Nobel PrizeThe Abington High graduate is part of a storied family.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Big backing and even bigger bucks have turned Villanova basketball into a professional team With an era of excellence in the history books, and the business of college basketball changing so radically, the balancing act for Villanova? Adapting to the times while keeping its culture intact.Mike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Big backing and even bigger bucks have turned Villanova basketball into a professional team With an era of excellence in the history books, and the business of college basketball changing so radically, the balancing act for Villanova? Adapting to the times while keeping its culture intact.Mike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard
My closing Off Campus column fixes every single thing in college sportsIn his farewell column, Mike Jensen shares what he would do if he were king of college sports.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
My closing Off Campus column fixes every single thing in college sportsIn his farewell column, Mike Jensen shares what he would do if he were king of college sports.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 15, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bill Zwaan finishes off a legendary college football coaching career at West ChesterBetween Widener and West Chester, Zwaan won 217 games as a local head coach.Mike Jensen Nov. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bill Zwaan finishes off a legendary college football coaching career at West ChesterBetween Widener and West Chester, Zwaan won 217 games as a local head coach.Mike Jensen Nov. 11, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Tipoff Central: A look around the Big 5 and elsewhere on college basketball’s opening dayCollege basketball season has tipped off. The Inquirer has wall-to-wall live coverage of Philly teams in action on Monday, and even Philly-area locals playing away from home.Mike Jensen, Jeff Neiburg, Josh Verlin, Matt Mullin, Max Dinenberg, Rymir Vaughn, Diamond Leung, and Isabella DiAmore Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Tipoff Central: A look around the Big 5 and elsewhere on college basketball’s opening dayCollege basketball season has tipped off. The Inquirer has wall-to-wall live coverage of Philly teams in action on Monday, and even Philly-area locals playing away from home.Mike Jensen, Jeff Neiburg, Josh Verlin, Matt Mullin, Max Dinenberg, Rymir Vaughn, Diamond Leung, and Isabella DiAmore Nov. 7, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Knight had many ties to Philly, most of all to John ChaneyBoth coaches were demanding, had tempers, were disgusted by turnovers. They had a mutual respect that ran deep.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Bob Knight had many ties to Philly, most of all to John ChaneyBoth coaches were demanding, had tempers, were disgusted by turnovers. They had a mutual respect that ran deep.Mike Jensen | Columnist Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
When it comes to attracting top student-athletes, Temple is ‘woefully’ behind on having the dollarsThe university's financial investment in athletics seems massive on paper. In the case of NIL, its collective contends it doesn't even scratch the surface of giving the Owls a competitive advantage.Mike Jensen Oct. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
When it comes to attracting top student-athletes, Temple is ‘woefully’ behind on having the dollarsThe university's financial investment in athletics seems massive on paper. In the case of NIL, its collective contends it doesn't even scratch the surface of giving the Owls a competitive advantage.Mike Jensen Oct. 4, 2023Link copied to clipboard
In the new money era of college sports, what’s the plan for St. Joseph’s, La Salle, and Drexel?Being a mid-major college program was a difficult path to succeed at before NIL came along. With the advent of the NCAA's transfer portal, how can schools without massive war chests compete?Mike Jensen Sept. 29, 2023Link copied to clipboard
In the new money era of college sports, what’s the plan for St. Joseph’s, La Salle, and Drexel?Being a mid-major college program was a difficult path to succeed at before NIL came along. With the advent of the NCAA's transfer portal, how can schools without massive war chests compete?Mike Jensen Sept. 29, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Ohio State QB Kyle McCord put in 10,000 hours for those 85 seconds at Notre DameA former tutor explains what he saw from the St. Joseph's Prep graduate.Mike Jensen Sept. 25, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Ohio State QB Kyle McCord put in 10,000 hours for those 85 seconds at Notre DameA former tutor explains what he saw from the St. Joseph's Prep graduate.Mike Jensen Sept. 25, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Call it Palestra magic, but understand how Penn’s Big 5 upset of Villanova came aboutPenn's zone defense and some big individual efforts carried the Quakers to a Big 5 upset.Mike Jensen Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Call it Palestra magic, but understand how Penn’s Big 5 upset of Villanova came aboutPenn's zone defense and some big individual efforts carried the Quakers to a Big 5 upset.Mike Jensen Nov. 14, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Big 5 has a new team and a new format, but it looks the same as it ever wasDrexel played its first-ever game in the new Big 5 tournament structure, but La Salle prevailed in a contest that looked like Philly hoops.Mike Jensen Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
The Big 5 has a new team and a new format, but it looks the same as it ever wasDrexel played its first-ever game in the new Big 5 tournament structure, but La Salle prevailed in a contest that looked like Philly hoops.Mike Jensen Nov. 8, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Phil Martelli is an acting head coach? Make that two Phil Martellis in the same role, please.Phil Sr. is the acting head coach at Michigan with Phil Jr. at Bryant. And don't forget about the youngest brother Jimmy, an assistant at Penn StateMike Jensen Nov. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Phil Martelli is an acting head coach? Make that two Phil Martellis in the same role, please.Phil Sr. is the acting head coach at Michigan with Phil Jr. at Bryant. And don't forget about the youngest brother Jimmy, an assistant at Penn StateMike Jensen Nov. 6, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Jared Armstrong had to flee his dream job playing basketball in Israel“We were in the living room trying to figure out what we were going to do,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got to do something. We don’t have no guns. If they come, we’re dead.”Mike Jensen Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Jared Armstrong had to flee his dream job playing basketball in Israel“We were in the living room trying to figure out what we were going to do,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got to do something. We don’t have no guns. If they come, we’re dead.”Mike Jensen Nov. 2, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Penn’s hard truth? In the case of college sports and the Ivy League, it isn’t all about the moneyThe idea of a collective to help financially attract top athletic talent is a nice thought. But when it comes to the Ivy League, that's all it is at the moment.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboard
Penn’s hard truth? In the case of college sports and the Ivy League, it isn’t all about the moneyThe idea of a collective to help financially attract top athletic talent is a nice thought. But when it comes to the Ivy League, that's all it is at the moment.Mike Jensen Oct. 3, 2023Link copied to clipboard
La Salle set to play on a new basketball court, with a new nameTom Gola Arena will receive a much-needed renovation. But it won't be named Tom Gola Arena, anymore. Welcome, Explorers fans, to the John Glaser ArenaMike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard
La Salle set to play on a new basketball court, with a new nameTom Gola Arena will receive a much-needed renovation. But it won't be named Tom Gola Arena, anymore. Welcome, Explorers fans, to the John Glaser ArenaMike Jensen Sept. 27, 2023Link copied to clipboard