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Orem • Optimism reigned at Utah Valley University on Tuesday, when BYU assistant Mark Pope was officially introduced as the new head basketball coach.

"It's a very, very exciting day for UVU," athletic director Vince Otoupal told those attending the news conference. "We're taking it to a new level, starting today. We've been on a great trajectory and now we're taking it even farther — even higher."

Pope, a former player at Kentucky and in the NBA, has spent the past four seasons working for BYU coach Dave Rose. During that time, the Cougars went 98-43. They went to the NCAA Tournament three times and the NIT once.

Before calling Utah Valley's potential "limitless," Pope said, "I think we can make this program bigger than anyone can imagine. … This is going to be a special run."

Pope signed a five-year contract with the Wolverines. He will be paid $175,000 annually, which puts him in the middle tier of Western Athletic Conference coaches.

"When we sat down with coach Pope a couple of days ago … he looked at me with a real intense look in his eye," Otoupal said. "He asked me, 'Vince, where are we going? What do we want to do?'

"My answer was, 'Coach, we're going — we're going to win games and we're going to the NCAA Tournament. … Coach looked at me and said, 'Let's go.'"

According to Otoupal, he conducted "an exhaustive national search" after veteran coach Dick Hunsaker announced March 7 that he planned to step down. Over 100 candidates applied for the job, with Pope prevailing.

"We are getting the whole package," Otoupal said. "We're are lucky to have him. … We got the right guy. In my heart of hearts, I feel we got the right guy."

Pope's candidacy was likely helped by endorsements from some high-profile mentors, including Rick Pitino, George Karl, Larry Bird and Rose.

They helped convince Utah Valley administrators "that I would be competent," Pope said.

Utah Valley finished 11-19 last season, including 5-9 in the WAC. The Wolverines often struggled to score — something Pope hopes won't be a problem in his system.

"We are going to play fast, furious and free," he said. "That means a ton of running and conditioning. It's a taxing way to play. But, when you get there, there's nothing like it. It's the best way to play in the world."

Last season, Utah Valley played Utah State, Weber State and Southern Utah. But the Wolverines did not play the University of Utah or BYU, which is located six miles away.

Asked if his hiring might result in games against the Utes and Cougars, Pope said, "I think that's entirely possible. I think that's something that would be great for Utah Valley and great for BYU and Utah."

Twitter: @sluhm —

About Mark Pope

Hometown • Omaha, Neb.

Date of birth • Sept. 11, 1972

High school • Newport (Bellevue, Wash.)

College • Kentucky

Career highlights • Started his playing career at Washington before transferring to Kentucky. … Helped the Wildcats win the national championship in 1996. … Second-round draft pick (Indiana). … Also played for Milwaukee, New York and Denver in the NBA. … After two years of medical school, started coaching at Georgia in 2009. … Assistant at Wake Forest in 2010-11. … Hired by BYU in the summer of 2011.