BOSTON (AP) – Patrick Chambers was introduced Wednesday as the new coach at Boston University, where he’s hoping to quickly raise the stature of the mid-major program.

“We want to be Xavier. We want to be Gonzaga of the Northeast. That’s our vision,” said Chambers, a former Villanova associate head coach.

The 38-year-old Chambers was hired to replace Dennis Wolff, who was fired last month after 15 seasons. Boston finished 17-13 this past season, hasn’t won the America East title since 2002 and was eliminated in the first round of the league tournament in March.

“It’s going to be a difficult task but we’re up for the challenge,” said Chambers, who first met with Boston University officials when Villanova was playing in the NCAA tournament.

The Wildcats wound up winning the East Regional in Boston to secure the school’s first Final Four berth since 1985, then lost to eventual national champion North Carolina.

“From early on in the process, I knew that Pat was our man,” said Boston athletic director Mike Lynch.

Chambers, who helped Villanova compile a 126-45 record during his stay in Philadelphia, thanked Wildcats coach Jay Wright for the opportunity and called him “an amazing guy.”

“I’m indebted to him for life,” Chambers said. “He took a chance on me. I was an assistant high school coach and he took a chance on me.”

Boston guard Tyler Morris, who will be a senior next season, was one of several players who showed up for Chambers’ introductory news conference.

“I think Coach Chambers is the perfect guy,” Morris said. “He’s going to lead us in the right direction.”

Copy the Story Link