Syracuse, N.Y. — It's official.

Mike Hopkins, a former Syracuse University basketball player and a long-time assistant under Jim Boeheim, will take over the Orange program when the Hall of Fame coach retires in three years.

Syracuse University officials made the announcement on Thursday.

"For more than 25 years, Mike Hopkins has demonstrated the true meaning of Orange pride and loyalty," SU chancellor Kent Syverud said in a release. "He has contributed so much to the success of the Syracuse basketball program. I know Mike is ready to lead the program into the future and carry forward the success that has occurred under Coach Boeheim."

The plan is for Hopkins to take over for Boeheim in three years, which means Boeheim will coach Syracuse through the 2017-18 season. Boeheim has been the head coach of Syracuse's basketball team since 1976. He has guided Syracuse to four Final Fours and won the 2003 NCAA championship.

"Mike has truly earned this honor through his hard work, dedication and commitment to our program for more than 20 years," said Boeheim. "There is no one more ready or prepared to carry on the success of Syracuse basketball than Mike Hopkins."

Hopkins, who has served as an assistant under SU coach Jim Boeheim since 1995, has been considered the head coach-in-waiting at Syracuse for several years. In March, Boeheim announced his intention to coach for three more years.

"I'm honored, humbled and grateful for this special opportunity," Hopkins said in the release. "Very few people are afforded the privilege to coach at their alma mater. I want to thank Chancellor Syverud, the Board of Trustees and Jim Boeheim for entrusting me with this great program. Coach Boeheim has created one of the most preeminent college basketball programs in the country, one that is committed to a standard of excellence and consistency."

Although Boeheim and former SU athletic director Daryl Gross had stated that Hopkins would succeed Boeheim, the university's recent changes involving the chancellor and athletic director positions had brought into question the Boeheim to Hopkins succession plan.

On Monday, Syracuse officials introduced Mark Coyle as the school's new athletic director.

Hopkins came to Syracuse in 1988 from Mater Dei High School in Laguna Hills, Calif. He played at SU from 1988 to 1993. He became a team captain who was known for his grit and hustle. He averaged a career-high 9.2 points per game as a senior.

He returned to Syracuse in 1995. Boeheim put Hopkins on the road as a recruiter in 2000.

Hopkins joined Boeheim's USA Basketball staff in 2000 and 2001 as a court coach for the men's national 21-and-under team trials. In 2012 he worked closely with the coaching staff of the USA Basketball squad that defended its gold medal at the London Olympics.