Rodney Billups was introduced with a standing ovation Monday as the University of Denver turned to one of its former stars to revive its men’s basketball program.

“I’ve always been a Pioneer,” Billups said. “I’m excited. I’m home.”

Billups, a former point guard for the Pioneers, said he will install an up-tempo scheme.

“I plan to play a very fast and entertaining brand of basketball that will capture the fans that we’ve lost, the loyal fans that we still have and the former players who are waiting for fun times again,” he said. “My philosophies will always be defending and rebounding. Offensively we are going to recruit players and develop the players that we already have to be very confident and skilled to compete for championships.”

Billups, 33, replaces Joe Scott, who was fired Friday after his ninth season at the school. Billups’ name surfaced as the top candidate for the position almost immediately after Scott was let go.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Rodney back to DU and couldn’t be more excited to have him take over the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” said athletic director Peg Bradley-Doppes.

“Rodney is a dynamic, energetic coach with a passion for the collegiate game. He exemplifies the type of individual our university is proud to have representing us.”

Billups has spent the past six years working at the University of Colorado, the past four on the coaching staff.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling that I return to DU,” Billups said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity.”

During his time at CU, the Buffaloes won 130 games and qualified for five NCAA Tournaments.

“Rodney has all the qualities to be a terrific head coach at the Division I level,” Colorado head coach Tad Boyle said. “He has been instrumental in our success.”

Billups graduated from George Washington High School in 2001, after which he played at DU, for whom he was the starting point guard from 2002-05. At DU, Billups averaged 8.5 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.

After graduating from DU with a degree in business management in 2005, he played professional basketball in Latvia and Finland before turning his attention to coaching. He was hired by CU in 2010 as its director of basketball operations and was promoted to assistant coach two years later. He signed a five-year contract, terms which were not disclosed.

Billups will stay with CU as long as it is in the NCAA Tournament. As to whom he might hire on his coaching staff, Billups mentioned Ricardo Patton, a former head coach at Colorado.

To the DU players in attendance, Billups said, “Let’s go win some games together!”