Benjy Taylor still likes his chances.

David Matlin’s hiring as the new Hawaii athletic director on Wednesday did nothing to dampen Taylor’s enthusiasm that he can be the long-term men’s basketball coach in Manoa.

"I think he’s a great guy," Taylor said of Matlin. "I think he’s going to do a terrific job, and I would love to work for him."

Taylor has interacted with Matlin during Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic tournaments over the past few years. Matlin was the executive director of the ESPN-run eight-team holiday tournament since its founding in 2009. Taylor was an assistant on Gib Arnold’s staff between 2010 and 2014. Taylor took the reins as coach upon Arnold’s firing prior to the 2014-15 season.

Moments after he took the stage at his introductory press conference, Matlin told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he was appreciative of the 22-13 season the Rainbow Warriors put together. That included a 2-1 showing in the 2014 Diamond Head — wins over Nebraska and Colorado, and an overtime loss to Sweet 16-bound Wichita State.

"I encourage Benjy to apply for the job," Matlin said. "Obviously it was an exciting year on the court. A lot of successes. It was a tough year to start, so I think there were a lot of successes there. So I congratulate him on what happened on the court. I don’t have all the information right now, but I would encourage him to apply."

The official job posting went up Wednesday on the UH website and is listed to close on April 13.

The timing of a coaching decision could be critical. The spring signing period for recruits begins April 15.

Matlin will officially begin the job on April 27, Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman said. Bley-Vroman was asked if that meant a coaching decision would not be made until after that date.

"We intend to follow the advice of the new athletic director with respect to the … basketball coach," the chancellor replied. "Although (Matlin) is not getting paid until the 27th, he’s working. We’re going to pay attention."

Bley-Vroman was asked to clarify if the coach could be hired before the 27th.

"You can never predict that for sure, but we are going to move as quickly as we can in finding a coach," Bley-Vroman said.

Matlin followed that up with, "I think we’re going to do it as expeditiously as possible. The timing is important. Obviously it’s most important to get the right person for the job, but I think timing’s a factor, and that will start right after this press conference."

Taylor, a head coach at Chicago State before coming to UH with Arnold, instilled an aggressive, pressing defense and took the Rainbows to the Big West tournament championship game. Twenty-two victories were the program’s most since the 2001-02 NCAA Tournament team went 27-6.

Taylor did not appear at Matlin’s press conference, but that was because he was flying back from a recruiting trip.

"Of course (I’ll) apply," Taylor said soon after landing in Honolulu. "I think what we did this year, my resume, and where this program is headed, I’ll be able to stack up against anybody who will apply for the job, (anyone) who will give the job the type of heartfelt appreciation that I did this year. I don’t mind the competition, just like my team didn’t mind going against Pitt and Nebraska and Colorado, Wichita State."

Taylor was not sure when he’d get an opportunity to meet with Matlin.

"This is all new to me, as I’m sure it’s all new to him. I don’t know," Taylor said. "I just would hope that at some point, I’ll have a chance to talk to him about my vision for the program. I’m looking forward to that. Everybody has a horse in the race, and everybody thinks they know what’s best for the university, the coaching staff and players, etc, etc. But we were the group that did really special things this year."

The coaching job isn’t Matlin’s only basketball concern as he takes over the athletic department. UH has yet to respond to the NCAA’s notice of allegations of its investigation into Arnold’s program. Self-sanctions are said to be in play.

"I need to get up to speed very quickly," Matlin said. "I’ve read the 46-page (notice). I will ask a lot of questions. I do have a relationship with the conferences and the NCAA. That’s something that we will obviously tackle quickly. I’m not in the know about everything, but I’m confident most of the information is there and it’s something we need to resolve as quickly as possible."

JC point guard gives oral commitment

Though Taylor’s long-term status with UH is uncertain, he has his first oral player commitment for the 2015-16 season nonetheless.

Austin Pope, a 6-foot-6 point guard at North Idaho College, said Wednesday he plans to play for Taylor and UH. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

"I am sold on Coach Taylor and the program," said Pope, of Burbank, Calif. "I want the (recruitment) process over and I feel very good about the direction of the program under Coach Benjy. I have friends on the team and I think we can contend for championships year in and year out. I love (their) style of play."

Pope averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 16 games at the end of the 2014-15 season, shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 31.4 percent on 3-pointers and 60.9 percent at the free-throw line. He couldn’t play the first half of the season as a transfer from Cerritos (Calif.) College.

Pope said he had interest from Utah, Creighton, Missouri, TCU and Wichita State.

He was asked what he will do if Taylor does not get the permanent job.

"I’m not sure, but I’m dedicated to Benjy and the players currently so we’ll make it happen," he said.

UH currently has four scholarships to award.