SLIPPERY ROCK — Do or die. Bobby McGraw understands the concept.

Slippery Rock University’s acting head women’s basketball coach and Mars resident will be living it this season.

McGraw takes over The Rock’s program from Tanya Longo, who resigned her post after last season to join husband Phil and her family in Texas. Phil Longo is offensive coordinator for the Sam Houston State football team.

“There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on me as acting head coach here. I don’t shy away from that,” McGraw said. “I have to prove I can get this program moving in the right direction.

“It’s a one-year audition. I realize it. The team realizes it. If I fail, I’ll be looking for another job.”

SRU opens its season Friday, hosting Salem International at 5:30 p.m. at Morrow Field House.

McGraw takes over a team that was 6-20 last season, hasn’t played in the PSAC Tournament since 2001 and is picked to finish seventh out of nine teams in the PSAC West.

“For as hard as theses ladies have worked this off-season, they deserve to play in the conference tournament,” McGraw said. “That’s the goal. I believe we’re good enough and the desire is there.

“I’ve put these players through the wringer, threw everything I could throw at them, and they’ve responded. I’m excited about what we can do this year.”

He’s particularly excited about senior forward D’Asia Chambers, a preseason All-PSAC West first team selection and the conference’s leading scorer in league games a year ago. Chambers averaged 17.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season.

“She’s arguably the best player in the conference and one of the best players in the country,” McGraw said. “D’Asia has awesome physical skills. She’s difficult to guard.

“Most of what we do offensively will be running through her.”

Chambers won’t be alone, however.

Junior Erica Aiello returns as a point guard, having averaged 8.5 points, 4.5 assists and sinking 34 3-pointers last season. Junior Megan Hardiman started 25 games a year ago and averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Both will be pushed by newcomers to the program.

“There’s some players coming in who can immediately impact this program,” McGraw said.

Taylor Siggers, a junior guard, averaged 10.8 points per game for Indian River State last year. Mallory Heinle was an all-state selection for St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights. Shannon Jack was an all-state selection in Ohio, playing for Akron St. Vincent St. Mary.

“Heinle (6-foot-2) is a very talented forward and Jack will receive meaningful minutes at guard,” McGraw said. “Siggers is a shooting guard who will play a wing for us.

“I’m excited about the talent level they’re bringing in.”

Add to them a pair of transfers from Southwestern Illinois State — forwards Sam Smith and Sorriyah Ranger — who helped that team post a 23-6 record and region 24 title a year ago. Sophomore guard Audrey Stapleton started 10 games as a freshman for East Stroudsburg last season.

Rock holdovers Danielle Garroutte and Rebecca Olkosky blocked 10 shots and sank 14 3-pointers, respectively, coming off the bench last year.

“We definitely have depth. We can go 10-deep for sure,” McGraw said.

The first thing The Rock will do this year is play defense.

“We will guard the basketball,” McGraw promised. “We gave up 76 points a game last year, ranked 264th out of 287 teams. That will not happen again.

“Our top priority is guarding the ball. Team chemistry and how well we guard the ball will determine our success. Three teams in our conference are ranked among the top 15 (nationally). This won’t be easy.”