BUTLER TWP — College basketball was always a goal for Tyler Frederick.

“But it felt more like a dream,” the Butler senior center said. “I never thought it was actually going to happen.”

It has.

The 6-foot-6 Frederick — who scored 1,000 points for the Golden Tornado despite never picking up a basketball until seventh grade — is headed to La Roche College.

He chose the Redhawks over Pitt-Johnstown, Shippensburg, Penn State Behrend and Saint Vincent.

“I wasn't sure we'd get Tyler because we were up against some Division II schools and they can offer scholarships,” La Roche coach Hermie Carmichael said. “But we were able to put together a nice financial package for him.”

La Roche is a Division III school and thus not permitted to offer athletic scholarships.

But the Redhawks really wanted Frederick.

“Going back to last summer, we might have seen them around talking to Tyler 48 times or so,” Butler coach Matt Clement said. “They really made him feel wanted and I think that made a difference.

“He can go to La Roche and get minutes as a freshman, plus it's close to home for his family. If he goes to a bigger school, he might have to wait a year or two to play.”

Frederick averaged 14 points and eight rebounds last season. He also shot 72 percent from the foul line. He battled injuries through part of his high school career.

Now he's ready to make an impact.

“I know I'll have to earn it, but I feel like I can play as a freshman and I know I'll get the opportunity to earn that time,” Frederick said.

“La Roche really did make me feel wanted. The coach texted me almost every day, keeping me updated on things. I got a chance to visit down there and play basketball with those guys. I feel like I fit in.”

Carmichael, a Seneca Valley graduate, said he first got the word on Frederick from current Raiders boys basketball coach Victor Giannotta.

“He told me all about him and said 'you gotta go get this guy,'” Carmichael said.

La Roche is coming off a 20-8 season. Carmichael is 64-68 in five years there, including a 1-24 season two years ago. The Redhawks started two freshmen that season and started another one in 2015-16, when the team finished 12-14.

“The coaches told me I could play anywhere from 10 minutes to 25 or more next year, that it was up to me,” Frederick said. “I know they have a couple of pretty good forwards coming back.”

One of them, 6-7 Arnes Bajgora, averaged 11.7 points and 5.6 rebounds last season and is on pace to score 1,400 points and grab 600 rebounds in his collegiate career. Bajgora will be a senior next season.

“Honestly, I can see Tyler putting together a similar type of career with us,” Carmichael said. “He has that type of potential. If he earns the playing time right away, he'll get it. It doesn't matter who's coming back.

“We play a three-guard, two-forward system, so we need our front-court guys to be active.”

Frederick hopes to expand his game in college.

“I want to expand my skill-set to the point that I can play the 3-spot on the floor,” he said. “I know I can get a lot better and more well-rounded as a player.”

Frederick is undecided on a major at La Roche.