SLIPPERY ROCK — Tyler Frederick was looking for a bigger challenge in his college basketball career.

Slippery Rock University was happy to provide it.

Barely over a week after entering the transfer portal, Frederick — a former 1,000-point scorer at Butler High School and a hoop standout at Division III La Roche University — agreed to join The Rock for his final year of basketball eligibility.

The 6-foot-4 forward will receive a full scholarship from SRU. His major remains business management and marketing.

“Fortunately, most of credits transfer over,” Frederick said. “This move is working out all the way around. I played summer ball with a couple of SRU players and they told me they believed I could play in that league (PSAC).

“I have to prove to myself that I can play at the next level.”

He certainly dominated the previous one.

While La Roche did not play last season due to COVID-19, Frederick was named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Player of the Year in 2019-20. He averaged 18.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, producing 17 double-doubles in 26 games.

As a sophomore, Frederick averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He was one of only two players in the AMCC to average a double-double.

“It's a perfect fit,” SRU coach Ian Grady said of Frederick joining The Rock. “We were looking to add another forward this coming season.

“(Assistant coach) Jon Valeriano saw Tyler's name in the transfer portal. Tyler reached out to us and we're very excited about bringinging him in.”

Defiance and Indiana State were among schools to reach out to Frederick once he put his name in the portal.

“Slippery Rock is close to home, too,” Frederick said. “That's a definite plus.

“My goal is to make the starting lineup, of course. I only have one more year to play college ball and I want to make the most of it.”

He also wants to make a name for himself at the Division II level to enhance his chances of playing pro basketball overseas the following season.

“That's been a dream of mine since high school,” Frederick said.

SRU did not play basketball last season, but fashioned a 15-14 record — 11-11 in conference play — in 2019-20. Eric Taylor was the lone senior on that team.

Grady is entering his fourth season at SRU and won 34 games in his first two years. He has as many wins in his first two seasons as any active coach in the PSAC.

“I don't guarantee anybody any playing time,” the coach said. “But if Tyler comes in here and works hard, I'm confident he'll be right in the mix in terms of what we want to do this season.

“He doesn't need to step up his game, to be honest. All he needs to do is be himself. Tyler plays with a high motor and he's a skilled inside player. If he comes in and does what he does, he'll be fine.”

Frederick is living on campus and has already worked out with his new teammates.

“A couple of them have already shown me around campus. I feel comfortable here,” Frederick said. “I can't wait for the season to get here.”

Grady was an assistant coach for 12 years at SRU before taking over as head coach. He has helped the program produce 17 All-PSAC West players and three All-Americans.