SLIPPERY ROCK — After succeeding in taking a big step in his basketball career, Butler graduate Tyler Frederick is now preparing for a giant leap.

The 6-foot-6 Slippery Rock University senior forward made second team All-PSAC and asserted himself as one of the nation’s top Division II rebounders with SRU. Now he is in the process of hiring an agent and pursuing a professional basketball career overseas.

“This has been a dream of mine since eighth grade,” said Frederick, a 1,000-point scorer at Butler. “I’ve been working toward it since then.”

After playing three seasons at Division III La Roche — where he was named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Player of the Year in 2019-20 — Frederick decided to take a shot at Division II basketball and play his final collegiate season at Slippery Rock.

He was confident. He certainly wasn’t cocky.

“I was definitely nervous,” Frederick said. “The players were bigger, stronger, faster. I had to prove to myself I could play at that level.”

Mission accomplished in that regard.

Frederick started 23 games for The Rock, averaged 14.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest and shot 72.9% from the free throw line. He was second in the PSAC in rebounds and his 52% field goal shooting ranked eighth in the conference. Frederick produced 13 double-doubles this season in helping SRU reach the PSAC Tournament.

“From the start, I figured Tyler would be an important piece on our team,” SRU coach Ian Grady said. “He quickly became one of our top offensive players and kept getting better as the season went on.

“I think he’ll continue to get better. His chances of succeeding in basketball overseas are very good.”

Grady said a number of agents inquired about Frederick during the season.

“Once our season ended, we put Tyler in contact with those agents,” the coach said.

Frederick plans to graduate from The Rock in late July or early August. He is majoring in business with an emphasis on marketing.

Once he is done with school, he plans to begin his pro career.

“Hopefully, I’ll wind up someplace where it’s warmer,” Frederick said. “But I’m not going to be choosy. All I want is an opportunity.

“My basketball IQ needs to get better. I need to keep getting stronger. Keep my composure and stay confident with my game.”

Grady said American players who go overseas are expected to be all-around performers on the court. He added that Frederick fits the bill.

“Tyler isn’t just a big guy underneath,” the SRU coach said. “He has the perimeter ball skills he’s gonna need over there. He is a very skilled player who can shoot the ball and has good footwork.”

Frederick sank 23 3-pointers this season, shooting 39% from beyond the arc.

While he’s been a consistent scorer, Frederick is proudest of his rebounding. His 4.0 offensive rebounds per game ranked sixth in all of Division II.

“I’ve always enjoyed rebounding, especially on the offensive glass,” he said. “The fact I showed I could still do it at the Division II level did a lot for my confidence.”

“Of all the players I’ve seen come through here, Tyler is one of my favorite stories,” Butler coach Matt Clement said. “People forget he never picked up a basketball until seventh grade. His athleticism has always stood out, but he’s had to work to make himself a good player.

“There’s still another level he can get to. How he does in getting there will determine his future success. I’m so proud of him. Good things happen to people who work hard.”

A two-time All-AMCC player at La Roche, Frederick led that team to two conference championships. Her averaged 15.1 points and 9.1 rebounds during his La Roche career and produced similar numbers at The Rock.

He also helped Butler reach the WPIAL 6A championship game his senior year with the Golden Tornado.

“I really do appreciate the quality of teams I’ve been able to be a part of,” Frederick said. “I feel very fortunate that way.”

Clement said Frederick’s motor “has never stopped running. When he’s struggling in a game, he relies on that motor. He’s getting his hands on loose balls, grabbing rebounds, running the court.”

Grady said: “Besides having talent, Tyler puts in hard work, is dedicated and has that passion for the game. Add in his competitive nature and he can go a long way in this sport.”