Slippery Rock was picked fourth in the PSAC West preseason poll, behind defending national champion Gannon, IUP and California. The Rock returns just four players from last season’s 17-12 team, but brings back several contributors and adds a mix of Division I and junior-college transfers. Coach Ian Grady enters his ninth season at the helm, with Slippery Rock aiming to extend its run of conference tournament appearances.

By the Numbers
  • Slippery Rock finished 17-12 overall and 10-10 in PSAC play last season.
  • Only 4 players from last season’s team return; the team has made 9 straight PSAC Tournament appearances.
  • Grady has a 116-88 career record and is 11 wins shy of becoming the fourth-winningest coach in program history.
  • The Rock’s 28-game schedule includes 21 conference games and 7 nonconference games, with 15 at home.
Yes, But

The fourth-place prediction puts Slippery Rock in the projected playoff mix, but the roster’s limited returning experience creates uncertainty. The top six teams in each division qualify for the PSAC Tournament, so the preseason ranking offers a path—not a guarantee.

State of Play
  • Gannon leads the West poll after receiving 8 first-place votes; California received the other first-place vote.
  • Slippery Rock’s returning core includes junior Elijah Hill and sophomores Brady Mayo and RJ Sledge, alongside newcomers such as former Pitt-Johnstown guard Jay Rose.
  • The season opens Nov. 9 against Lincoln; the first home games are Nov. 13-14 at Morrow Field House.
What's Next

Slippery Rock begins its season Nov. 9, then hosts Davis & Elkins and Bluefield State in the Atlantic Region Challenge. Its early results will show how quickly the reshaped roster can translate its talent into conference wins.

Bottom Line

Slippery Rock has a credible postseason target, but replacing most of last year’s roster makes continuity the central challenge. Grady’s track record and the team’s returning contributors will be key as the newcomers settle in.