TORONTO — Ryerson Rams men's basketball guard Jayden Frederick (Scarborough, Ont.) has signed a one-year contract to play professionally with BC Mgzavrebi-Armia, a member of the Georgian Super Liga based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Frederick will be departing for the team on Friday, December 4. 

Since joining the Rams as a transfer from York University, Frederick has been a force to be reckoned with as part of the Rams backcourt, earning an OUA Third-Team All-Star nod in 2019-20 and twice being named Ryerson's male Athlete of the Week. He also was named one of Ryerson's Stars of the Week on five occasions during his two seasons in blue and gold.  

"This opportunity means everything to me as it has always been my dream to play basketball professionally and to be considered a professional in my craft," Frederick said. "There have been many times along this journey where I doubted myself, but I continued to believe that it was possible and that's what I'm most proud of."

In 45 games with the Rams, the Neil McNeil H.S. product racked up 671 points, 252 rebounds, 57 steals, and 29 blocks. He finishes his career first among active Rams in points, field goals attempted, and field goals made, and second in steals and free throws made. 

"Ryerson taught me what it really means to compete and fight until the game is over," Frederick said of his short but impactful tenure with the Rams. "Win or loss, I will never stop competing."

Established in 2010, Frederick's new team (who are colloquially known as Mgzavrebi Tbilisi) has won the Georgian Super Liga twice. This past season, Mgzavrebi Tbilisi had two Canadian players on their roster: former UBC Thunderbird Jadon Cohee and former Carleton Raven Joe Rocca. 

"I look forward to a new chapter in my life," Frederick added of his upcoming move to Georgia. "I look forward to being challenged emotionally, mentally, and physically."

For the men's basketball program, Frederick's move to professional play is not an entirely new feat. Earlier this summer, Jean-Victor Mukama signed in the Dutch Basketball League (DBL), while Ammanuel Diressa (KK FMP, Adriatic League (ABA)) and Aaron Best (Boulazac, LNB Pro A) have also gone pro in recent years.

"I am extremely happy for Jayden," Rams head coach David DeAveiro said. "This is something he has been working towards and I wish him the best of luck."

The Rams wish Frederick the best of luck in his future endeavours, in basketball and beyond. You can follow Jayden's professional career on the Super Liga's official website.