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Tim Frost has recorded two double-doubles in his first 13 games at Utah.
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Jan. 9, 2003
By Jeff Burdett
Sports Information Student Assistant
After a successful two-year stint at the University of Portland, Tim Frost found his way to Salt Lake City to begin his career all over again.
From the beginning of his college playing days, the 6-10, 236-pound center/forward has enjoyed success. During his first season as a Pilot, Frost moved into a starting role after just the eighth game. So why did he make the move from Portland to Utah?
To start with the cons, Frost knew the transfer would mean sitting out a season because of NCAA rules. But despite the redshirt season, the switch appeared to be what he was looking for. "It just seemed like the right place for me," explains Frost.
In the beginning, playing sports was merely a hobby for the junior from the little town of Klamath Falls, Ore. Frost was involved in football, soccer, baseball and basketball. "I started out playing everything to keep myself busy, but as I got older basketball and baseball became my best sports," says Frost.
At Henley High School, Frost concentrated on both sports, earning letters in each. But it was basketball where his size and athletic ability began to separate him from the rest. "Basketball was great in high school because I was so much bigger than everybody else," Frost remembers.
Frost brought more than just height to his high school team, earning first-team all-state honors as a junior and senior. He led Henley to a fourth-place finish in the state 3A tournament his junior year and an eighth-place finish his senior year.
Frost showcased his talents for the game, averaging 18 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks as a junior. He also set the Oregon 3A tournament blocked shots record for a single game with nine, while finishing the tourney with 21.
After high school, Frost joined the University of Portland basketball team, where he would also achieve more success. In his two seasons as a Pilot, he recorded 103 blocks to break the school record. "It was great playing at Portland. I started slowly, but kept improving because I became more confident as the season progressed," explains Frost.
During his sophomore season Frost led Portland in points (14.9 ppg), rebounds (7.0 rpg) and blocks (1.9 bpg). His performance earned him first-team all-West Coast Conference honors for 2000-01. "It was surprise and a honor to earn first-team honors," Frost admits. "I was really hoping to earn it, but felt that I was too young to draw any attention."
He was improving with every game in Portland while quickly becoming a star player. Which is why when the opportunity to play for Rick Majerus' Utes came about, he could not resist.
"The prestige of the coach and the team attracted me to the school," says Frost. "I liked the players and really wanted a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament and play for a reputable program. It felt like the right place for me to go and was a place where I could make a good contribution."
Even though he had to sit out his first season as a Ute, the good news was that Frost was able to participate in practice. The time off from games could have had a negative effect, but instead Frost made it a positive learning experience. "I was afraid that I would lose a step or two during my time off, or lose my confidence as a player," explains Frost.
No question, spending a year on the bench could disturb a player's confidence and rhythm, but Frost argues that it actually helped develop his skills. His knowledge for the game grew during the time off, which helped him better understand Utah's system.
"My redshirt year helped a lot. I was able to see what I need to do defensively and offensively to make a big impact on the team," notes Frost. "I studied the defensive schemes closely and stayed confident."
Frost was able to get back into the game sooner then he had anticipated with an invitation to play on the NIT All-Stars team. He joined the team during its tour of Canada in late July of 2002. If there were any doubts in his mind that he had lost his touch, the tour put them to rest. During the six-game tour, he averaged 5.7 points and 4.8 rebounds and shot 75.0 percent from the foul line. In the final game, Frost notched a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
"It was fun playing against the Canadian teams over the summer," says Frost. "We had a good team and the playing time helped me get back into the game and prepare me for the upcoming season at Utah."
Returning to practice in the fall under Majerus, Frost saw an opportunity to maximize his skills and make a splash on this year's team. "I like playing for Coach Majerus," states Frost. "He really emphasizes the importance of the inside game and has put us in the position to win a lot of games this year."
Fully aware of his potential, Frost also recognizes his flaws and is fully dedicated to improving his game. Under Majerus, Frost feels that he will improve his weaker skills and develop into a more well-rounded player. "He's a tough coach, but is one of the best coaches that you can get in college basketball," says Frost. "He'll make you the best player that you can be, and I like that in a coach."
Frost has matched Majerus' aggressive coaching style with keen observation and strong determination. Staying in excellent shape and on top of his game have become two priorities. During the off season, Frost continually worked hard to improve his shot and physical condition. "It's important to get a lot of shots in the off season and to be in good shape," Frost explains.
In season, he remains focused on the task at hand. "It is important that I stay focused on the game plan. Before the game I try to stay focused by listening to music. It allows me to think about my responsibilities in both the offensive and defensive schemes," observes Frost.
Majerus has found potential in his new student since his arrival to Salt Lake City "Tim has a big upside to him and should become a classic four man in the Utah system: someone who is able to play out on the floor and go into the post, as well," says Majerus. "Tim is a fine outside shooter and has worked very hard to acquire a solid low post game. He's going to have to come up big on the boards for us to have a good team. He must make a determined effort to rebound on both ends of the floor to the level a player with his good size and hands should."
Nearing the midway point of the 2002-03 season, Frost has emerged as one of Utah's biggest scoring threats, currently ranking on the team with 12.5 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 337 percent from three-point range. He is also second in rebounding (5.0 rpg).
Even with his offensive success this year, Frost feels that he needs to work on other important aspects of his game. "I would like to become more of an asset as far as rebounding and defense," states Frost.
The junior is eager to accomplish many goals during his stint at Utah. "I would like to play well more consistently, win a league championship and play in the NCAA Tournament," Frost notes.
With the potent combinations of athletic ability and skill, Frost has a very good chance of accomplishing those goals during his career at Utah, and hearing the sounds of thousands of happy Ute fans under the lights of the Huntsman Center, cheering him on in his quest.
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