Throw-back Zag rattles offenses

When David Pendergraft orally committed to Gonzaga four years ago as a 16-year-old sophomore-to-be at Brewster High, he was little more than a curiosity.

But in less than two full seasons with the Bulldogs, the undersized 6-foot-6 backup power forward with the conspicuous shock of bright red hair has developed into one of the most recognizable and popular players on campus.

Pendergraft, who hunts rattlesnakes in his spare time back home in Brewster, took some time earlier this week to sit down and discuss life as a Bulldog with The Spokesman-Review.

S-R: You were a big scorer in high school, averaging over 24 points a game as a senior. Since coming to Gonzaga, you have been asked to focus mainly on rebounding and defending the post. Has the role change been difficult to accept?

DP: Not really. We’ve got a couple of guys on this team who can score anytime they want and I realize what role they need me to fill.

S-R: You lead the team in floor burns and personal fouls. Of the 77 fouls that have been whistled on you this year, how many did you actually commit?

DP: Oh, I’ve earned my fair share. But sometimes I think, just because I have red hair, the refs like me. But I’ve also picked up a lot of dumb fouls along the way, too.

S-R: People often refer to you as a “throw-back Zag” – someone who gets it done with hard work rather than superior athletic ability. Do you consider that a fair assessment?

DP: I think so. Obviously, I’m not as athletic as an Erroll Knight or a Josh Heytvelt, so I just try to outwork people … on the floor.

S-R: You usually have to give up some size against the power forwards you’re asked to check. Who is the hardest player in the WCC to defend inside?

DP: Matt Knight is pretty tough from LMU. He’s just so skilled and strong, and he knows how to duck in (the lane) at the just the right time. He really crashes the boards well, too, so you’ve got to block him out at all times.

S-R: Are the stories about you and your friends hunting rattlesnakes back home true?

DP: Yeah. It’s just something we do back in Brewster.

S-R: Have you ever been bitten?

DP: No, but we wear big boots and loose jeans when we’re hunting. We’re pretty smart about it. We use big shovels or rocks, and, sometimes, rifles.