Zags’ opening practice may be without Heytvelt, Pendergraft

The Gonzaga men’s basketball team is scheduled to open practice Friday at 7 p.m., but a couple of players might be spectators or see limited duty.

Forward Josh Heytvelt has a foot ailment and could miss 7-10 days, and forward David Pendergraft’s recovery from knee surgery is nearly complete, according to head coach Mark Few.

Heytvelt was experiencing pain in his foot, so a precautionary MRI was performed recently.

“They found a spot, they call it a stress reaction, in a different area than his pain,” Few said. “It was about 6-7 inches away from where his pain was.

“So he’s going to take it easy for a week or 10 days.”

GU will proceed with caution because Heytvelt has had foot issues in the past.

Pendergraft had surgery more than a month ago to clean up scar tissue in his knee.

“He’s not quite full bore, so he might be limited somewhat,” Few said.

Few doesn’t anticipate long-term problems with either player.

Heytvelt is suspended indefinitely, but school officials have maintained that he and Theo Davis are on course for reinstatement. There has not been an official announcement on their status.