ZH: Where were you born and raised?
DP: I was born in Omak and lived there until I moved to Brewster the summer of my 8th grade year.
ZH: When did you first pick up a basketball? Did you play other sports besides running cross-country?
DP: I have been playing since I was about 4 years old. I grew up playing Little League baseball & AAU basketball and also played football in Jr. High. I really started to love the game around my 6th grade year, and concentrated on it ever since.
ZH: Tell us about your family? Any brothers or sisters?
DP: My parents Mike & Lori Pendergraft are the biggest influences in my life and have been with me through all of my good and bad times. My brother Robert and Grandma Shirley McCormack have also been great influences in my life.
ZH: What basketball players did you watch and admire as a kid?
DP: John Stockton and Grant Hill were the two players who I watched most as a kid. Other than that, just great basketball.
ZH: What are your strengths on the court?
DP: Being an offensive threat, and rebounding.
ZH: What areas of your game do you feel needs the most work?
DP: One word: defense.
ZH: When did you first know you were high D1 material?
DP: I never really thought of myself as High D1 Material, but I never thought my dreams would come true my sophomore year either.
ZH: What do you say to those who say anyone could play well for Brewster since it's not 3A or 4A?
DP: I would invite them to attend the 1A State Tournament, see the level of competition it brings, and then judge for themselves.
ZH: Tell us about last summer with Brewster Heights Packing and the competition you faced and how you fared.
DP: It was an honor playing with Sean Mallon, Danny Pariseau, and Brett Weisner. I thought BHP did a great job against all of the top competitors and we represented ourselves well.
ZH: You've played pick up games at GU. Have you met Stockton, Dickau, Frahm? What were the games like and how do you think you measured up against the Zags?
DP: I haven't had the honor of meeting Stockton, but I've met and played with Frahm and Dickau. The games were intense but you can't even begin to compare a High School player with collegiate athletes.
ZH: With Sean Mallon going to GU, do you feel you have a head start on team chemistry since you play pick up games and Brewster Heights Packing together?
DP: I do feel that we have a head start on chemistry since we have become good friends throughout the summer, even though I don't think GU needs that much of a head start.
ZH: How long have you followed Gonzaga and what game or games are most memorable to you?
DP: I have followed Gonzaga since their first sweet-16 run. The most memorable games are beating Stanford, one of the best teams in the west, and beating Virginia opening game of last year.
ZH: What are your goals in high school and at GU?
DP: My high school goals are to maintain a good grade point average, and win Three State Championships. At GU I wish to be a key contributor to the team's National Championship, and academically, to become a successful lawyer. My GPA is a 3.97.
ZH: What hobbies do you enjoy?
DP: I enjoy reading, fishing, hunting, and hanging out with my friends.
ZH: When's the last time you've had biscuits and gravy?
DP: It's been a couple weeks.
ZH: Is there anything you'd like to say about Brewster, Gonzaga, the players or coaches that we haven't covered?
DP: I can't wait to become a Gonzaga basketball player and be involved in the great program. I hope to become a part of the great atmosphere that Gonzaga has to offer.
ZH: For those who haven't had the chance to see you play, could you describe your game?
DP: I was more of an inside player for Brewster my freshman year, but I have worked on my shot so I could play with the big boys on BHP and try to get some playing time. I have developed a consistent mid-ranged jumper, my dribbling has improved dramatically, but the three-pointer has to become more consistent in my eyes. Don't get me wrong, I need help in all parts of my game but from last year to this year, that's what I think.