Penn State basketball’s 81-59 win over Michigan at the Bryce Jordan Center this past Sunday was an excellent experience for the team’s players, coaches, fans, and Shane Pendergrass.
Pendergrass, a Class of 2025 recruit from Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Maryland, was in attendance for the win. The 6-foot-8 forward talked with Nittany Sports Now about his experience at the game, his relationship with Micah Shrewsberry and Penn State’s coaching staff, where Penn State stands in his recruitment and more in this Q&A.
Nittany Sports Now: First things first, how was your visit to Penn State
Shane Pendergrass: My visit with Penn State was good. I really liked the energy from just like everybody in the gym. Everybody was into the game. Everybody was just invested. I really liked that energy. I really felt welcomed by the coaching staff and the student body.
NSN: How was the atmosphere in the Jordan Center? Obviously, that was a big game against Michigan, and the team played really well.
SP: The atmosphere was great. If I was an opposing team member, I would be intimidated walking in there.
NSN: How long has Penn State been recruiting you?
SP: Penn State’s been recruiting me since the start of the year.
NSN: How would you describe your relationship with Coach Shrewsberry?
SP: He’s kind of like a mentor. Every time I see him, he’s just giving me advice, telling me to keep working hard, don’t settle for anything I have now. Just keep at it and always get better every day. Stay in the gym.
NSN: What would you say his personality is like?
SP: Well, from the two visits I’ve been on, he seems kind of like a laid-back kind of guy. But I feel like he definitely will push you. After the practice I watched, he definitely will push his players to be the best they can be.
NSN: So, talking about you personally, how would you describe your game and what you can do well as a player?
SP: I can really do everything. I can step out from three, hit shots, I can get to the basket, I can get buckets, I can score all three levels, I can rebound, pass the ball, all that.
NSN: You have time to decide, but where would you say Penn State is on your list right now out of all your options if the school offers you?
SP: Penn State’s definitely at the top of the list right now. They’ve shown the most interest in me, and I just feel welcomed every time I go up there.
NSN: How much have you gotten to watch of the current Penn State team?
SP: I’ve been tuned into a good amount of games, definitely the Michigan one, of course. But I’m going to be tuned in when they played Purdue (Feb. 1) and Wisconsin (Feb. 8). I’ve really just noticed (Penn State) steps out and hits a lot of 3s, moves the ball really well,
NSN: Would you say that the offensive system is one that you’d be comfortable playing in?
SP: Yeah, I definitely would be. Because I’m very comfortable just moving around on the perimeter. Moving through back screens, setting screens and getting open off the ball.
NSN: What other schools have been recruiting you hard of the ones that have offered you?
SP: George Mason, Norfolk State, NJIT, Bryant. Recently, I got Iowa interested, Rhode Island. I’ve been on a Maryland visit. Fordham, Old Dominion, George Washington.
NSN: Are there any basketball players that you look up to and try to pattern your game after?
SP: Definitely basketball players like Evan Mobley, Kevin Durant, of course, Jonathan Isaac. Players that just can do everything.
