WATERLOO — Waterloo junior Wayne Pendergrass stands out from others on the basketball court before the game for his physical appearance. But once the game starts, Pendergrass’ physical difference blends into the background and the Cougars guard stands out for his play.

Pendergrass was born with a short left arm that has just two fingers. But he hasn’t let that affect him in any way. In addition to basketball, Pendergrass also plays football and baseball for the Cougars.

“I just started playing sports at a young age,” Pendergrass said. “I really don’t pay attention to it because it’s something I’m so used to. It doesn’t bother anybody. There’s no reason why or how I started (playing basketball), I just did it.”

Pendergrass’s short arm affects the team’s strategy slightly; since Pendergrass only dribbles with his right hand, he has to stay on the right side of the court and his teammates have to make sure to pass the ball to him on the right side of his body. But any slight strategic disadvantages that are caused are more than made up for by Pendergrass’ talent and drive.

“Whatever handicap he has, he more than makes up for with hustle,” Waterloo basketball coach Barry McFall said. “He uses his feet better than anyone else. I always try to get the other players to move their feet like Wayne does.”

Pendergrass said his hustle isn’t a way for him to try to make up for his handicap. It’s just the way he’s always played the game.

“It might seem that I’m hustling more than others because of (the arm), but to me that’s how you’re supposed to play the game. If you don’t play the game the right way, you’re not going to be a good player.”

Opposing players and fans might underestimate Pendergrass’ ability by just looking at him before the game, but once it starts, their focus shifts away from his arm, and toward his ability.

“They might not have thought much of me before the game, but when I started showing people up on the court, they were shocked,” Pendergrass said. “But I really didn’t pay that much attention to it until people come up and talk to me about how they were impressed with the way I played.”

While Waterloo opponents might pay special attention to Pendergrass because of his handicap, McFall said his teammates don’t even notice.

“The players are so used to it, they don’t even think anything about it,” McFall said. “They accept him for who he is. We don’t look at him as a one-handed player, just a player.”

And McFall doesn’t cut Pendergrass any slack in practice, not that he wants any.

“He expects to be treated like any other player,” McFall said. “He has never made any excuses for any mistakes he’s made on the court.”

That’s because Pendergrass considers himself to be like any other player.

“Cutting me some slack because of my arm is almost like saying I can’t do it,” Pendergrass said. “It’s like saying a guy with one leg can’t do anything. If you think you can do it, do it. There’s no reason why you can’t do anything you set your mind to.”