NAMPA, Idaho - Kyle Dranginis was always the smallest in the family. Despite a small size at a young age he always did big things. He was a state basketball champion, a two time Idaho Player of the Year and a three sport athlete. While we were on the road we stopped by his hometown of Nampa, Idaho.
"When he was here he did everything for us," Kyle's former coach Aaron Sanders said. "We always knew Kyle was going to play well and do a lot of things for us but he did a lot of different things to help us win."
Tim Dranginis watched his son grow as a person and an athlete over the years.
"As he was growing up he was always kind of the thin one of the bunch," Tim Dranginis said. "As he's reached the college level I've just seen him get stronger, bigger and his defense has gotten a lot better."
His defense and strength helped him land a scholarship at Gonzaga and his mother is absolutely thrilled that he sent himself to Spokane.
"It's a blessing and I seriously thank god everyday that he's there," Kyle's mom Julie Dranginis said. "Everyone there is wonderful and he's surrounded by great people and I just can't think of a better place for him to be."
So what do his parents think about the Zags chances in the tournament? Mom said let dad answer.
"There's 68 teams, one's going to win," Tim Dranginis said. "I think if they can come out and play well every night they have a great chance at winning. If they don't shoot the ball well and they struggle that way it could be a tough night."
