Pepper was born in Australia, in the Victorian city of Shepparton,[1] before relocating to the U.S. as a young child.[2] He attended Selah High School in Selah, Washington. As a freshman, he averaged 21.3 points per game. Pepper increased his scoring to 29 points per game as a sophomore, leading the team to a 2A state title appearance. As a junior, he averaged 24.2 points per game and earned league MVP honors. Pepper was hampered by a knee injury as a senior but averaged 24.1 points per game and a 2A title game appearance. He committed to play college basketball at UC Davis.[3]
College career
Pepper became a starter as a freshman and averaged 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.[3] As a sophomore, he averaged 14.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Pepper averaged 15.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a junior.[4] As a senior, he averaged 22.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, earning First Team All-Big West honors.[5] Pepper entered the 2023 NBA draft before returning for his fifth season of eligibility.[6] On December 21, 2023, he scored 21 points in a win against UC Merced to surpass Audwin Thomas's mark as UC Davis all-time leading scorer.[7] Pepper was named Big West Player of the Year.[8]
Pepper's father and uncle both played professionally.[1] His father, Ryan, played at Central Washington University before competing as a professional in Australia for the Hobart Chargers.[10] His mother was the manager of the team during the time Ryan played for the Chargers.[10] Pepper is the oldest of four children; he has two younger brothers and a younger sister.[1]
