Player: Dacen Petty
Class: 2026
Height: 6’4
School: Christ School
It was a great weekend overall at the Phenom Tip-Off, as there were plenty of storylines we walked away with. But, probably the most impressive storyline and player that earned our attention the most was the play of 2026 6’4 Dacen Petty from Christ School.
Petty has had a tremendous start to the season, and one of the key factors when it comes to scouting isn’t how you start but it is how you play at the end, along with development. Petty has clearly elevated his game to another level and has done so in impressive fashion. At the event, our very own Patrick O’Brien had this to say:
“Petty has drastically improved in the last year and it is clear that D1 schools should be looking his way in a big way. He has a mature understanding and feel for the game, especially being 6’4 now. He plays with confidence in being able to rise up in catch-and-shoot situations as well as off the bounce. Petty is a strong creator and takes high-IQ shots, along with making the right reads for his team. That doesn’t mention his ability to be an impact player on the defensive end. Really good overall player with a well-rounded game.”
The improvement Petty has made over the last year or so is quite impressive; he looks bigger and stronger and is playing with the utmost confidence as a senior leader. What makes him impressive is his impact on both sides of the ball, showing his ability to knock down shots off the catch and with range, score off the bounce with his jumper, and also finish strong off the bounce with his athleticism. He confidently scored the ball in a variety of areas but also made unselfish plays in setting up his teammates. Defensively, he excels in being a pest with his on-ball defense. Petty is a true two-way player that impacts the game in so many ways.
Petty holds offers from Lees-McRae, Northern Illinois, Johnson C. Smith, and Livingstone, but he also has been receiving interest from North Carolina A&T, Seton Hall, Hofstra, Belmont-Abbey, Wofford, and North Georgia. But from what we have seen, Petty has clearly put himself as a big-time stock riser and D1 programs should be taking notice all around the region.