By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Jaylen Petty, the reigning Washington State High School Basketball Player of the Year and MVP of the 2025 Class 3A boys’ basketball tournament, has decommitted from the University of New Mexico and is headed to Stanford University for his freshman year. Petty recently led the Rainier Beach Vikings to their 10th 3A State Championship win, ninth under the direction of Head Coach Mike Bethea, and is proud to represent his family and the Black community.
In the 2025 WIAA state tournament, Petty averaged 20 points per game and led his team to the championship, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in Washington state. Petty’s accolades reflect his exceptional talent, leadership, and determination on the basketball court, and he is looking to bring the same momentum to the Cardinal roster.
“It’s a true blessing to represent my family and people of my color,” said Petty. “I am committed to making the most of this opportunity at Stanford.”
Outside of New Mexico, Petty accumulated offers from several programs, including Fresno State, Oklahoma, Pepperdine, San Diego, Stanford, UC Santa Barbara, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Washington. As he weighed his options, Petty found himself at a point where he was reflecting deeply on the kind of future he wanted to build beyond his time at Rainier Beach. For him, choosing the right program wasn’t just about basketball; it was more about aligning with a vision for his life and long-term goals.
“After decommitting from New Mexico, the process involved carefully weighing all my options to ensure I made the best decision for the life I want to build,” said Petty. “It felt like I had to act quickly, but I stayed focused on what truly mattered to me.”
While Petty was eager to play for Richard Pitino at the University of New Mexico, he is happy for Pitino and his coaching staff on accepting a job elsewhere at Xavier University. For Petty, the coaching change is simply another chapter in his journey that he embraces.
“Life is a journey, and every step is part of the process. I’m super happy for Coach Pitino and the Xavier staff, celebrating their ongoing success,” Petty said. “Committing to Stanford was a thoughtful decision, and I hope to keep making choices that align with my aspirations and goals.”
As a Seattle native, Petty, after withdrawing his commitment from New Mexico, considered Washington before choosing the Cardinal. However, landing the four-star recruit and the #1 ranked player in Washington state is a significant recruiting win for Stanford.
“Being from Seattle, I definitely considered playing for UW since it’s my hometown, but I also believe you can create a sense of home anywhere you go,” Petty said.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds, Petty put up standout numbers during his senior season at Rainier Beach, averaging 24.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. One of his most unforgettable performances came in January against Nathan Hale, where he broke headlines by setting a school record with a seemingly effortless 61-point triple-double. In that 139–51 victory, Petty also had 15 assists and 15 steals, proving his status as one of the best players in the state.
“I bring hard work, strong leadership, and the mindset of a God-driven student-athlete,” says Petty. “On the court, I’m about delivering buckets and securing wins.”
Having transitioned from the PAC-12, Stanford is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The ACC is one of the premier basketball conferences in the nation, featuring programs like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia. The competition is intense and has a high level of talent and frequent NCAA Tournament appearances. On the other hand, New Mexico is a long-standing member of the Mountain West Conference, competing at a high level within the league.
While both teams have demonstrated success in their respective conferences, they operate within different competitive atmospheres. Stanford’s spot in the ACC places them among some of the most dominant programs in college basketball, accompanied by the challenges of extensive travel. In contrast, New Mexico’s position in the Mountain West allows for a more regionally focused schedule with a strong home-court advantage.
Despite the differences between the two conferences, Petty embraces his new opportunity as a Cardinal with open arms and views it as a chance to showcase who he is not only as a player but as a person as well.
“I am excited to show the world who I am, both as a player and as a person. Competing at the collegiate level and against ACC teams is a chance to showcase the hard work, growth, and lessons that I have gained through my life experiences and faith,” Petty said.
Source: Seattle Medium