Daniel Patton
Uncommitted
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Scout Report
There's a certain type of power forward who makes coaches lean forward in their chairs during film sessions. The kind who operates with surprising finesse for his size but never forgets he can physically impose his will when needed.
Background
Daniel Patton calls Houston home, developing his game at Cy Falls High School in the northwest part of the city. The 6-7 junior comes from a program that's building its reputation in the competitive Texas high school landscape. While Cy Falls isn't traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse, Patton has emerged as their featured player, handling increased responsibility as both a scorer and leader. His AAU background has provided the platform to compete against elite national competition, though he's still working to establish himself among the top tier of 2026 prospects.
Playing Style
Patton operates as a versatile forward who can create mismatches through his combination of size and skill development. He's comfortable initiating offense from the perimeter, showing the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack slower defenders while also possessing the strength to work inside against smaller opponents. His decision-making has improved considerably as he's learned to read defenses and find the right spots to be effective. Defensively, he uses his length well to contest shots and can switch across multiple positions when needed. The pace of his game is measured and controlled rather than explosive. He affects winning through steady production and making the right play rather than highlight-reel moments.
Strengths
His basketball IQ separates him from other prospects at his position, as he consistently makes reads that reflect advanced court awareness. The combination of size and ball-handling ability creates problems for traditional power forwards who can't stay in front of him on the perimeter. His shooting mechanics continue to improve, and he's shown the ability to knock down mid-range jumpers with consistency. What coaches really appreciate is his willingness to do the dirty work - setting solid screens, making the extra pass, and competing on the glass without needing plays called for him.
Areas to Watch
The next level of athleticism and explosiveness would unlock significantly more upside in his game, particularly around the basket where he sometimes settles for difficult shots rather than finishing through contact. Developing a more consistent three-point shot would make him even more dangerous as a mismatch creator and floor-spacer. His defensive instincts are solid, but adding more lateral quickness would help him stay with guards on switches at the college level.
Player Comparison
He reminds me of a young Kyle Anderson in terms of his measured pace and high basketball IQ, though Patton has more scoring versatility at this stage. Like Anderson, he's not going to blow you away athletically, but he finds ways to impact the game through smart play and versatility. The skill development trajectory suggests he could develop into a similar type of glue player who makes everyone around him better.
Recruitment
The recruitment is still in early stages for the 6-7 junior, with regional programs beginning to take notice but no reported scholarship offers yet on the table. Mid-major programs with strong player development reputations should be circling, and a strong AAU showing this spring could generate interest from power conference schools looking for skilled forwards. His ranking at #250 nationally puts him in that range where a breakout junior season could significantly elevate his profile. Expect the recruitment to pick up steam as coaches get more looks at his improved skill set during the high school season.
Projection
At the college level, he projects as a versatile forward who could develop into a reliable starter by his junior or senior season. His ceiling depends largely on continued athletic development and shooting improvement, but his floor is quite high due to his basketball IQ and versatility. Professional basketball might be a reach unless he makes significant physical strides, but he has the skill set to have a long and productive college career while potentially exploring overseas opportunities.
Updated Apr 1, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team