And that has turned out to be La Salle's gain.

Pettis, a 6-5 combination guard who informed Rutgers earlier this week of his desire to transfer, has decided to attend La Salle and play basketball for coach John Giannini.

"I feel really good. I'm happy with my decision," Pettis said last night while watching his alma mater, Ss. Neumann-Goretti, play in a summer-league game. "Coach Giannini is someone I will love playing for. It feels great going to a program where I think I can help them get better and where I'll be comfortable playing."

Pettis helped Neumann-Goretti to two Catholic League titles under coach Carl Arrigale, in 2005 and 2006. Other Division I players on those N-G teams were Antonio "Scoop" Jardine and Rick Jackson (both Syracuse), Jamal Wilson (Rhode Island) and D.J. Rivera (currently at Binghamton after transferring from Saint Joseph's). During his senior season, Pettis scored 370 points while his team went 22-6.

"He is a prototypical player for coach Giannini," Arrigale said. "He is a big guard who can make plays, who is a good passer with great vision and can make the three. He fits what La Salle has been doing and he'll help in its continual improvement. He's exactly what they need. They'll be losing a lot of players in 2 years, and he will be a perfect fit in replacing guys like Rodney Green."

Pettis, a two-time Daily News All-City selection, will have to sit out 1 year because of transferring, then will have 2 years of eligibility left. In 60 games in his 2 years at Rutgers, Pettis scored 238 points for the Scarlet Knights.

"One of my goals is to come back home and help La Salle win a lot of games," Pettis said.

"He is so versatile in that he can play small, he can guard a power forward," Arrigale said. "He brings a lot to the game. He seems really excited to be back home." *