University of Miami men’s basketball team lands highly touted point guard
The University of Miami men’s basketball team got its first commitment from the Class of 2021, and it is a major one. Point guard Bensley Joseph, the top-rated recruit in Massachusetts and among the best in the nation at his position, announced on Twitter that he plans to join the Hurricanes.
“100 percent committed” he wrote. Joseph chose UM over his other top four choices — Boston College, Georgetown, Marquette and Providence. He also had offers from Iowa, Rhode Island, UMass and Penn State.
Joseph, a 6-1 native of Arlington, Massachusetts, played at Cushing Academy and transferred to Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut. He is rated a four-star recruit in the 247 Sports composite rankings and the No. 14 point guard in the country.
He is known as a tenacious defender and a confident floor leader who makes teammates better. He would be groomed to replace point guard Chris Lykes, who is scheduled to graduate next spring.
“First off I’d like to thank God for allowing me with the opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing at the next level,” he posted on Twitter. “Next, I would like to thank my mom and my entire family for supporting me throughout this process… Lastly, I would like to thank all the schools for recruiting me and believing in my game. With that being said I am 100 percent committed to the University of Miami!! #GoCanes.”
Joseph will join a Class of 2020 group that includes highly touted guard Earl Timberlake, forward Matt Cross and guard Elijah Olaniyi, a transfer from Stoney Brook who must sit out this year but will be eligible for the 2021-22 season. Miami has five seniors on the roster for the upcoming season, so it is looking for new talent.
Timberlake, of the famed DeMatha High School in the D.C. area, is expected to have an immediate impact. He is a dynamic two-way wing known for his ball-handling, big shots and defense.
The Hurricanes returned to campus this month and began doing socially distant practices. They were 15-16 last season before the coronavirus pandemic ended the season.