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PSA's Joseph
headed for
Miami
On July 21, Bensley Joseph narrowed his list to five potential schools.
He quickly whittled it down to one, announcing six days later that he accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball at the University of Miami beginning in 2021.
“It’s a great feeling. I knew the time was coming but it’s a great feeling,” said Joseph, who earlier this summer announced he would be doing a postgrad season at Putnam Science Academy. “With all the hard work that’s been done, I feel like there’s still more to do. It’s just the next level in my game and the next step in my story, going out there and trying to win at all costs.
“And at Miami, in the ACC, I feel like I’ll be playing in the best conference in the country, it’s only right to showcase my talents at that school.”
Joseph, 18, is widely considered the best point guard in New England and is the top overall player in Massachusetts from the Class of 2021. A four-start recruit who sits at No. 68 in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings, he averaged 15.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 steals last season at Cushing Academy. He chose Miami over Boston College, Providence, Georgetown and Marquette.
The Hurricanes were 16-16 overall and 7-13 in conference when the coronavirus pandemic shut down the season in March. They have a senior set to play point guard this coming season, meaning the position will be wide open for Joseph to take. And they have a coach in Jim Larrañaga with whom Joseph has built a strong relationship.
“The playing style really fits for me, and the situation they’ve got with the point guard spot next year allows me to compete for that,” said Joseph, who was born in Miami and has family in the area. “I just felt like it fits how I like to play.
“Ever since they offered me, Coach Larrañaga has talked to me literally every single day, which I think also was a big reason why I decided to go there. He was very consistent to talk with me and we’ve built up a good relationship.”
Miami under Larrañaga has a history of small guards having success, including Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, and Trey McKinney Jones.
“I’m happy for him,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa. “The ACC … that’s big-time. I think going there in 2021 is going to be a perfect fit for what they have coming and going. We’ve seen Bensley play enough when he was at Cushing to know he’s a special player. We’re excited for him.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy