Top recruit Cory Joseph signs with Texas

Cory Joseph, a highly sought point guard from Findlay Prep (Nevada), signed his letter of intent Monday with Texas.

Joseph is a consensus top-five point guard who should fill a void for the Longhorns as a floor leader who can score.

Ranked as high as No. 7 overall by Rivals.com, Joseph averaged a team-best 18.8 points, 4.9 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game last season. He shot 53.9 percent from the floor (216-of-401), 46.9 percent from 3-point range (60-of-128) and 79.6 percent from the free-throw line (148-of-186) while leading Findlay to a 32-2 record.

“Cory is simply a winner who will definitely have an impact on our backcourt,” Texas coach Rick Barnes said.

Barnes has also praised Joseph’s leadership ability.

Joseph led Findlay to the prestigious ESPN Rise National High School Invitational Championship for the second straight year and was named tournament MVP after averaging 20.3 points in three games.

Joseph participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game in Columbus, Ohio, (where he won the 3-point shooting contest) and the Jordan Brand Classic in New York City. He also started and played 22 minutes for the World Select Team in the 13th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 10 in Portland, Ore.

 Joseph will join teammate Tristan Thompson next season.

— Mike Jones