Longhorns signee named LA Daily News' offensive player of the year

Four-star recruit Joe Sterling earns prestigious honor ahead of collegiate debut

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:51pm

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Four-star Texas Longhorns signee Joe Sterling has been named the offensive player of the year by the LA Daily News. Sterling, a talented guard, averaged 22 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from three-point range during his high school career at Harvard-Westlake. He is ranked as the 9th best player from California in his class by 247Sports and is expected to make an immediate impact for the Longhorns next season.

Why it matters

The Longhorns are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Adding a player of Sterling's caliber to their already talented roster should give them a major boost on the offensive end and help them compete for a national championship.

The details

Sterling was a human highlight reel during his time at Harvard-Westlake, showcasing his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and efficient three-point shooting. His impressive stats and national ranking have led to high expectations for his collegiate career, and the Longhorns are excited to get him on campus and integrate him into their system.

  • Sterling was named the LA Daily News' offensive player of the year on March 28, 2026.

The players

Joe Sterling

A four-star recruit and the 9th best player from California in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports. He is ranked as the 11th-best combo guard and the 96th-best player in the nation.

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team, who is excited to add Sterling to his talented roster.

Nic Codie

A key veteran player returning to the Longhorns roster next season.

Austin Goosby

Another top-100 recruit in the Longhorns' 2026 class, who will join Sterling in bolstering the team's offense.

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What’s next

Sterling is set to make his collegiate debut for the Longhorns in the 2026-27 season, where he will look to build on his high school success and help the team compete for a national championship.

The takeaway

The addition of Joe Sterling to the Longhorns' roster, along with fellow top-100 recruit Austin Goosby, has the team poised for a strong offensive showing next season. With their talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Longhorns are well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and potentially compete for a national title.