Sylven Landesberg, most valuable boys' basketball player in New York's Catholic League as a junior, announced Thursday at his high school that he will sign a letter of intent with Virginia.

Landesberg, a 6-foot-6 perimeter player, averaged 27 points and 12 rebounds as a junior at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, N.Y.

He also led his team to the championship of the Empire State Games this past summer, when he scored 38 points in the gold-medal game and had a four-game scoring average of 33.8.

Georgia Tech and St. John's were in the final three for Landesberg, who also had offers from Kentucky and Texas. Legendary former St. John's coach Lou Carnesecca had met with Landesberg in the days leading up to his decision.

Holy Cross also is the alma mater of former UVa basketball captain Willie Dersch, whose school scoring record Landesberg is on pace to break this season. One of Landesberg's former Holy Cross basketball teammates, Kevin Ogletree, is a wide receiver on the Cavaliers' football team.

Landesberg, arguably the highest-rated prospect to sign with Virginia in Dave Leitao's three seasons as head coach, is rated the No. 38 prospect in the country by Prep Stars.

Landesberg is the first player to commit to Virginia for 2008-2009.

-- Doug Doughty