Who are Some Underrated Rim Protectors in RVA?

Photo: Instagram @jovinjohnson_

Jack Herron February 20, 2026 @ 01:29 PM

Defense is something that often doesn't get enough credit, but it's essential to a team winning and separates a lot of prospects from others. Here's a look at five under the radar rim protectors in the Richmond area.   [player_tooltip player_id='3275771' first='Jovin' last='Johnson'] | 6'7” PF | Glen Allen 2027   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_3267-crop-944x620-1770689775.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_3267-crop-944x620-1770689775.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3483402" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Instagram @jovinjohnson_</figcaption></figure>   Johnson is having a great season for a Glen Allen team primed to make a push this season, and he is a player who has been getting it done on both ends of the floor for them. The 6'7” forward moves very well so he can chase down in transition or come help side late to challenge a shot, he's an explosive leaper and has good timing when challenging, he's able to stay vertical at the rim without fouling, and he can use his length to close space and block jump shots too.   Abdoul Tahirou | 6'10” C | Amelia Academy 2028   Tahirou is about to burst on the scene this summer, as he's having a huge sophomore season at Amelia Academy where he's averaging 17.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game! While he's still raw it wouldn't surprise me if the 6'10” center is still growing as he's all limbs and very thin, he has a ridiculous wingspan that allows him to challenge shots and close out on shooters, he can go get it off the glass when he's trailing, and he plays with a really good motor too.   Brady Snolsen | 6'4” PF | New Bridge Academy 2028   While Snolsen is a big time baseball prospect and doesn't play at a big school in New Bridge Academy, it's hard to ignore a stat line that reads 14.2 points, 19.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game! He's a really good athlete who gets off the floor quickly and has really good timing when challenging shots, he can chase down in transition and get it off the glass, he moves his feet well on drivers and stays in front to contest, and on top of that the way he owns the glass is impressive.   Niles Mason | 6'6” F | Steward School 2029   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Mason-Niles.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Mason-Niles.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2967827" /></a></figure>   Mason is one of the top freshmen in a loaded class in the Richmond area, and the 6'6” hybrid forward may not be the traditional style of rim protector but it's his motor and tenacity that allows him to be a good shot blocker. He's very switchable so on ball screens he can stay in good position with guards to get blocks, he's very long and gets off the floor well to challenge shots at the rim, he's relentless and fearless challenging shots, and the fact that he's a walking bucket is a good thing as well.   Julian Trotter | 6'5” PF | Colonial Heights 2029   Trotter is a young and intriguing prospect south of Richmond who is still waiting for his turn to shine, but when he gets on the floor he has shown he can make an impact defensively already. The 6'5” forward has long arms and gets off the floor well, he isn't afraid to get physical around the rim while still going for the ball, he has great hands and good timing, and as his offensive game catches up he'll be a guy to keep an eye on for sure.

Defense is something that often doesn't get enough credit, but it's essential to a team winning and separates a lot of prospects from others. Here's a look at five under the radar rim protectors in the Richmond area.