Under the Radar Prospects: Virginia’s 2028 Class to Know

The Class of 2028 in Virginia is already beginning to show serious promise. A number of young guards are making early impacts at the high school and grassroots levels. Some names are starting to gain traction. However, several prospects are flying under the radar. College coaches and evaluators should start tracking them now.   Here are four guards who are trending upward and poised for strong development over the next few years:    Nicholson is a steady lead guard who already understands how to control tempo at a high level. He plays with great pace, keeps his composure, and consistently puts teammates in the right positions. What stands out most is his ability to stretch the floor—he's a reliable three-point shooter who defenses must respect.   At around 6'1 with length and developing athleticism, Nicholson brings intriguing long-term upside. Competing up on the 17U level with Team Loaded Black 804 will only accelerate his growth. His combination of feel, skill, and work ethic points to a player whose stock will continue to rise over time.     Mickleberry is a crafty scorer who knows how to create space and get to his spots. He's comfortable operating with the ball in his hands. He has a polished pull-up game that makes him tough to guard in the mid-range.   He proved to be a key piece for Glen Allen this past season. He showed consistency as a shooter and confidence as a scorer. Defensively, his quickness and length allow him to be disruptive, adding value on both ends of the floor. As he continues to develop physically and refine his game, Mickleberry is a name that should steadily gain attention.     Smith is one of the more overlooked guards in the 2028 class. However, his production and impact suggest that shouldn't last much longer. He's a crafty ball handler who can both score and facilitate, making him a dual-threat at the point guard position.   He plays with toughness on the defensive end and consistently competes, setting the tone for his team. Smith has been instrumental in helping Cristo Rey build a strong foundation and winning culture. With continued exposure, he's a prospect that evaluators will want to keep a close eye on moving forward.     Tomlin is an explosive, high-energy guard who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. His quickness lets him dismantle defenders off the dribble. He excels at creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.   He was a major factor in Liberty Christian's success this season, bringing consistent production and leadership. Tomlin finishes well around the rim and is a capable shooter, making him a well-rounded offensive threat. His ability to elevate those around him makes him one of the more impactful young guards in the class.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h3>   Virginia's 2028 class is deeper than many realize, especially in the backcourt. These guards are already showing strong foundations in skill, feel, and competitiveness—key traits that translate to long-term success.   As they continue to develop physically, they gain more exposure through high-level competition. Expect each of these names to generate increasing interest across the recruiting landscape.

The Class of 2028 in Virginia is already beginning to show serious promise. A number of young guards are making early impacts at the high school and grassroots levels. Some names are starting to gain traction. However, several prospects are flying under the radar. College coaches and evaluators should start tracking them now.