Under-the-Radar 2028 Prospects Who Deserve More Attention (804)

Every cycle has its headliners—the names you hear over and over on the circuit and in recruiting circles. But if you spend any real time in gyms around Richmond, you know there's always another group quietly building momentum. The Class of 2028 has a few of those guys right now. These players are producing, improving, and competing at a high level. They are doing so without nearly enough buzz.   Here are three that should be on more radars heading into the next year.    Tillinghast looks like the kind of forward coaches love to build around. He's got good size already for his class, and more importantly, he plays with purpose. High motor is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. In his case, it actually fits. He's active on both ends, crashes the glass, runs the floor, and doesn't take possessions off.   What stands out is his versatility. He's comfortable handling the ball in space, which opens things up for him in transition and against slower defenders. Around the rim, he finishes through contact and doesn't shy away from physical play. He rebounds well for his position and consistently gives Collegiate second-chance opportunities.   The next step is his jumper. It's trending in the right direction. As it becomes more consistent, it's going to unlock another level of his game. If that piece progresses as expected, he has a real chance. He could become one of the bigger stock risers in Richmond over the next year.     Golden plays with the confidence of a guard who knows exactly where he wants to get on the floor. He is a three-level scorer. He thrives off getting downhill. Once he turns the corner, he's tough to keep out of the lane. He effectively gets to his spots. Whether he is finishing at the rim, pulling up in the midrange, or stepping into a three, he does well.   His development as a shooter has been noticeable. The three-ball is becoming more reliable. This forces defenders to press up. That's when he's at his best, attacking off the bounce. His pull-up game, especially off one or two dribbles, is a real weapon.   On the other end, he competes. Golden takes pride in defense, particularly on the ball, where he's already one of the better guards in the area. He applies pressure, stays in front, and doesn't back down from matchups.   His game is trending positively. He's positioned to join the conversation among the top guards in Richmond soon. This summer should only add to that.     Mooney might not be under the radar much longer. Flat out, he's one of the most natural scorers in the area—regardless of class. The combination of shooting, handle, and pace makes him tough to deal with for any defender.   He's a high-level shooter, both off the catch and off the dribble, and he's comfortable taking (and making) tough shots. His handle is tight, and he plays with a rhythm that keeps defenders guessing. It always looks like the ball is on a string when he's operating, especially in space.   Where he separates himself is how he uses his quickness. He's not just fast—he knows how to change speeds, get defenders off balance, and create angles. That allows him to get downhill and finish, even through contact, despite not having overwhelming size.   He's also more than just a scorer. Mooney can create for others when defenses collapse. As his role continues to grow at Collegiate, his playmaking should take another step forward.   Heading into next season, expect his name to come up more and more. If the production matches the trajectory, he will be a highly sought-after guard. This applies to the 2028 class locally and beyond.    Final Thoughts   Richmond has never had a shortage of talent, and this 2028 group is no different. Tillinghast, Golden, and Mooney are all trending up in different ways. They share one thing: they're putting in the work. They are producing without the spotlight—at least for now.   That probably won't last much longer.

Every cycle has its headliners—the names you hear over and over on the circuit and in recruiting circles. But if you spend any real time in gyms around Richmond, you know there's always another group quietly building momentum. The Class of 2028 has a few of those guys right now. These players are producing, improving, and competing at a high level. They are doing so without nearly enough buzz.