2028 Prospects: Virginia Players Climbing the Rankings

The Virginia Class of 2028 continues to get deeper, and several prospects have seen their stock trend upward after strong spring and summer performances. Whether it's production on the high school level, success against older competition, or continued development in key areas, these players have put themselves firmly on the radar. Here are four names that have made significant moves and look poised to keep climbing.    Few guards in Virginia's 2028 class have been as productive or polished as [player_tooltip player_id='3554525' first='Danny' last='Mooney']. Heading into next season, he'll be one of the featured players and leaders for a talented Collegiate squad competing in the Virginia Prep League.   Mooney is an efficient scorer who combines advanced ball-handling with a high basketball IQ. What separates him from many guards his age is his ability to control tempo. He changes speeds exceptionally well, keeps defenders off balance, and consistently makes the right read when attacking. Whether he's creating his own shot or setting up teammates, he impacts the game in a variety of ways.   His 41-point performance against St. Christopher's last season showcased just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling offensively. Currently ranked No. 21 overall in Virginia and the No. 6 point guard in the class, Mooney looks primed for a breakout sophomore campaign and should continue to establish himself as one of the state's top floor generals.     [player_tooltip player_id='2395088' first='Carlos' last='Lanier'] has steadily built a reputation as one of the most skilled guards in Southwest Virginia. The North Cross standout plays with a maturity that stands out immediately when watching him compete.   Lanier is a natural scorer who uses a quick first step and strong body control to create separation. He doesn't rush possessions and plays with great pace, allowing him to get to his spots while keeping defenders guessing. His ability to score in bunches makes him difficult to contain, and his feel for the game continues to improve each time he takes the floor.   At No. 47 overall and ranked as the state's No. 8 combo guard, Lanier has positioned himself for a big year. With a strong frame and a versatile offensive skill set, he's a prospect college coaches will want to monitor closely over the next few years.     One of the biggest risers in the class may be [player_tooltip player_id='3659463' first='Dizru' last='Utah']. After entering the year unranked, Utah has quickly become a name people across the state are starting to recognize.   Playing up an age group with [program_tooltip program_id='3424568' first='Team' last='Loaded Gold']'s 17U squad this summer, Utah embraced whatever role was needed and consistently delivered. He's the type of player every winning team needs. His versatility allows him to impact the game in numerous ways without needing the ball in his hands.   Offensively, he can knock down perimeter shots, attack closeouts, and make plays off the bounce. Defensively, his length and activity allow him to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses. He's currently ranked No. 62 overall and the No. 15 small forward in Virginia, but it wouldn't be surprising to see that ranking continue to rise.   Utah's combination of size, skill, and defensive versatility gives him tremendous long-term upside, and he's a prospect college programs should begin tracking early.     [player_tooltip player_id='2919030' first='Dillon' last='Murphy'] is another player whose stock continues to trend upward. The 6-foot-6 wing has all the physical tools coaches covet at the next level and has consistently shown why he belongs among the state's top rising prospects.   Murphy spent the summer playing up with Team Richmond's 17U group and held his own against older competition. His length, athleticism, and scoring ability make him a difficult matchup on the wing. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, finish through contact at the rim, and has the athleticism to play above the rim in transition.   Defensively, Murphy uses his long frame to contest shots and generate deflections, creating opportunities for his team to get out and run. Currently ranked No. 83 overall and No. 21 among Virginia small forwards, he feels like a player whose ranking may not fully reflect his upside.   As he continues to develop physically and gains more exposure, expect Murphy to be one of the more intriguing wings to watch in Virginia's 2028 class.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h3>   Virginia's 2028 class is loaded with talent, and these four prospects have done plenty to separate themselves over the last several months. [player_tooltip player_id='3554525' first='Danny' last='Mooney']'s leadership and playmaking, [player_tooltip player_id='2395088' first='Carlos' last='Lanier']'s scoring ability, [player_tooltip player_id='3659463' first='Dizru' last='Utah']'s versatility, and [player_tooltip player_id='2919030' first='Dillon' last='Murphy']'s upside all point toward players who could see their stock continue to rise. As the high school season approaches, don't be surprised if each of these names becomes even more prominent in conversations surrounding Virginia's top young talent.

The Virginia Class of 2028 continues to get deeper, and several prospects have seen their stock trend upward after strong spring and summer performances. Whether it's production on the high school level, success against older competition, or continued development in key areas, these players have put themselves firmly on the radar. Here are four names that have made significant moves and look poised to keep climbing.