RICHMOND, VA — October 23, 2026
Two players who developed their basketball skills in Richmond are entering the 2026–27 college basketball season with major conference recognition.
On October 19, the Atlantic 10 Conference announced its preseason men's basketball awards, recognizing University of Richmond sophomore Aiden Argabright and VCU junior Brandon Jennings.
Argabright earned Preseason All-Atlantic 10 Third Team honors, while Jennings received Second Team and All-Defensive Team recognition.
Their selections represent more than individual achievements. Both players developed through Richmond-area basketball programs before becoming important contributors at the Division I level.
## Aiden Argabright: From John Marshall Championships to the Robins Center
For Richmond basketball fans familiar with John Marshall High School, Argabright's development is a familiar success story.
The Richmond native helped John Marshall capture consecutive VHSL Class 2 state championships in 2024 and 2025.
During his senior season, he averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 48% from three-point range.
He subsequently joined the University of Richmond, where he made an immediate impact.
As a freshman during the 2025–26 season, Argabright averaged 10.8 points, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
He led Atlantic 10 freshmen in scoring and earned a place on the conference's All-Rookie Team.
His 2.6 assist-to-turnover ratio ranked fifth among all conference players.
Now entering his sophomore campaign, Argabright has received his first preseason All-Conference selection.
For younger athletes competing in Richmond's public-school basketball system, his journey offers a concrete example of local high school success translating into Division I recognition.
## Brandon Jennings: Richmond Roots and Defensive Recognition
Across the city, VCU guard Brandon Jennings represents another path through Richmond's basketball community.
Jennings attended St. Christopher's School, where he became one of the area's prominent high school players.
During his senior season, he averaged 20.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and four assists per game while helping St. Christopher's achieve a program-record 25 victories.
He also competed with the Team Loaded AAU program.
Jennings was named the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Player of the Year in 2024 before continuing his basketball career at VCU.
During the 2025–26 season, Jennings averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
He recorded 60 steals and 30 blocked shots, earning Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team recognition.
His latest preseason selections recognize both his overall contributions and defensive impact.
For local athletes participating in school and competitive club basketball, Jennings demonstrates how defensive development can become a valuable part of a player's identity.
## Two Richmond Programs, Different Expectations
The October 19 conference announcement also established expectations for Richmond's two Atlantic 10 men's basketball programs.
VCU was selected first in the preseason poll with 308 points and 11 first-place votes. Saint Louis finished just one point behind with 307.
Richmond was selected ninth with 138 points.
The difference creates contrasting expectations for the two hometown guards.
Jennings enters the season with a VCU program expected to compete for another conference championship. Argabright enters with a Richmond team looking to outperform its preseason projection.
Both players will have opportunities to influence their teams' performances as the season develops.
## What Their Recognition Means for Richmond Basketball
Richmond's basketball community includes public schools, private schools, AAU programs, neighborhood courts and recreational leagues.
Argabright and Jennings illustrate how different development environments can produce athletes capable of competing at the Division I level.
Their recognition does not guarantee future results, but it provides evidence of the talent emerging from Central Virginia's basketball community.
As another college basketball season approaches, Richmond fans have two hometown players worth following.
Different schools. Different journeys. One city producing basketball talent.
Sources: https://admin.atlantic10.com/news/2026/10/19/atlantic-10-announces-preseason-honors-for-2026-27-mens-basketball-season.aspx https://richmondspiders.com/news/2026/10/19/mens-basketball-argabright-named-preseason-all-atlantic-10 https://vcuathletics.com/news/2026/10/19/mens-basketball-vcu-selected-a10-favorite-three-rams-net-preseason-honors.aspx