Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Richmond Spiders men’s basketball program has produced a very small but notable group of NBA players, with only a handful reaching the league over its history. Compared to major programs, Richmond is one of the more limited pipelines, but it has still produced long-tenured professionals and impactful scorers.
Best NBA Players From Richmond Spiders (All-Time Greats)
- Johnny Newman – 16-year NBA veteran and the most accomplished Richmond player
- Justin Harper – Second-round pick with multiple NBA stops
- John Schweitz – Early-era contributor with multiple teams
- Jacob Gilyard – Modern guard who reached the NBA after a record-setting college career
Richmond’s top players are defined by longevity and individual success, especially Johnny Newman, who stands far above the rest in terms of NBA impact.
Notable Richmond Players in the NBA (Modern Era)
- Jacob Gilyard
- Justin Harper
Richmond rarely has active NBA players at the same time, reflecting the program’s limited pipeline compared to larger schools.
Full List of Richmond Spiders NBA Players
Here are the Richmond alumni who reached the NBA:
- Johnny Newman
- Justin Harper
- John Schweitz
- Jacob Gilyard
(Richmond has produced only a handful of NBA players in its history.)
Richmond’s NBA Legacy
Richmond’s NBA legacy is defined by extreme selectivity rather than volume. The program has produced:
- One standout long-term NBA player (Johnny Newman)
- A few second-round picks and role players
- Limited but real representation across different eras
Despite the low numbers, Richmond has still managed to send players to the NBA, which is notable for a smaller program outside the traditional basketball power structure.
Summary
- Richmond has produced very few NBA players (under 10)
- Headlined by Johnny Newman’s long career
- Limited modern pipeline
- One of the smallest NBA-producing programs among D1 schools