Chris Mooney's enduring impact on Richmond basketball is undeniable, and the Spiders are now looking for a comeback! For those who follow college basketball, the name Chris Mooney should ring a bell. This seasoned coach, now 53 years old, has been at the helm of the Richmond Spiders since 2005, transforming the program into a symbol of consistency, class, and fierce competition.
Throughout his impressive career, Mooney has amassed an impressive 400 total wins. This includes his time with the Beaver Knights and a brief stint at Air Force. But his legacy truly shines at Richmond, where he boasts a record of 358–290. A remarkable 180 of those victories came in the Atlantic 10 Conference. This achievement makes him the winningest coach in Richmond's history, a testament to his patience, skill in player development, and deep understanding of the game.
After a challenging season, the Spiders are aiming for a resurgence in the 2025–26 season. Following a tough 10–22 campaign, optimism is in the air. Mooney and his coaching staff have strategically utilized the transfer portal to revamp the team's roster. This approach has proven successful for numerous mid-major programs in recent years.
Remember, just one year before the tough season, Richmond shared the top spot in the Atlantic 10. This is a reminder of how quickly Mooney's teams can turn things around. His track record of building team chemistry and balance gives fans plenty of reason to be hopeful for another successful season.
Mooney has also led Richmond to the NCAA Tournament three times. The 2010–11 team stands out as one of the program's best, finishing with a record of 29–8 and reaching the Sweet 16. A decade later, in 2021–22, the team won the Atlantic 10 Tournament title and pulled off a memorable first-round upset against fifth-seeded Iowa, before falling to Providence in the Round of 32.
In total, Mooney has secured two Atlantic 10 Tournament titles, two regular-season crowns, and was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in 2024.
What does the future hold for the Spiders in the 2025–26 season? The new season kicks off on November 5th at home against Southern Virginia, followed by a game against East Carolina later that week. Over Thanksgiving, Richmond will head to Orlando for a multi-team event, starting with a game against Furman, with potential follow-up games against Charlotte or Illinois State.
Conference play begins on New Year’s Eve when George Washington visits the Robins Center. This marks the beginning of what Mooney hopes will be another memorable season for a program built on tradition and resilience.
What do you think? Can Mooney lead the Spiders back to the top? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
