Former Standout Javon Small Set to Make Rare History For The Mountaineers
Small is Set to Join a Select Group of Mountaineers to Be Drafted into The NBA since 2000.
After an amazing senior season for the Mountaineers, former standout guard Javon Small is set to make rare history this week. According to ESPN, Small is projected to be selected 46th overall in this year’s NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, which would put Small in a select group of Mountaineers to be drafted into the NBA.
West Virginia has produced some amazing talents throughout the years, but unfortunately, those talents have not shown in the NBA Draft. The Mountaineers have only seen five players drafted since the turn of the century in Joe Alexander (2008), Da’Sean Butler (2010), Devin Ebanks (2010), Jevon Carter (2018), and the most recent, Miles McBride (2021).
Small had the best season of his collegiate career for the Mountaineers, finishing second in the Big 12 in PPG with 18.6, and third in assists with 5.6 per game, earning him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team. This was just the start for Small, as he also finished in the Top 10 for the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s best point guard, as well as being named an All-American Honorable Mention.
Small transferred to West Virginia last offseason after one season at Oklahoma State, where he averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Cowboys. His playmaking abilities were key for the Mountaineers after Tucker DeVries’ shoulder injury, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Small has completed pre-draft workouts with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs.
Tune into the NBA Draft on ESPN to witness history. Coverage of the First Round begins June 25th at 6:00 PM, with the second round being June 26th at 8:00 PM.