BREAKING: Jevon Carter drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies

The wait is over — not just for Jevon Carter, but for West Virginia fans everywhere, as they’ve finally witnessed a Mountaineer’s name called on NBA Draft night for the first time since 2010. A four-year point guard and the face of “Press Virginia,” Jevon Carter has been selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 32nd overall pick in the 2nd round.

Carter, who has re-energized the program after a short transitional lull, will go down as one of the greatest players to ever don a West Virginia basketball uniform. Carter became the first ever major college basketball player to have at least 1,500 points (1,758), 500 assists (559), 500 rebounds (538) and 300 steals (330).

Below is how he ranks in the schools career record books:

Scoring-8th         3 point FGM- 4th

Assists-2nd          Steals-1st

Minutes-3rd        Starts-7th

Wins- T-2nd

Carter helped guide the Mountaineers to three consecutive Big 12 title appearances and three Sweet 16 appearances in his four years. He was named the inaugural Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year for each of the last two seasons. Carter also became the first ever Mountaineer to be named to his conference’s all-defense first team in four different years. He was arguably the best on-ball defender Bob Huggins has ever coached and is clearly the best defender he’s had at West Virginia.

ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla raved about Carter throughout his career in Morgantown, saying, “any coaching staff will love this guy’s energy/attitude. He’s an elite competitor. He comes from a winning culture and has been hard coached. He has an insatiable desire to play in the NBA and he has the character to do whatever it takes to get there.”

Carter is in a great opportunity with the Grizzlies as he will not be forced into action early and can pick the veterans’ brains before he starts making a bigger contribution to the club. The comparison many have made for Carter is Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverly. Both play relentless and intense defense, but can also score when needed.

I would not be surprised to see Carter have a long career in the association. He is coachable,  lives in the gym and is determined to become what many thought he couldn’t be.