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Mountaineers in the Pros

Javon Small Starts, Leads Grizzlies in Minutes in Preseason Loss

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1 month ago

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Javon Small with Grizzlies
Courtesy of Memphis Grizzlies

Former WVU guard Javon Small got his first taste of preseason action for the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday in a 121-103 loss to the Boston Celtics. Small played in the starting lineup and led the team in minutes played with 29 and assists with six.

Passing was an area where Small shined, but he added two steals as well.

Small also finished with six points and two rebounds, going 2-8 from the floor and 1-5 from three-point range.

Small is the second former Mountaineer to be drafted since Jevon Carter was taken in the second round in 2018. Miles “Deuce” McBride went No. 36 to the New York Knicks in 2021. WVU has produced five draft picks since 2000.

Small, West Virginia’s point guard during the 2024-25 season, led the Mountaineers to a 19-12 record, just missing out on the NCAA Tournament. He finished second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 18.6 points per game while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors.

The Grizzlies selected the ex WVU guard with the 48th overall pick in late June.

“I want to prove that I’m a defensive guard that can score the ball. And also get my teammates involved…. I’ve been training my whole life for this, so it’s nothing to be worried about. Just take it one day at a time,” said Small as shared by the WVU basketball program across social media leading up to the draft.

The Grizzlies have three more preseason games, which will be against the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.

find more coverage of Javon Small at WV Sports Now.

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