Javon Small Tallies First Double-Digit Scoring NBA Game

Former WVU guard Javon Small is finding success early in his NBA career, as he scored 16 points in the Grizzlies’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. He finished 5-6 from the floor and 3-4 from three-point range while adding six assists.

Small has made an impact in his lone three games for Memphis. He scored nine points the day before in a 146-114 loss to the Miami Heat Friday. While Small did not score in the Grizzlies’ opening win over the Pelicans, he had three assists.

The rookie guard has recorded 20+ minutes in the last two games with 19 in the win over New Orleans. He has made an impact beyond the scoring category, finishing with eight assists against the Heat and six Saturday against the Pacers.

The win moves the Grizzlies to 2-1.

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.

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.

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.

Find more coverage of Javon Small at WV Sports Now.