Javon Small to Start NBA Career on Grizzlies’ Summer League Team

As expected, Javon Small will start his NBA career in Summer League. For a holiday gift to their fans, the Memphis Grizzlies revealed their Summer League roster, showing Small on the team and wearing No. 10.

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

As expected, Javon Small is on the Grizzlies’ Summer League team. https://t.co/vgaGPS40Wz

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) July 4, 2025

“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.

Small became 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.

No matter how happy any WVU fan was to see Small get drafted, no one was as happy as Small’s grandfather. In fact, Small’s grandfather expressed his jubilation in such a manner that it created a viral moment.

Watch Small’s grandfather shed tears of joy and go crazy while attending the NBA Draft in person in support of his grandson in the embedded posts below.

Find you someone who hypes you up as much as Javon Small’s grandfather. https://t.co/IhNe5WjL5y

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) June 27, 2025

Find more coverage of Javon Small at WV Sports Now.