Mountaineers in the Pros
Watch: Grandfather Goes Viral for Reaction to Javon Small Getting Drafted
No matter how happy any WVU fan was to see Javon 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
Javon Small’s grandfather after Javon was drafted. 🙏🙏
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 27, 2025
While being asked about his grandfather’s reaction, Small said his family is his world and how it “means the world” to him to have him there with him.
Even after realizing his dream of being drafted into the NBA, Small still had Mountaineer Nation on his mind.
As part of celebrating the Memphis Grizzlies selecting Small with the 48th overall pick, the WVU basketball program posted a video of the ex West Virginia guard sending a message to all of Mountaineer Nation.
“Appreciate all of your support. Ya’ll have been rocking with me since the day I stepped on campus. Always got love in my heart,” said Small.
Small is now 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.
Find more coverage of Javon Small at WV Sports Now.
