Javon Small

Small is an American guard who reached the NBA through a second-round selection in 2025 after a winding college career that spanned three programs and featured multiple standout performances in high-major conferences. He signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and has contributed as a developmental backcourt piece.

Born on December 19, 2002, Small grew up in Indiana and attended Compass Prep for his senior year, averaging 11.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. Rated a three-star recruit, he committed to East Carolina over several mid-major offers. As a freshman, he appeared in just 16 games. In his sophomore season, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists and entered the transfer portal.

Small transferred to Oklahoma State and averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from three. He earned all-Big 12 honorable mention and scored a career-high 34 points against BYU. After one season, he entered the transfer portal again.

At West Virginia, Small emerged as the team's primary offensive weapon. He scored 31 points against Gonzaga in the Battle 4 Atlantis, hit the game-winning free throw in an upset of seventh-ranked Kansas, and scored 27 points in a win over second-ranked Iowa State. He posted 23 points, ten assists, and five rebounds against TCU and scored 20 or more points in 14 games. He declared for the 2025 NBA draft, was invited to the combine, and was selected 48th overall by Memphis.

Small is a skilled combo guard with strong playmaking instincts and scoring ability in the mid-range and from three. He uses his handle to create space for pull-ups and is comfortable running pick-and-roll actions. His defensive intensity and rebounding for his size add value in a backup guard role.

Small enters his professional career as a two-way player with the Memphis Grizzlies, carrying the distinction of a three-stop college career and a breakout season in the Big 12. His trajectory from a lightly recruited prospect to a draft pick reflects adaptability and consistent offensive improvement at every level.