## 🌟 From South Bend to the NBA: Javon Small’s Inspirational Journey
### 1. South Bend Beginnings & High School Glory
Born December 19, 2002, in South Bend, Indiana, Javon Small honed his skills at Riley High School, later moving to Franklin Central in Indianapolis before spending his final preps season at AZ Compass Prep in Arizona ([ecupirates.com][1]). Rated a three-star recruit, he chose East Carolina, setting the stage for his collegiate rise ([en.wikipedia.org][2]).
### 2. A Collegiate Journey: ECU → Oklahoma State → WVU
* **East Carolina (2021–23):** Small developed steadily across two seasons, emerging as a team leader. As a sophomore, he averaged 12–15 points, displayed playmaking skills with multiple double‑digit assist games, and showcased clutch scoring .
* **Oklahoma State (2023–24):** A one‑year stint with the Cowboys added Big 12 experience before he transferred to West Virginia.
* **West Virginia (2024–25):** His breakout year with the Mountaineers was spectacular. In 32 starts, he posted averages of **18.6 PPG**, **5.6 APG**, **4.1 RPG**, and **1.5 SPG**, while shooting **41.8% FG** and **35.3% 3P** ([wvusports.com][3], [wvusports.com][4]). He earned first‑team All‑Big 12 honors, third‑team All‑American from The Field of 68, AP honorable mention, and featured on numerous midseason award watchlists ([wvusports.com][3]). Memorable performances included a 31‑point night against Gonzaga and clutch scoring in the historic Allen Fieldhouse upset over Kansas ([wvusports.com][4]).
### 3. Draft Night: Memphis Comes Calling
On June 27, 2025, at Barclays Center, Small’s name was called with the **48th overall pick**, landing with the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round ([reuters.com][5]). He becomes the **42nd draftee** from WVU and the **first Mountaineer selected** since Miles McBride in 2021 ([si.com][6]).
### 4. The Emotional Moment: “My Boy!”
The defining moment of draft night wasn’t just his selection—it was the emotional reaction of his grandfather, affectionately known as “Pop Pop.” Tearfully shouting “My boy!” and visibly overwhelmed, his reaction went viral online ([si.com][7]). Small later reflected:
> “My family is just my world, man … he took me to every single tournament since I was a little kid … that’s who I do it for.” ([si.com][7])
Media outlets and fans responded passionately—some said
> “Javon Small’s grandpa letting the emotions go … This is what it’s all about.” ([si.com][8]).
### 5. What Grizzlies See in Him
Memphis views Small as a high-level two‑way guard:
**Strengths**
* Catch‑and‑shoot prowess (over 42% on spot-up threes)
* Pick‑and‑roll savvy with ability to get downhill, pull-up, and finish strong
* Creative ballhandling, athleticism, and above‑rim ability (14 dunks in his senior year)
* Floor‑vision, averaging 5.6 assists, and hard-nosed perimeter defense with 1.5 steals per game ([hoopshype.com][9], [wvusports.com][4]).
**Areas to Improve**
* Feels undersized at 6′1″–6′3″ with limited reach
* Sub‑par pull-up and mid‑range consistency
* Needs steadier playmaking under pressure and improved off‑ball defense ([hoopshype.com][9]).
**Scouting Praise:** Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! described him as: “an undersized guard who plays bigger … excellent athleticism and gritty nature … knockdown shooter off the catch … solid lead guard” . He’s drawn comparisons to Terry Rozier—a smaller guard who overcame size concerns through toughness and production ([si.com][10]).
### 6. Fit in Memphis: Backcourt Aspirations
Memphis is in a transitional phase following the Desmond Bane trade, aiming to bolster depth behind Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies’ second‑round acquisitions (including #56 pick Will Richard) are part of a strategic rebuild ([clutchpoints.com][11]).
Small brings defensive tenacity, playmaking, and shooting ambition, potentially contributing through **Summer League**, **G League seasoning**, and later as a **bench playmaker** ([si.com][10]). His journey from unranked recruit to professional fits Memphis’ culture of valuing underdog resilience and work ethic.
### 7. Looking Ahead: Steps to NBA Success
1. **Summer League Impact:** Prove his athletic, two‑way abilities and adapt to professional pace.
2. **G League Grind:** Hone his craft, building confidence and refining his game.
3. **Bench Rotation Push:** Strong performance could see rotation minutes as an energetic, defensive guard/secondary ballhandler.
The Grizzlies view him as a potential high-upside role player—one who can stretch the floor, facilitate, and defend with his characteristic grit.
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## 🎯 Final Thoughts
Javon Small’s path from South Bend to achieving an NBA dream is one rooted in family, hard work, and relentless growth. His grandfather’s tearful outburst captured the human side of professional sports, highlighting the sacrifices behind the scenes.
Memphis selected a **skilled, gritty, two‑way guard** who, despite size limitations, brings heart, versatility, and standout basketball IQ. With a track record of outperforming expectations, Small has the potential to carve out a meaningful role—captivating fans not only with his on‑court contributions but with ongoing family pride and humble determination.
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If you’d like analytical breakdowns, comparisons to other rookies, or updates through Summer League, just say the word—I’ve got you covered.
* [reuters.com]()
* [as.com]()
* [silverscreenandroll.com]()
* [fearthesword.com]()
[1]: “ecupirates.com/sports/me…”
[2]: “Javon Small”
[3]: “wvusports.com/sports/men…”
[4]: “WVU’s Small Drafted by Memphis Grizzlies in Second Round – West Virginia University Athletics”
[5]: “College stars go early in second round of NBA draft”
[6]: “Javon Small Selected by Memphis Grizzlies in 2025 NBA Draft”
[7]: “Grizzlies’ Javon Small’s Grandpa Was So Emotional Watching Him Get Drafted”
[8]: “Javon Small’s Pop Pop Goes Viral for Heartfelt Reaction to Draft Moment”
[9]: “Javon Small: NBA Draft scouting report | HoopsHype”
[10]: “BREAKING: Grizzlies Select Javon Small in 2025 NBA Draft”
[11]: “Grizzlies news: Emotional reaction of Javon Small’s grandpa to Memphis pick goes viral”
