Javon Unique Small is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is signed to a two-way contract with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. Small was born on December 19, 2002, in South Bend, Indiana, and attended multiple high schools in the Indiana region before becoming a highly regarded collegiate player. He played college basketball for three programs over four seasons, culminating in a First-team All-Big 12 selection at West Virginia in 2025. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Small with the 48th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he signed his rookie contract that July.
Javon Unique Small Bio
Javon Unique Small has emerged as a promising young point guard in professional basketball following an accomplished four-year college career across three major programs. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), Small brings speed, playmaking ability, and scoring instincts to the Memphis Grizzlies organization. His journey from high school in Indiana through the college ranks of the Big 12 Conference showcased his ability to adapt and excel at increasingly competitive levels. Small was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 48th pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, fulfilling his lifelong dream of reaching the professional ranks.
Early Life and Background
Javon Unique Small was born on December 19, 2002, in South Bend, Indiana, a city known for producing notable basketball talent. He grew up in the Indiana area and developed his basketball skills locally before embarking on his high school career. Small attended several high schools during his formative years, each providing him with different competitive experiences and coaching influences that shaped his development as a player.
For his senior year, Small transferred to AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, where he elevated his game to a new level. At Compass Prep, he averaged 11.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, demonstrating his all-around capabilities as a guard. His performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit, and he was ranked as the 14th best prospect in Arizona. His productivity and defensive instincts caught the attention of college programs across the country.
Path to Professional Basketball
Upon completing his high school career, Small received interest from multiple NCAA programs, including Ball State, Akron, Indiana State, IUPUI, Kent State, Southern Illinois, and Virginia Tech. After careful consideration, he chose to commit to East Carolina University, selecting the Pirates over those other options. This decision marked the beginning of his collegiate basketball journey and set him on the path toward professional aspirations.
Small arrived at East Carolina as a freshman in the 2021-2022 season, where he appeared in 16 games and averaged 9.2 minutes per contest. While his initial college season was modest in terms of playing time, he gained valuable experience competing at the Division I level against seasoned opponents. The following season (2022-2023), Small made a significant leap in his production, averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His improved performance put him on the radar of bigger programs and prompted him to enter the NCAA transfer portal after the season to explore new opportunities.
Javon Unique Small Career
East Carolina Pirates (2021–2023)
Small’s tenure with the East Carolina Pirates began with limited minutes during his freshman year, but he demonstrated glimpses of his potential in limited court time. The experience of practicing and competing against college-level competition provided him with a foundation that would serve him well in subsequent seasons. His ability to score, facilitate, and contribute in multiple statistical categories was evident even in his reduced role.
His sophomore season represented a breakthrough, as Small became a more prominent figure in the Pirates’ rotation. The increase in minutes translated directly to improved statistics across the board, with his 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game showcasing the all-around skill set that would define his playing style. The jump in production demonstrated his capacity for growth and adaptation within a college system. Following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, Small made the decision to transfer, seeking a new challenge and expanded opportunities.
Oklahoma State Cowboys (2023–2024)
Small transferred to Oklahoma State University to join the Cowboys for the 2023-2024 season, competing in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. The increased competition level presented a new test for his abilities, and he responded with consistent production throughout the season. He appeared in 31 games for Oklahoma State, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and one steal per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range.
The highlight of his season came on March 9, 2024, when Small delivered a career-high 34 points in a game against BYU. This explosive performanceunderscored his ability to take over games offensively when needed. For his efforts during the season, Small earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention recognition. Following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 campaign, he once again entered the NCAA transfer portal, continuing his journey toward finding the right fit for his development.
West Virginia Mountaineers (2024–2025)
Small made the decision to transfer once more, joining the West Virginia Mountaineers for his junior season in 2024-2025. He made an immediate impact in his debut on November 4, 2024, recording 15 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block in a victory over Robert Morris. The all-around performance set the tone for his season and demonstrated his readiness for increased responsibility.
Throughout the season, Small delivered numerous standout performances that established him as one of the top players in the Big 12 Conference. On November 27, 2024, he scored 31 points in a overtime victory against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas. On December 31, 2024, he recorded a near triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, including the game-winning free throw in an upset victory over the seventh-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. On January 4, 2025, he scored 24 points in a win over his former team, Oklahoma State. His most dramatic performance came on January 18, 2025, when he scored 27 points including 12 points in the final two minutes to secure a victory over the second-ranked Iowa State Cyclones. He closed the regular season on February 25, 2025, with 23 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds against TCU. Overall, he scored 20 or more points in 14 games during the season.
For his exceptional performance, Small was named First-team All-Big 12, the highest recognition of his collegiate career. He declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on March 30, 2025, and received an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine on May 2, 2025. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree on May 18, 2025, completing his collegiate journey.
Memphis Grizzlies (2025–Present)
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Javon Unique Small with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, acquiring his draft rights. On July 10, 2025, the organization announced that Small had been signed to a two-way contract, splitting his time between the NBA roster and the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. The two-way structure allows young players like Small to develop their games while gaining valuable NBA experience.
Small made his NBA debut on October 15, 2025, logging 17 minutes of playing time in a 128-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He recorded three assists and one block in his first professional appearance, demonstrating his playmaking ability and defensive awareness. His rookie season continued to show promise as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of NBA competition. On February 7, 2026, Small set a new career high with 22 points (converting 7 of 10 field goals, 2 of 4 three-pointers, and all 6 free throws), adding six rebounds, four assists, and one block in 28 minutes during a 122-115 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. By the conclusion of his rookie season, Small averaged 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Playing Style and Strengths
Javon Unique Small plays the point guard position with a blend of scoring ability and playmaking vision that makes him a dual threat on the perimeter. His three-point shooting (37 percent at Oklahoma State, improved at West Virginia) spacing the floor for his teammates, while his court vision allows him to create opportunities for others. His speed and quickness enable him to navigate pick-and-roll situations effectively, and his competitive drive shows up in late-game situations where he has demonstrated clutch performance. Defensively, Small’s instincts (evidenced by his steals and block numbers) allow him to contribute on that end of the floor as well.
Notable Moments and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Small’s career trajectory. His 34-point performance against BYU at Oklahoma State announced his arrival as a high-level scorer. The 31-point overtime victory over Gonzaga at the Battle 4 Atlantis demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure tournament environments. His game-winning free throw against Kansas showcased his composure in crunch time, and his late-game scoring against Iowa State underscored his ability to take over close games when they matter most. The First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 represented the culmination of his collegiate achievements.
Javon Unique Small Career Statistics
Across his four collegiate seasons and into his rookie professional campaign, Small has consistently produced across multiple statistical categories. His progression from a limited role at East Carolina to a featured player at West Virginia demonstrates his growth as a complete guard.
College Career Highlights
At East Carolina, Small appeared in 47 games over two seasons, averaging 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in his sophomore year. At Oklahoma State, he appeared in 31 games while earning All-Big 12 honorable mention. At West Virginia, he emerged as a First-team All-Big 12 performer, scoring 20 or more points in 14 games and delivering multiple clutch performances against ranked opponents. He completed his college career having played over 100 Division I games with consistent improvement each season.
Professional Career Summary
In his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Small appeared in 51 games while averaging 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His NBA debut against the New Orleans Pelicans established his two-way contract role, and his career-high 22-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers demonstrated his potential as a scoring threat at the professional level.
Javon Unique Small Family
Public information regarding Javon Unique Small’s family background, parents, or personal relationships is not extensively documented in available sources. Small has maintained focus on his basketball career throughout his journey from Indiana through three college programs to the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a pivotal year in Small’s career, encompassing the conclusion of his collegiate career and the beginning of his professional journey. At West Virginia, he established himself as one of the premier point guards in the Big 12 Conference, earning First-team All-Big 12 honors. His standout performances against ranked opponents like Kansas and Iowa State showcased his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. The transition to the NBA after declaring for the draft represented the fulfillment of his professional aspirations. Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 48th overall pick and signed to a two-way contract, Small began carving out his role within the organization. His rookie season showed encouraging signs with a 9.7-point average and consistent minutes, capped by a 22-point career performance late in the season. The foundation is in place for continued growth as he enters his second professional season.