MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Former West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball standout Javon Small turned in the best performance of his young NBA career Friday night.
Small scored a career-high 23 points for the Memphis Grizzlies in a 126–110 loss to the Detroit Pistons, continuing what has been an impressive stretch for the rookie guard.
Career Night for the Rookie
Small was extremely efficient offensively, showcasing the scoring ability that made him a star in Morgantown.
His stat line against Detroit:
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23 points
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6-of-9 shooting from the field
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4-of-6 from three-point range
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7-of-7 from the free throw line
Javon Small CAREER HIGH vs DET [final]
23 PTS 🔥
6/9 FG
4/6 3P
7/7 FTPrior career high was 22 pts set on 2/7/26.
🎥 Watch Highlights 🎥https://t.co/P14p4bB8wk
— NBA Career Highs (@NBACareerHighs) March 14, 2026
The performance surpassed his previous career high of 22 points, which he set earlier this season on February 7, 2026.
Over the past several weeks, Small has begun carving out a larger role in Memphis’ rotation, providing scoring punch and energy off the bench.
From Morgantown Star to NBA Contributor
Before reaching the NBA, Small built an impressive college career with the Mountaineers, developing into one of the most dynamic guards in the Big 12 Conference.
During his time at West Virginia, Small became known for his ability to score at all three levels, his leadership on the floor, and his ability to deliver in big moments. His quickness, shot creation, and toughness made him one of the conference’s most difficult guards to defend.
Small finished his WVU career with several standout accomplishments, including:
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Becoming one of the top scorers in the Big 12 during his time in Morgantown
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Posting multiple 30-point performances during his Mountaineer career
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Emerging as a team leader and primary offensive weapon
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Earning All-Big 12 recognition during his tenure
His scoring ability and playmaking ultimately helped propel him to the professional level.
Finding His Footing in the NBA
Like many rookies, Small spent the early part of the season adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA. However, over the last several weeks he has started to find his rhythm with Memphis.
The Grizzlies have increasingly trusted the former Mountaineer to provide offensive production, and performances like Friday night’s career-high outing show exactly why.
For WVU fans, seeing Small thrive at the next level is no surprise. The same confidence, toughness, and scoring ability that defined his college career are now beginning to translate onto the NBA stage.
If his recent stretch is any indication, Javon Small’s role with the Memphis Grizzlies may only continue to grow.
