West Virginia’s transfer portal cycle this offseason under first-year head coach Darian DeVries has been a rollercoaster ride. From the news cycle being quiet for a while, WVU has quickly added two pieces from the portal, including Oklahoma State’s Javon Small.
Small is a much-needed add for the Mountaineers, who really needed to find a No. 2 for Tucker DeVries.
Small spent this past season at Oklahoma State, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists through 31 games. The 6-foot-3 guard shot 44% from the field, 37% from three and 86% from the free throw line. In a win against West Virginia on Jan. 27, Small had 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
The South Bend, In. native is going to score most of his points at the rim. Small attacks the paint and will control the transition game for the Mountaineers.
By controlling the ball while driving, Small is able to find open shooters if the defense collapses. Small’s assist-to-turnover ratio was 1.3, which isn’t great. Small will dish out assists but the turnovers will come with that.
Small is a huge pickup for West Virginia, especially when finding a No. 2 option for Tucker DeVries. West Virginia’s transfer class before Small was solid if the staff plans to use those players the right way. Small will insert himself into the starting lineup right away as he looks to be a very important contributor in West Virginia’s 2024-25 season.
Small becomes the sixth transfer WVU has picked up this offseason, joining DeVries (G – Drake), Sencire Harris (G – Illinois), Amani Hansberry (F – Illinois), Toby Okani (F – UIC) and Eduardo Andre (C – Fresno State).
West Virginia now has five remaining spots as the transfer portal entry window closes at midnight on Wednesday going into Thursday. DeVries and his staff have more work to do but they got their guy tonight.
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