Javon Small has become the latest Grind Session alumnus to reach the NBA. The former Arizona Compass Prep standout was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies last night with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Grind Session Career
Small played his senior year (2020–2021) in the Grind Session with Arizona Compass Prep, where he helped lead the program to a historic, undefeated season — the first in Grind Session history. That legendary squad capped off their perfect run by winning the 2021 Grind Session World Championship, with Small playing a critical role as a poised floor general and high-IQ playmaker.
Coming out of high school, Small was rated a three-star recruit and committed to East Carolina University (ECU), choosing the Pirates over offers from programs such as Ball State, Akron, Indiana State, IUPUI, Kent State, Southern Illinois, and Virginia Tech.
College Career
After two seasons at ECU, Small entered the NCAA transfer portal and continued his collegiate career with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. During the 2023–24 season, he appeared in 31 games for the Cowboys, where he averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and one steal per game while shooting 44% from the field and 37% from three, earning all-Big 12 Conference honorable mention.
After the conclusion of his junior season, Small once again entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal and joined the West Virginia Mountaineers (WVU) for his senior campaign.
During his one and only season at WVU, Small led the Mountaineers to a 19-12 record, just missing out on the NCAA Tournament, and finished near the top in several major statistical categories among Big 12 players. He finished second in the conference in scoring, averaging 18.6 points per game while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. He also averaged 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 41% from the floor, 35% from three-point range, and 88% from the charity strip. He finished third in the conference in both assists and free throw percentage.
Heartfelt Congratulations
The Grind Session and Arizona Compass were quick to offer their congratulations to Small.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Javon’s journey from the Grind Session circuit to being drafted. He has consistently demonstrated elite skill, unwavering work ethic, and the kind of leadership that elevates an entire program. His relentless drive and commitment to excellence reflect everything we stand for at the Grind Session, and we can’t wait to see him shine at the next level. He’s earned this moment—congratulations, Javon!” – Scott Waldrop, Co-Founder and CEO of the Grind Session
“We couldn’t be happier for Javon and his family! From Compass, to a few collegiate stops and now the league, we’re rooting for and behind you Javon.” – AZ Compass, via Instagram
From Grind to Glory
Small joins a growing list of Grind Session alumni drafted into the NBA, solidifying the circuit’s growing reputation as a premier proving ground for top talent.
Overall, more than 50 former Grind Session players have heard their names called on NBA draft night since 2016. That list includes three NBA champions in Jamal Murray (2016: 1st Round, 7th overall pick – Denver Nuggets), Jonathan Kuminga (2021: 1st Round, 7th overall pick – Golden State Warriors), and Thomas Bryant (2017: 2nd Round, 42nd overall pick – Utah Jazz).
More About the Grind Session
Formed in 2014, the Grind Session is the first-ever and longest-running winter circuit of high school basketball events from late November until early March that consists of elite teams from all over North America.
To put into perspective how good this circuit is: the Grind Session has featured over 3,000 players who have gone on to play collegiate or professional basketball, including more than 20 first-round NBA draft picks. Some of the circuit’s more notable alumni include NBA superstars Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), DeAndre Ayton (Portland Trail Blazers), Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Jalen Green (Houston Rockets), Luguentz Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder), and LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), just to name a few.
For more information about the Grind Session, visit www.thegrindsession.com, or follow the circuit on Instagram at @therealgrindsession, on X/Twitter at @thegrindsession, or on Facebook at The Grind Session.
