WVU’s Javon Small has earned a spot on The Sporting News Midseason All-American second team, which was announced on Wednesday.
Small is the leading scorer in the Big 12, averaging 19.5 points per game, along with 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.
Mike DeCourcy from The Sporting News explains, “Small took a detour from ECU through OK State on his way to Morgantown, and he averaged better than 15 points in each of his past two years. But nothing suggested he’d rank among the best guards in the Big 12.” He continues, “Small is filling every category with big numbers – and WVU has recovered beautifully from an embarrassing early season loss at Pitt.”
Recognition for Small’s Achievements
This week has been full of recognition for Small. On Monday, he was named the Big 12 Player of the Week and one of the Oscar Robertson Award National Players of the Week.
Small Leads WVU to Big Win Over Iowa State
Small played a key role in leading the No. 23 Mountaineers (13-4, 4-2 Big 12) to a big win over then-No. 2 Iowa State on Saturday. He scored 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, made five assists, and had four steals.
After the game, WVU coach Darian DeVries praised Small, saying, “He’s just been incredible all year. I think he’s the best guard in the country right now. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody.”
With two minutes left in the game and the Mountaineers leading 51-49, Small scored 12 of the team’s final 13 points. This included a three-pointer with 42 seconds remaining to extend the lead to eight, and a dunk with 21 seconds left to seal the win with a 10-point lead.
In WVU’s loss to Arizona State on Tuesday, Small was held to 14 points on 2-11 shooting.
