WVU Alums Shine in NBA: McBride Starts Strong, Small Improves

The opening week of the NBA season has seen notable performances from former West Virginia University basketball players, with both Javon Small and Miles McBride making significant contributions. McBride, after a solid debut, secured his first start of the season, while Small showcased his potential despite a rocky start.

Miles McBride, known as “Deuce,” began his 2025-26 campaign with a commendable performance off the bench, scoring 15 points in his debut. This effort earned him a starting position for the New York Knicks in their subsequent game against the Boston Celtics. While his shooting was less efficient in this matchup—finishing with 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc—he still contributed significantly with four rebounds, four assists, one block, and a steal over 32 minutes. The Knicks triumphed over Boston with a score of 105-95, and McBride will look to bounce back as they face the Miami Heat on October 31, 2025.

In contrast, Javon Small experienced a challenging debut with the Memphis Grizzlies, remaining scoreless in his first game. However, he rebounded in his next outing, scoring nine points against the Indiana Pacers despite struggling with his shooting accuracy, hitting only 2-of-9 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range. Small nearly achieved his first career double-double, dishing out eight assists during the game. He continues to serve as a backup to Ja Morant and will likely maintain this role for the time being. The Grizzlies are set to take on the defending Eastern Conference champions on October 31 at 19:00 ET.

While Small and McBride are finding their footing, Jevon Carter remains sidelined, having not played due to a coach’s decision during the Grizzlies’ game against the Detroit Pistons. As Memphis prepares to face the Orlando Magic, it remains uncertain whether Carter will see any playing time, particularly as the team may rely heavily on their top players.

As the NBA season unfolds, former Mountaineers are making their mark, and fans are eager to see how their careers develop. With McBride’s starting role and Small’s promising potential, West Virginia University continues to be represented in the league, much to the pride of their supporters. The next few games will be crucial as these athletes strive to establish their presence in professional basketball.