SHOCKING TURNAROUND: 5-Star Phenom Javon Small SNUBS Big Ten NIL Millions to STAY LOYAL to Mountaineers – ‘Unfinished Business in Gold & Blue!’
In an era dominated by NIL riches and high-profile transfers, one headline has sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape: Javon Small, the five-star phenom, has turned down multimillion-dollar offers from Big Ten powerhouses to remain with the West Virginia Mountaineers. In a move hailed as a rare act of loyalty and grit, Small delivered a fiery statement: “There’s unfinished business in Gold & Blue.”
Sources close to the situation reveal that Small had received offers exceeding $3 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals from at least three Big Ten programs, including Michigan State, Indiana, and Illinois. The offers included endorsement contracts, luxury housing, and brand partnerships with national apparel companies. Insiders claimed Michigan State even offered him a chance to design his own signature sneaker. But in a stunning twist, Small said “No.”
Instead, he posted a cryptic message on Instagram Sunday night: a photo of the Coliseum with the caption “Loyalty > Luxury.” Moments later, West Virginia’s athletic department confirmed that the star guard would return for his junior season.
Small, who averaged 18.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season, had been projected as a top-three transfer prospect. NBA scouts were urging him to go pro or transfer to a program with more exposure. But for Small, the choice was personal—and deeply rooted.
“I came to Morgantown for more than just basketball,” Small said in an emotional press conference. “Coach believed in me when no one else did. The fans showed up even during the roughest stretches. This place made me who I am. And I’m not leaving until I help bring a title home.”
His decision electrified Mountaineer Nation. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #LoyaltyLivesHere and #GoldAndBlueBusiness trending nationwide. Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins—who remains involved in a consultant role—praised Small’s decision as “a throwback to everything this sport used to be about.”
Analysts are already updating their preseason rankings. ESPN now lists WVU as a dark horse Final Four contender. With Small back, along with breakout sophomore Malik Johnson and incoming four-star forward Trey Harmon, the Mountaineers boast one of the most dangerous lineups in the Big 12.
Beyond basketball, Small’s choice signals a cultural shift. In a sport increasingly shaped by business deals and short-term moves, his decision has sparked a wider conversation about loyalty, legacy, and leadership.
“I want my story to be different,” Small said. “It’s easy to chase the bag. It’s harder to chase greatness in one jersey.”
With “unfinished business” as his mantra, Javon Small is not just staying in Morgantown—he’s making history.
