by. Justin Walker
The Big 12 Conference has been one of the most competitive and talent-laden basketball leagues in the country this season, with several standout players making strong cases for the coveted Player of the Year award. One name that has consistently risen to the top of the conversation is West Virginia’s Javon Small, the dynamic guard who has carried WVU basketball on his back throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Small’s statistical dominance is undeniable. He currently sits tied for the Big 12 lead in scoring, pouring in 18.5 points per game, while also ranking third in the conference in assists (5.6 apg) and 12th in steals (1.6 spg). His well-rounded contributions have been crucial to West Virginia’s success, as the Mountaineers have navigated a challenging season and find themselves a probable lock for an NCAA Tournament berth.
But the question remains: does Javon Small’s individual brilliance and importance to his team’s fortunes make him the rightful choice for Big 12 Player of the Year? Let’s dive deeper into Small’s case, as well as the other top contenders for the prestigious award.
The Case for Javon Small as Big 12 Player of the Year
When evaluating the top players in the Big 12, Javon Small’s name has to be at the forefront of the conversation. His statistical production is undeniably impressive, but it’s the context and impact of his performance that truly sets him apart.
Despite facing constant double-teams and defensive attention, Small has continued to excel, leading the Mountaineers in scoring and assists, and being second in steals. He’s done so while playing a team-high 36.2 minutes per game, showcasing his endurance and ability to shoulder a massive workload for his squad.
What’s most remarkable about Small’s season, however, is the fact that he’s been the driving force behind West Virginia’s success, especially in the wake of the team’s numerous injuries and adversity. With standout forward Tucker DeVries sidelined for much of the year, Small has been forced to take on an even greater burden, and he’s risen to the challenge in impressive fashion.
Consider this: without Javon Small, it’s highly unlikely that West Virginia would be in contention for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Mountaineers have leaned on their star guard to an extraordinary degree, and he’s delivered time and time again.
The Other Top Contenders for Big 12 Player of the Year
While Javon Small’s case for Big 12 Player of the Year is a strong one, he’s not the only player making a compelling argument. Several other standouts have also put together impressive seasons, and they deserve recognition as well. Here are three other players who should get consideration in my opinion.
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
- Second in the Big 12 in rebounding (9.9 rpg)
- Fourth in the conference in scoring (17.4 ppg)
- Fourth in field goal percentage (53.8%)
- Eighth in blocks (1.3 bpg)
- Shooting 75% from the free-throw line
The veteran big man from Kansas has been a dominant force in the paint, anchoring the Jayhawks’ frontcourt and leading the team in several key statistical categories. Dickinson’s well-rounded game and impact on both ends of the floor make him a strong contender for the Player of the Year award.
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
- Third in the Big 12 in scoring (18.1 ppg)
- Third in rebounding (9.3 rpg)
- Third in field goal percentage (55.8%)
- 11th in blocks (1.2 bpg)
The Texas Tech standout has been a consistent force for the Red Raiders, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage. Toppin’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, combined with Texas Tech’s success as a team, make him a formidable challenger for the Player of the Year award.
Darius Johnson, UCF
- Sixth in the Big 12 in scoring (16.8 ppg)
- First in the conference in steals (2.4 spg)
- Ninth in field goal percentage (53.2%)
- 10th in assists (4.2 apg)
While he may not have the same level of national recognition as some of the other top players in the Big 12, Darius Johnson has been a dominant two-way force for UCF. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, as evidenced by his league-leading steals total, makes him a dark horse candidate for the Player of the Year award.
Weighing the Factors: Why Javon Small Deserves the Big 12 Player of the Year Award
When considering the various factors that should be taken into account for the Big 12 Player of the Year award, Javon Small’s case becomes increasingly compelling.
While players like Dickinson and Toppin have put up impressive individual numbers, Small’s impact on his team’s success is unparalleled. The Mountaineers have faced significant adversity this season, with injuries and other challenges threatening to derail their campaign. Yet, Small has consistently risen to the occasion, carrying West Virginia on his back and leading the team to a respectable record and a potential NCAA Tournament berth.
The argument can also be made that Dickinson and Toppin have benefited from stronger supporting casts and more favorable team circumstances. Small has had to shoulder an immense burden for West Virginia, and he’s done so with remarkable consistency and success.
Ultimately, the Big 12 Player of the Year award should go to the player who has had the greatest impact on their team’s fortunes, and in that regard, Javon Small’s case is difficult to ignore. His statistical production, two-way impact, and ability to elevate a team in the face of adversity make him the deserving choice for the conference’s top individual honor.
For the video version of this story, check out this clip from a recent episode of Hoops from the Hills on YouTube.
Photo credit: WVU Athletics
