Toby Okani, Javon Small steal the show for Grizzlies in first NBA game as teammates

Toby Okani and Javon Small starred together in the starting rotation last season for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Now, they're making an impact together in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Okani recently signed a 10-Day contract with the Grizzlies, the same franchise that drafted Small last summer in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Small started in a minor role for the team, but has seen his playing time expand significantly this season. And on Friday, Okani made his debut alongside Small – with both making a significant impact in the game.

Former WVU basketball starters step up for Memphis Grizzlies

On Friday, the Grizzlies played the Toronto Raptors. It's been a tough season for the Grizzlies, which continued with a 128-96 loss to start the weekend. But at this point in the season, Memphis is 25-52 and looking toward the future, which is part of the reason why players like Okani are earning opportunities to prove themselves. And both Okani and Small gave the franchise hope for the future in the loss.

Okani saw a lot of playing time in his NBA debut, registering 28 minutes on the floor. And he made sure to play a role in the action when on the court, as he finished his night with seven points, seven rebounds, one block, and one steal. Meanwhile, Small started yet again for Memphis, and put up 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 27 minutes of action.

For Okani, it's an impressive effort that could secure him a more permanent spot within the organization once his initial contract runs out, or put him on the radar for other teams if Memphis does not decide to retain him. And for Small, it's just one more performance that helps solidify his role with the Grizzlies. And if they both continue to play like this, Friday could be the first of many times the two former college teammates play together for the franchise.