Egor Demin Reflects on BYU Year and Big 12 Basketball Challenges
Egor Demin, a talented Russian basketball player, is making waves in the NBA after a noteworthy collegiate career at BYU. The 19-year-old played one season for the Cougars, earning himself a spot on the 2025 Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He also set a record for freshmen by accumulating 180 assists, placing sixth in the school’s history for a single season.
Egor Demin’s BYU Accomplishments and Stats
During his stint at BYU, Demin showcased his skills over 33 games, averaging:
- 10.6 points per game
- 5.5 rebounds per game
- 3.9 assists per game
- 1.2 blocks per game
These impressive stats helped him secure the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets. Despite a brief time at BYU, he cherishes the experience.
The Importance of BYU in Demin’s Development
Demin credits BYU as a vital step in his journey to professional basketball. He emphasized the coaching he received from head coach Kevin Young, stating, “KY being from the NBA and building at BYU this NBA system for younger kids was crucial.”
He recalls the supportive BYU fans who made his transition smoother. “The BYU fans are a very special part of that organization. I loved the environment,” he said, expressing his eagerness to return to watch games.
Preparing for the NBA
Playing against tough teams in the Big 12, such as Arizona and Iowa State, helped Demin adapt to the physicality of American basketball. He noted that college competitions were critical in preparing him for the challenges he now faces in the NBA.
Demin’s Early NBA Career
This season with the Brooklyn Nets, Demin has continued to perform impressively, averaging:
- 10.4 points per game
- 3.3 rebounds per game
- 3.5 assists per game
He celebrated two career-high games, each scoring 23 points – once against Golden State on December 29, 2025, and another against Philadelphia on November 28, where he also achieved a personal best of nine rebounds.
Coach’s Perspective
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has praised Demin for his on-court capabilities and personal qualities. Fernandez highlighted Demin’s consistency and his ability to listen and learn. “His shot looks great, and he is a really good playmaker,” he remarked.
A Passion for Basketball
Demin’s journey began in Russia, where he was inspired by his father’s professional career and players like Andrei Kirilenko. He recalls attending his father’s games, which sparked his passion for basketball. Achieving his NBA debut on October 22, 2025, made him the 11th Russian-born player in league history.
A Bright Future
As he integrates into the NBA, Demin embraces learning opportunities from his fellow rookies and expresses pride in watching BYU’s growth under Coach Young. “I’m really proud of what they are building right now,” said Demin.
With a promising rookie season underway, Egor Demin represents a new wave of talent, pushing the boundaries for future players from Russia aspiring to make it in the NBA.
