Egor Demin’s performance may have served as a key indicator of the BYU men’s basketball team’s chances of winning this season.
Like the rest of the BYU squad, Demin started the season on a high note, showcasing impressive skills during a soft non-conference schedule. His standout performances positioned him among top prospects, as he vies for a top-5 spot in the upcoming NBA draft.
However, once the conference games began, Demin faced significant challenges, particularly evident in the team’s losses to Providence and Houston, where both he and the team appeared to struggle.
As February approached, BYU began to find its footing, and Demin started to settle into his role—not as a standout but as a crucial supporting player. Now entering the postseason, he feels a renewed sense of confidence about his contributions and the Cougars’ potential.
“I’ve spoken with my coaches about this,” Demin commented. “Honestly, the pressure is more self-imposed than external. I just aim to be as effective as possible for the team.”
Nonetheless, there are still lingering concerns about Demin’s future role at the professional level. While he has carved out a place for himself at BYU, his ultimate aspiration has always been to step onto the NBA court. Evaluators recognize his potential but also see room for significant improvement.
Demin’s season has positioned him as a project for teams in the NBA—he may not contribute immediately, but developing one key skill could transform him into a valuable asset. Whether he enhances his shooting accuracy or ball-handling skills will determine his trajectory and potential impact in the league.
As it stands, Demin is projected to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft—with analysts placing him anywhere from 8th to 13th. The Jazz, holding high draft picks, could capture him, possibly leading to significant opportunities in his new career. Ultimately, his success will hinge on the player development strategies of the team that drafts him.
Tribune writer Kevin Reynolds contributed to this story.
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