Egor Demin's impending decision has been dominating Cougar Nation's frontal lobe since BYU's Sweet 16 exit at the hands of Alabama.
Devastated, and with tear-stained eyes, Demin wrestled with his emotions in the locker room of what would become his final basketball game in a BYU uniform. Though many speculated the projected 1st-rounder could/should return for another season under Kevin Young's tutelage, the Russian point guard will stick to the timeline and go one-and-done.
Egor Demin has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, per Jonathan Givony.
NEWS: BYU's Egor Demin, a projected lottery pick, will declare for the 2025 NBA draft, a source told ESPN. The Big 12 All-Freshman Team member, arguably the most unique passer in the college game, helped lead BYU to the Sweet 16.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 8, 2025
STORY: https://t.co/GfP0OwhzuX pic.twitter.com/OOmALKr7zk
Demin is scheduled to make his official announcement via Instagram live at 10 AM.
A polarizing player in draft circles, the general consensus on Demin's NBA potential swings wildly from an underdeveloped brick-layer to a visionary playmaking mentalist, from a late-lottery selection to a late-first rounder.
A true unknown, as his stature and frame leave many ways to interpret his potential as an NBA prospect. His shaky shooting numbers, though they improved throughout the season, are a main cause for concern, but his believers hold strong to his unforeseeable playmaking brilliance -- a talent that was put on full display during his freshman year with the Cougars.
Many will be sad to see Egor leave, as he became a cherished member of the community and a shining ambassador for the basketball program and university as a whole. Seeing his passing ability paired alongside the likes of AJ Dybantsa and Xavion Staton would have put the Cougars in immediate contention as one of the best basketball teams in the nation.
But developing for a season before taking to the NBA has been the objective since day one, and an early example of Coach Young's determination to develop players and prepare them to reach the highest level of basketball.
"What I want to do to take it to the next level is make this place the best place in college basketball to prepare young men to play in the NBA" -- Kevin Young
All part of the plan, and a major step in the right direction for both parties. Best of luck in the next phase of your journey, Egor.