BYU’s Egor Demin Aims for NBA Despite Shot Struggles

PROVO, Utah — BYU men’s basketball standout Egor Demin is adjusting to the pressures of college basketball as the team enters postseason play. The 19-year-old freshman from Russia started the season strong but faced challenges during the rigorous conference slate.

Demin displayed promise early on, making a name for himself with impressive performances in non-conference games. However, as BYU faced tougher opponents, including defeats by Providence and Houston, the difficulties mounted for both the player and the team.

“It’s not pressure from the outside as much as it is pressure on myself. I just want to be as effective as I can be for this team,” Demin said, reflecting on his evolving role as a key contributor rather than the team’s star.

As the season progressed, Demin found his footing and confidence, helping the Cougars elevate their game heading into the postseason. Despite this improvement, questions linger about Demin’s potential future in the NBA, where scouts recognize his skill set but note areas needing enhancement.

Modern NBA offenses favor taller playmakers, and at 6-foot-9, Demin possesses the unique ability to deliver precision passes from various angles. His proficiency in the pick-and-roll equips him well for transition to the professional game. Fran Fraschilla, a prominent basketball analyst, praised Demin’s passing skills, highlighting his Euro background as a significant advantage.

However, the freshman struggles with shooting, posting only a 27% success rate from beyond the arc this season. Observations during warm-ups show glimpses of potential, yet game-day performance reveals inconsistencies that disrupt his rhythm and flow.

“I’m feeling better and better, game to game,” Demin remarked about his shooting struggles, emphasizing the psychological aspect of confidence as he battles external expectations.

Additionally, Demin has faced challenges finishing at the rim, where defenders often capitalize on his hesitations. While he has demonstrated improvement in various areas throughout the Big 12 season, generating quality shots remains a hurdle.

Defensively, Demin has shown promise, utilizing his size and footwork; however, he is still developing this side of his game. An onlooker noted his solid communication and positioning, which aids the team’s overall defensive scheme.

The consensus is that while Demin possesses immense passing talent, he must refine his shooting and finishing to realize his potential as a valuable NBA player. With the draft approaching, experts estimate him being selected in the first round. One projection has him going as high as eighth overall, positioning him to embark on a professional career sooner rather than later.

Teams eager to draft Demin should ensure they have a plan for his development. With the possibility of a unique fit on a team, Demin’s journey through the NBA could mirror success stories of former players who developed their skills over time.

As BYU’s season unfolds, fans remain optimistic about Demin’s future both at the collegiate and professional levels, hoping he finds the right situation that optimally aligns with his talents.