When Egor Demin stepped onto the court for BYU this season, basketball insiders already knew his name. The six-foot-nine point-forward from Russia had made waves internationally as a standout in Real Madrid’s academy. But in just eight games as a freshman with the Cougars, Demin has solidified himself as one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft.
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His exceptional court vision, passing ability, and emerging scoring skills have scouts and executives labeling him as a potential top-five pick. In this deep dive, we explore what makes Demin special, the questions surrounding his game, and why NBA decision-makers are watching his every move.
A Playmaker with Unmatched Vision
For those who have seen Demin play, one thing becomes immediately clear—he is no ordinary freshman. His ability to see plays develop before they happen sets him apart from almost anyone else at the college level. Demin’s passing, whether off the dribble or threading through tight spaces, showcases a unique blend of intelligence, precision, and creativity.
“He’s a six-nine point-forward who makes all of the other players on his team better,” said a Western Conference executive. “His passing is going to translate to the NBA. There’s no doubt about that.”
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This ability to elevate his teammates has drawn comparisons to NBA players like Josh Giddey. Demin’s knack for finding open teammates in transition, breaking down defenses, and executing no-look passes is not just flashy—it’s effective. Yet, while his passing alone could secure him a place in the NBA, the league demands more than one-dimensional talent./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73373815/2154200171.0.jpg)
Shooting Development and Offensive Potential
The modern NBA places a premium on shooting. For all his brilliance as a playmaker, Demin’s long-term potential hinges on his ability to score consistently.
In his early years with Real Madrid’s academy, Demin’s shooting was streaky at best. Issues with form and mechanics raised questions about how his offensive game would translate at higher levels. However, after committing to rigorous training and refining his shot, Demin has shown marked improvement.
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Through his first eight games with BYU, he is shooting 38.5 percent from three-point range—a promising sign for scouts. His shooting form has become more fluid, and he is taking high-quality shots within the flow of the offense. Even with a rough night early in the season, which saw him go 0-for-5 before sustaining a minor knee injury, Demin’s progress has been evident.
“The shooting form is good and he’s taking good shots,” a Western Conference scout noted. “It’s not like he’s one of those guys who makes shots but it looks bad when he shoots. If he can maintain that consistency, it will really help his draft stock.”
A Work in Progress
Despite his many strengths, Demin’s game is not without its flaws. While his size and skill make him an asset on both ends of the court, there are areas where he must improve to maximize his potential at the next level.
Self-Creation and Isolation Scoring
Demin is excellent when playing within the offense—coming off screens, spotting up, and working in catch-and-shoot situations. However, his ability to create his own shot remains a question mark.
“In late shot-clock situations, you need someone who can break down defenses and score on their own,” an Eastern Conference scout said. “Right now, Egor isn’t that guy.”
For Demin to solidify himself as a top-five pick, he must demonstrate that he can handle isolation plays and become a reliable scoring option in crunch-time scenarios.
Defensive Consistency
On the defensive side, Demin shows flashes of brilliance. His off-ball instincts, quick hands, and understanding of passing lanes make him a disruptive presence. He averages 1.6 steals per game, showing his ability to anticipate opponents’ moves.
However, his one-on-one defense needs work. Larger, more physical players can overpower him, while quicker guards might exploit his lateral movement. Improving his strength and agility will be critical as he transitions to the NBA.
The Road Ahead
The real test for Demin will come during Big 12 conference play. The increased level of competition will put his skills and decision-making under the microscope. Scouts and executives are eager to see how he adapts to tougher defenses, faster pace, and higher stakes.
“If he can still get good shots off while maintaining good form, it’ll start to cement what people think of him,” an NBA scout remarked.
In addition to his individual performance, NBA teams will watch how Demin impacts his teammates and whether he can elevate BYU’s standing in a competitive conference. Can he lead the Cougars to significant wins? Can he perform in high-pressure situations? These are the questions that will determine just how high he climbs on draft boards.
Comparisons and Draft Projections
Comparisons to Josh Giddey have become commonplace when evaluating Demin. Like Giddey, Demin is a tall playmaker with elite vision. However, many scouts believe Demin has an edge due to his improved shooting and slightly better athleticism.
“I’ve heard others compare him to Giddey and I think it’s fair,” said a Western Conference scout. “Right now I’d say he’s Giddey who can shoot and maybe a little more athletic. I have him in the 5-10 range, but if he does well in conference play and keeps shooting like this, I could see him going as high as third.”
Demin’s draft position will also depend on how other prospects perform. With top players like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper dominating the conversation, Demin is unlikely to crack the top two picks. However, a strong finish to the season could see him rise above other highly-touted prospects for a top-three selection.
The Future is Bright
Egor Demin’s journey is far from over. As he recovers from his knee injury and prepares to lead BYU into the heart of its schedule, he carries the weight of high expectations. Scouts, coaches, and fans alike are eager to see how he develops in the coming months.
If Demin can refine his game, maintain his shooting consistency, and shine against top-tier competition, he has the potential not only to be a top-five pick but also to enjoy a long and impactful NBA career.
“We’re all waiting to see what happens the rest of the season,” an NBA executive said. “But if how he’s playing holds up, he’s going to get picked really high and have a very long NBA career.”
