Chicago – Egor Demin, a promising 2025 NBA draft prospect, is making waves at the NBA combine.While his time at Brigham Young University (BYU) has concluded, his connection to Utah is far from over. Despite spending only a year under Cougars head coach Kevin Young, Demin, 19, has developed a deep affection for the state.

demin envisions a future where he eventually buys a house and retires in Utah, solidifying his bond with the Beehive State long after his basketball career concludes.

I love Utah. I see myself when I retire from my basketball career, going back to Utah, having a house over ther, somewhere next to Travis Hansen in the mountains. I see myself living there after my career.

Egor Demin

Beyond the Scenery: Connections and Preparation

Demin’s affinity for Utah extends beyond its picturesque landscapes. He forged meaningful connections during his time at BYU, seeking a place where he could find comfort, peace, and thrive both on and off the court as he prepares for the NBA.

With Kevin Young’s recent transition from the NBA coaching ranks to BYU, Demin feels exceptionally well-prepared for the pre-draft process. He believes Young’s guidance has been invaluable.

More than anybody could imagine, he prepared me for this moment, Demin said. More than I was expecting. Obviously I wasn’t underestimating him, I was expecting him to teach me and I was ready to learn as much as I can and be a sponge. But, yeah, I got so much from him.

NBA Combine Performance and Projections

At the NBA combine in Chicago, Demin is determined to showcase his skills to NBA scouts, front office executives, and coaches. Early last season, he was projected as a potential top-10 pick. However, a minor injury and a dip in his shooting numbers raised concerns about his lottery potential.

Despite these concerns, recent mock drafts still project him as a lottery pick (top-14). His shooting performance and interviews at the combine have helped alleviate some worries.

During the 3-point drills, Demin demonstrated his shooting prowess, going 14-of-30 on off-the-dribble shots, 17-of-25 on spot-up shots, 14-of-25 in the 3-point star drill, and 17-of-28 in the 3-point side drill. He also hit 80% at the free-throw line.

Demin has already interviewed with the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. More interviews and in-person workouts are scheduled after the combine.

Impressing NBA Teams: Dedication and Understanding

In his interviews, Demin emphasizes his dedication to improving his game. He wants NBA decision-makers to know that he has closely analyzed feedback regarding his shot and collaborated with Young to understand NBA expectations.

The details of understanding what is a good shot and what is a bad shot, which is not always dependent on the defence, Demin explained. A wide open shot can be a bad shot, speaking about the time of possession, the score – starting from there, and ending with your footwork, your rhythm, getting to the shot, your legs and energy.

Demin is now thinking more deeply about the offense,a skill that NBA coaches frequently enough develop in young prospects. This advanced understanding sets him apart.

While these developments enhance his appeal, Demin’s vision and passing remain his most desirable qualities. His ability to make timely, accurate passes and anticipate plays has drawn comparisons to players like Luka Doncic.However, Demin emphasizes his unique identity.

Luka is pretty obvious – the big guards, passing – but obviously Luka is Luka and Egor is Egor, in a good way. I’m not trying to be like somebody else, I’m just trying to get pieces from different players and different personalities to build my own kind of project of where I’m seeing myself in the future.

Future Aspirations: NBA Success and Utah Return

In the near future, Demin aims to realize his NBA dreams and contribute to a winning team. Looking further ahead, he envisions returning to Utah, where his journey began, and staying connected with those who supported him.

I had a lot of fun being in Utah and I was going there to play basketball, and I found that, I found basketball over there, Demin said. But I also found a lot of good people and my new lifetime friends and mentors.