Projected No. 13 draft pick Egor Demin shares why choosing Kevin Young's BYU was the best option for him

Egor Demin is opening up on his decision to play college basketball at BYU instead of staying with the EuroLeague's Real Madrid. The move appears to be paying off as the BYU star is the protected No. 13 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

In a story published on Wednesday, the Russian native talked to ESPN about his decision to play for a school he had never visited before committing.

"(College basketball is) a better adjustment to American basketball since the final goal is to be an NBA player for me," Demin said.

Demin's decision adds to a growing trend in the game. With NIL money as an incentive, players are turning to college ball to develop themselves into professional stars, compared to playing overseas.

In the 2023 and 2024 NBA lotteries combined, 17 college players were drafted. This year, 12 college players are expected to be drafted. So, how has college basketball regained its popularity as the best place for player development? An anonymous NBA agent said NIL is to thank.

"Now these kids can go to college and get paid," one NBA agent said.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament East Regional-Bringham Young at Alabama - Source: Imagn

Demin is a perfect example of the effects of this change. He could have continued playing professional basketball in Spain this season before declaring for the NBA draft. Instead, he moved to the United States to play college basketball under Kevin Young at BYU.

"Obviously, we'll never know how it would be if I'd stayed in Europe or let's say, went back to Russia or whatever it is. But at the moment, I think it was a better, a more clear path," Demin said. "I would better adjust to American basketball, the physicality, how quick the game is, how fast people are and all that."

Demin is a big part of that growing trend.

Egor Demin's freshman season at BYU

Egor Demin is coming off an admirable freshman campaign at BYU.

Demin joined the Cougars with professional experience already under his belt, having played for Real Madrid in Spain. He became an immediate difference maker at BYU, starting in 33 games.

The 6-foot-9 guard led BYU in assists per game with 5.5. He added 1.2 steals per game, tied for best on the squad and a team second-best 10.6 points per game.

NCAA Tournament East Regional-Bringham Young at Alabama - Source: Imagn

Demin saved some of his best basketball for the postseason, during which he put up 13.7 ppg, 5.7 apg and 4.7 rebounds per game as he helped guide the Cougars on a March Madness run to the Sweet 16.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter