On Tuesday, a significant moment unfolded at the Marriott Center Annex as Demin publicly announced his decision regarding his basketball future. The announcement was made in a setting that reflected the gravity of the occasion, with respected figures from the BYU basketball community present to support him. Seated to his right was Travis Hansen, a former BYU basketball star and long-time mentor to Demin, while to his left was Kevin Young, the newly appointed head coach of the BYU Cougars.
The presence of Hansen and Young underscored the importance of the moment, not just for Demin, but for the BYU basketball program as a whole. Hansen, known for his successful collegiate and professional basketball career, has been an influential figure in Demin’s life, offering guidance both on and off the court. His mentorship played a crucial role in helping Demin navigate the complexities of high-level athletics, academic pressures, and personal development. Having Hansen at his side for the announcement was a testament to the strength of their relationship and the deep roots that connect Demin to the BYU basketball legacy.
On the other side sat Kevin Young, a respected coach with NBA experience who was recently brought in to lead the Cougars. Young’s appointment as head coach marked a new era for BYU basketball, and Demin’s announcement comes as one of the first major moments in his tenure. Young’s presence at the press conference signaled strong support for Demin and highlighted the mutual confidence between the player and the program’s leadership moving forward. It also showed the coaching staff’s commitment to building a team culture centered around loyalty, mentorship, and trust.
During the event, Demin spoke about the decision-making process that led to this point. He reflected on the influence of his family, mentors, and teammates, and emphasized the importance of staying true to his values. He noted how BYU’s culture, both academically and athletically, aligned with his personal goals. More than just a basketball decision, Demin made it clear that his choice was about growth, faith, and community — values that he believes BYU embodies.
The announcement has been well received by BYU fans and analysts alike, who view Demin as a rising talent with the potential to make a significant impact on the court. His commitment represents not just an individual achievement but a foundational step for the Cougars as they look to build a competitive team under Coach Young. It also highlights BYU’s ability to attract and retain top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape.
In many ways, the event at the Marriott Center Annex was more than a press conference — it was a symbolic moment for BYU basketball. With Demin’s decision, the Cougars gain a player who is not only talented but deeply connected to the values and vision of the program. Surrounded by mentors who have walked the path before him, Demin’s announcement served as a hopeful sign of what’s to come for both him and BYU basketball.
