BYU Star Egor Demin Declares for 2025 NBA Draft, Head Coach Kevin Young Reacts with Shock
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the BYU basketball community, Egor Demin, the rising star guard for the BYU Cougars, officially announced his intention to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6’8” Russian standout, known for his versatility, high basketball IQ, and ability to impact both ends of the floor, made his announcement via social media early Thursday morning.
“After deep conversations with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’ve decided to take the next step in my journey,” Demin wrote. “I will be declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft and pursuing my dream of playing at the highest level.”
Demin’s announcement comes after a breakout season with the Cougars, where he averaged 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His combination of size, skill, and court vision quickly made him one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball, and NBA scouts have been attending BYU games throughout the season to evaluate him closely. His draft stock has steadily risen, with many projecting him as a potential lottery pick.
The announcement caught many by surprise, including BYU’s newly appointed head coach Kevin Young. In a press conference following the news, Young expressed admiration for Demin’s talent but acknowledged the shock factor.
“We knew Egor had NBA potential from day one,” Young said. “He’s a special player, and we’ve been proud to help him develop here at BYU. That said, I think the timing surprised some of us. We were planning around having him for another year, but we fully support his decision.”
Demin’s departure will leave a significant hole in the Cougars’ lineup heading into the 2025–26 season, especially as the team prepares to build its presence in the Big 12 under Coach Young. Despite the loss, Young remains optimistic about the program’s future and expressed confidence in the team’s recruiting pipeline and returning talent.
“This is what you want as a coach,” Young continued. “You want players to achieve their goals and reach the next level. We’ll regroup, we’ll retool, and we’ll continue building a program that attracts top talent.”
Fans of the program have responded with a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotions. Many took to social media to thank Demin for his contributions, applauding both his on-court performances and his leadership off the floor. BYU students and alumni celebrated his success while expressing hope that his time in the NBA will reflect positively on the Cougars.
Demin is expected to begin pre-draft training immediately and will likely participate in the NBA Draft Combine, where he’ll have the chance to further boost his draft stock. With his size, playmaking ability, and growing international experience, he could easily become one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class.
As Demin takes his talents to the professional level, BYU now turns a page—grateful for the moments he brought to Provo and hopeful for the legacy he leaves behind.
