In 20 days, Egor Demin will hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
It will be an amalgamation of years of hard work that took him to every corner of the globe, and ultimately, to the highest level of basketball in the world.
But in what should be a celebratory moment for the 19-year-old former BYU point guard, a giant cloud will be looming near him.
On Tuesday, the Moscow Times reported that Demin’s home country, Russia, listed Brigham Young University as an “undesirable” organization. According to Russian law, individuals affiliated with undesirable organizations can face up to four years in prison, while organization leaders could face six.
BYU’s name will always be tied to Demin no matter what. You can’t erase history. But depending on the future of this Russia-BYU situation, Demin’s affiliation with the university — and his country — could be drastically changed
What could this mean for Egor Demin, people with BYU ties?
With this development being so recent and more information still to come, much of the discussion on Demin’s future relationship with BYU and Russia has been speculation.
When asked about the topic by The Daily Universe, Demin’s agency said they would pass on giving a statement, saying they don’t want to get involved in “political discussions” at any time.
Demin was likely just as bewildered by the news as most of the general public.
According to most anonymous sources given to The Daily Universe, as long as Demin does not criticize Putin or the Russian government, he should be fine. If he keeps his head down and puts the ball in the basket, he will likely be able to return to his country, regardless of his affiliation with the Cougars.
Keep in mind, until there is more information released by the Russian government, the above statement about Demin’s future is speculation
What is next for Egor Demin?
Demin hasn’t shown any sign that he is going to distance himself in the days following BYU’s blacklisting. He still has “@byumbb” listed in his Instagram bio, and if nothing changes, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will say the three letters “B-Y-U” after he reads Demin’s name in the draft on June 25.
During his press conference in which he announced his plans to enter the NBA Draft in April, Demin had the highest praise for not only the Cougar basketball program, but the university as a whole. He even stated later that day on BYU Sports Nation on BYUtv that he is planning on getting his degree from BYU in the future.
“I am planning to finish school here,” Demin said in April. “Maybe I will keep studying for these next three years online, or I will comeback one day like Steph Curry did and finish it here … you’re gonna see my face here many times I bet.”
The law is really vague,” Hardy said. “Somebody like me, a professor at BYU, it would not be a good idea to travel to Russia, because of my affiliation … former students I don’t think will have any problems, but it’s one of those things where if [the Russian government] finds something you’ve done offensive, they could then start digging into your biography, your profile, and that could provide some fodder for a court case and prosecution.”
Hardy was quick to note that, once again, this is speculation.
Last academic school year, there were six undergraduate and three graduate students from Russia at BYU. When asked if any of these students — not including Demin — would be returning to BYU for the Fall 2025 semester, BYU International Students and Scholars Services did not respond.He also noted how his faith and testimony have grown during his time in Provo.
“I was coming here with faith, and I am leaving here with a bigger faith and stronger faith in God, and that good can happen if you believe and pray. If you’re dedicated to the Lord and you trust him … he has a plan for all of us,” Demin said.
It’s hard to imagine Demin ever distancing himself from BYU, as he so visibly cares about the university.
The public likely won’t know what the future looks like until the draft.
Will Commissioner Silver say “BYU?” How much will he talk about the Cougars and his time in Provo during press conferences? Will he ever discuss openly his thoughts on his native country blacklisting his beloved American university?
Only time will tell
