In October 2024, the NCAA initiated an investigation into the eligibility of BYU basketball’s five-star freshman, Egor Demin, and fellow international recruit Mihailo Boskovic. The inquiry centered on concerns regarding their amateur status, specifically related to past professional engagements and compensation exceeding permissible limits.Background on Egor Demin aEgor Demin, a 19-year-old from Russia, gained prominence as a five-star recruit and a potential NBA lottery pick. At 6-foot-9, Demin’s skills drew significant attention, leading to his signing of a multi-year contract with Real Madrid at the age of 15. This contract raised questions about his amateur status under NCAA regulations. The NCAA permits athletes to sign professional contracts, provided the compensation does not surpass “actual and necessary expenses” related to participation, such as travel and living costs. Payments exceeding these expenses can jeopardize an athlete’s eligibility. Mihailo Boskovic’s Professional BackgroundMihailo Boskovic, a 6-foot-10 forward from Serbia, also faced scrutiny due to his involvement with a professional organization in Bosnia. His prior professional association necessitated a thorough review to ensure compliance with NCAA amateurism standards. NCAA’s Amateurism Regulation the NCAA’s rules distinguish between permissible compensation for athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) and payments for athletic performance. While NIL compensation is allowed, payments for athletic services that exceed necessary expenses can be deemed professional contracts, affecting eligibility. This distinction became particularly relevant in the evolving landscape of NIL rights and regulations. BYU’s Response and Developments at BYU’s compliance office collaborated with the NCAA to address the eligibility concerns. Initially, Demin’s status was uncertain, but on October 22, 2024, BYU announced that Demin had been cleared by the NCAA and was eligible to play for the season. In contrast, Boskovic’s eligibility remained under review, with university officials indicating that his situation was still being evaluated. Impact on BYU’s Season Demin’s clearance was pivotal for BYU’s basketball aspirations. His performance was expected to significantly influence the team’s success, especially with the NCAA tournament on the horizon. As of March 2025, Demin’s contributions were deemed crucial to BYU’s tournament hopes, underscoring his importance to the team’s strategy and objectives. Conclusion the eligibility investigations into Egor Demin and Mihailo Boskovic highlighted the complexities of NCAA amateurism rules, especially concerning international athletes with professional backgrounds. While Demin’s situation was resolved favorably, Boskovic’s status remained uncertain, reflecting the nuanced and evolving nature of collegiate athletic regulations. These developments underscored the challenges universities face in navigating compliance within the dynamic landscape of college sports.
