BYU's Egor Demin hopes NBA bet pays off in 2025

As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, few prospects generate as much intrigue as Egor Demin, a 6-foot-9 guard from BYU projected to go 14th overall. With comparisons to Josh Giddey and Anthony Black, Demin offers a rare blend of size and vision. At just 19 years old, he’s one of the most unique players in the class, but also among the riskiest. Some scouts see a future NBA starter with elite feel and versatility. Others worry that his shooting and scoring limitations could cap his ceiling.

Demin’s passing is his standout skill, and it shows up in every game he plays. He manipulates defenders with subtle changes of pace and delivers passes with both power and precision. His court vision allows him to spot cutters, hit shooters in stride, and run the offense like a seasoned guard. “He’s a floor general in a forward’s frame,” one scout remarked. For a player his size, the creativity and confidence he displays as a playmaker is rare.

Before arriving at BYU, Demin played in Real Madrid’s youth system, where he thrived in a motion-based offense. That experience shaped his high-level off-ball instincts, as he consistently finds open space, relocates smartly, and makes timely cuts. At BYU, those habits continued, making him effective even without the ball in his hands. His basketball IQ is evident in the way he reads the game on both ends. He rarely forces plays and usually makes the right decision under pressure.

BYU’s Egor Demin against Alabama during the NCAA Tourname

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Defensively, Demin’s length and agility give him versatility across multiple positions. He moves well laterally, contests shots around the rim, and can be a solid help defender. However, his scoring ability raises real concerns heading into the next level. He shot just 27.1% on catch-and-shoot threes, 25% on dribble-jumper threes, and 18.8% from mid-range. His stiff shooting mechanics and lack of touch on floaters and layups highlight the work ahead.

Shot creation is another area where Demin struggles. Though he moves gracefully, he lacks the burst and advanced handle to consistently beat defenders off the dribble. He’s not an above-the-rim finisher and struggles to finish through contact. Many of his pull-up shots are heavily contested, and his limited scoring hurts his ability to lead an offense. These issues make him a questionable fit as a primary initiator at the NBA level.

Still, in the right system, Demin could thrive as a secondary playmaker and versatile defender. The San Antonio Spurs, known for player development and team-first basketball, could be an ideal landing spot. Paired with Victor Wembanyama, Demin’s size and vision could open up unique offensive opportunities. If his shot improves and he gains confidence as a scorer, he could become a valuable starter. If not, his passing, instincts, and versatility still give him a clear NBA role.

In a draft filled with uncertainty, Demin represents the kind of swing teams often take at the edge of the lottery. He’s not a safe pick, but the potential upside is undeniable. His weaknesses are real, but so is his playmaking brilliance. For the right team with patience and a long-term vision, Demin could become a special connector. If he hits, he could quietly shape the future of a franchise.