Despite an up-and-down season marked by a hot start, BYU guard Egor Demin is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. His ability to pass the ball at his size sets him apart from the other prospects in the class. Many teams will be interested in the jumbo playmaker. Let’s evaluate Demin and his skills in this 2025 NBA Draft profile.

Egor Demin 2025 NBA Draft Profile
College Career

Originally from Russia, Demin played his sole collegiate season at BYU after playing professionally for Real Madrid in Europe. With the Cougars, the 19-year-old guard averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals on 27.5 minutes per game. Additionally, Demin shot 41.2% from the field, 27.3% from three, and 69.5% from the line. Initially, Demin started the college season blazing hot, showcasing his passing and impressive shooting. However, he cooled off, revealing deeper concerns in his game. Nevertheless, Demin did demonstrate his abilities as a passer while serving as BYU’s primary initiator. For his efforts on the season, Demin received a 2024-2025 Big 12 All-Freshman Team nod.

Strengths

For a guard, Demin possesses great size and length at six-foot-nine with a six-foot-ten wingspan. With his size, Demin can effectively see over opposing defenders and make passing reads against a defense. Speaking of passing, Demin is unquestionably one of the best pure passers in the draft this year. Demin has amazing court vision and mapping, knowing exactly where to find an open teammate for good looks. In particular, Demin can throw absurd passes after finding holes in the defense, and he can sling a wide variety of passes. Plus, Demin can do that with a live dribble or serve as a connective passer. His passing ability demonstrates Demin’s high feel for the game and his overall basketball IQ. Not only that, but Demin is a decent off-ball cutter as well. Additionally, Demin utilizes his length and basketball IQ well on defense, consistently stealing or tipping passes.

Weaknesses

Demin needs to improve in several large areas of his game. Firstly, Demin has not shown himself to be a threat to score, and he has struggled to beat defenders off the dribble despite flashes of three-level scoring. Furthermore, Demin isn’t a proven shooter whom defenses must account for. While his shot has shown improvement, it is still a major area that he needs to improve on. Due to Demin’s lack of advantage and shot creation, he cannot fully leverage his amazing passing ability to its fullest extent. Teams can play off of Demin and force him into positions to score when attacking in ball-screens. When Demin is attacking off the dribble, he can be effectively smothered by applying ball pressure since his handle isn’t great. Plus, he does have issues turning the ball over, averaging 2.9 per game.

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) during the first half during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Another area of improvement is Demin’s defense. While he does have great anticipation on passes, he can struggle defensively overall. Quicker guards can blitz past Demin with ease, considering his poor lateral mobility. Furthermore, he can be pushed around by stronger forwards. The defensive versatility is present given his physical tools, size, and feel for the game, but he still needs time to fully realize his defensive potential.

NBA Comparison

The clear and obvious NBA comparison to Demin is Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey. Both of them are tall point guards who possess excellent passing abilities. Furthermore, both have questions regarding their ability to space the floor, beating opponents on a consistent basis, and provide value when playing off the ball. Plus, both Giddey and Demin have concerns in terms of defense. Considering all these factors, Giddey is the easiest comparison for Demin.

2025 NBA Draft Projection

Demin has a draft range anywhere from the late lottery to the back half of the first round.

Photo credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images