{"id":532504,"date":"2026-01-12T21:21:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T21:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/532504\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T21:21:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T21:21:24","slug":"how-former-byu-star-egor-demin-became-the-talk-of-the-nba-deseret-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/532504\/","title":{"rendered":"How former BYU star Egor Demin became the talk of the NBA \u2013 Deseret News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Folks underestimated Egor Demin<\/a>\u2019s 3-point ball. We all did.<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Nets rookie came out of BYU shooting around 27% from beyond the arc. Scouts said it was his weakness.<\/p>\n

Now the No. 8 overall pick<\/a> is showing off his shooting acumen. He\u2019s developed a high-arcing, net-snapping shot from distance. It\u2019s a deadly mortar artillery shot. He\u2019s a catch-and-launch machine. <\/p>\n

Who\u2019d have thought that back in April 2024?<\/p>\n

What many didn\u2019t understand about Demin was his infatigable work ethic, his iron mindset, unique athleticism and confidence.<\/p>\n

Now he\u2019s the talk of the NBA, breaking franchise records for a rookie, keeping the Nets in games and displaying an almost perfect rhythm and form from distance.<\/p>\n

Demin is averaging just over 10 points a game on a split of 40\/38\/84 for field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and free-throw accuracy. He\u2019s averaging 3.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds, second among rookies in made 3s, trailing only Kon Knueppel. His accuracy has skyrocketed in January.<\/p>\n

Since Dec. 24, 2025, he\u2019s averaging 29 minutes, 15.7 points a game, and almost identical 44% from the field and 3-point land. <\/p>\n

Tonight was the loudest Barclays Center has sounded over broadcast since Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were here.<\/p>\n

Egor D\u00ebmin did that. pic.twitter.com\/lSIVqUloOF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Demin is 10 of 13 (76.9%) from 3 in the final 10 minutes of games within 5 points, which is the second-highest 3-point percentage in the record-keeping era (since 1996-97) with more than 10 attempts in those situations. Only Malcolm Brogdon <\/a>(15 of 18 for 88.3%) is higher. <\/p>\n

\u201cTo think about what Demin might look like three years from now, five years from now, could be terrifying. He legitimately might be one of the best players in the league with his ability,\u201d NBA reporter Billy Reinhardt quipped on the “Noceilings NBA Show” <\/a>this past week.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s the thing we look for, guys with elite skillsets and his elite ability to read and scan and to pass the ball. I think he\u2019s going to be able to leverage that a lot. And as he continues to work on other facets of his game, you can\u2019t help but be excited \u2026 Brooklyn, I really agree with this pick, but also I really agree with how they\u2019re developing him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are some quick numbers from Demin of late:<\/p>\n

Jan. 9 vs. Clippers \u2014 scored 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting from the field, 5 for 10 from 3 (led the Nets in scoring despite the loss; praised for diversifying his shot selection beyond just 3s).Jan. 7 vs. Magic \u2014 scored 18 points on 5-for-9 shooting (5 for 8 from 3), including clutch shots to force OT and lead in OT; first rookie since Kevin Durant in 2008 to hit two go-ahead\/tie 3s in final 30 seconds of fourth\/OT; set franchise OT 3-point record with 3.Dec. 29 vs. Warriors \u2014 Broke Nets\u2019 rookie single-game record with seven 3s (7 for 14 from deep).Jan. 4 vs. Nuggets \u2014 scored an efficient 13 points on 3 for 5 from 3-point line.<\/p>\n

In his last stretch, he\u2019s been hitting over 50% from deep in several games, with a hot run of 53.8% over four games (21 for 39 from 3).<\/p>\n

The Russian is simply silencing his critics like a wet blanket.<\/p>\n

Scored all of BKN’s 10 points in OT.
Scored 13 straight points between 4Q and OT.
Scored 18 points for the game.<\/p>\n

Egor D\u00ebmin was UNBELIEVABLE for Brooklyn tonight! pic.twitter.com\/g2ao9RP23Q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Demin told Jimmer Fredette on his \u201cFrom the Logo\u201d podcast<\/a> that his emphasis on his weakness has paid off, starting in the summer, working with Nets coach Jordi Fernandez.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the biggest focus of the summer, focusing on my weaknesses. I worked a lot on my 3-point shot. A lot.\u201d He also credited BYU\u2019s coaching staff, especially Kevin Young, for allowing him to shoot from distance for the Cougars despite missing a lot of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"Brooklyn Nets’ Egor Demin, center, shoots the three point shot as Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul George, left, defending during game, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. | AP \"\"Brooklyn Nets’ Egor Demin (8) shoots over Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) during game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in New York. | AP \"\"BYU guard Egor Demin holds the follow through of a 3-point shot against Kansas during game, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. | AP \"\"Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, left, drives past Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) during game, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in New York. | AP \"\"Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin brings the ball upcourt during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. | AP \"\"Brooklyn Nets guard Egor D\u00ebmin (8) brings the ball down court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of an NBA summer league basketball game Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Las Vegas. | AP \"EgorEgor Demin poses with young fans at the NBA draft Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. | Nate Edwards \"EgorEgor Demin poses for a picture with Travis Hansen after being selected No. 8 overall in the NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday, June 25, 2025. | Nate Edwards \"FormerFormer BYU guard Egor Demin fields questions from the media after being selected with the No. 8 pick by by the Brooklyn Nets at the NBA draft Wednesday, June 25, 2025. | Nate Edwards \"EgorEgor Demin receives a hug from Travis Hansen after being selected No. 8 overall in the NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday, June 25, 2025. | Nate Edwards \"\"BYU point guard Egor Demin talks during a press conference about his plans to enter the NBA draft at the Marriott Center Annex in Provo on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Travis Hansen, a former BYU basketball player and mentor to Demin, is on the left. BYU head basketball coach Kevin Young is on the right. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News \"\"BYU Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) controls the ball while guarded by Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) during a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on Saturday, March 22, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News \"\"BYU Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) pulls up for a shot while guarded by Wisconsin Badgers guard Max Klesmit (11) during a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on Saturday, March 22, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News <\/p>\n

Indeed, Demin took a lot of guff in predraft circles.<\/a> A lot of it was earned and legit. Some of it was brutal and cut deep.<\/p>\n

But this is a kid known for his attitude. He oozes confidence, but is humble enough to take criticism and turn it around. <\/p>\n

He needs to improve his strength and play better defense. As he matures and continues to work on weight training and agility, that should come. <\/p>\n

Look at the leap in his game in just half a year since leaving BYU. It\u2019s been remarkable.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also kind of sealing the pitch BYU\u2019s Young is making to prospects he wants to lure to Provo \u2014 that its PROvo.<\/p>\n

The kid went from being a talented project to a legitimate NBA sniper.<\/p>\n

Now there\u2019s plenty of talk about being the best 3-point shooter from the 2025 draft, making a higher percentage than Duke\u2019s Cooper Flagg. If Flagg, the No. 1, stays healthy and keeps performing, it would be hard for him not to get Rookie of the Year. But Demin is definitely in the discussion.<\/p>\n

For those who\u2019ve been around him and gotten to know his personality, this couldn\u2019t happen to a nicer guy. <\/p>\n

The early chapters are still being written.<\/p>\n

\"FormerFormer BYU star Egor Demin, left, is congratulated by Travis Hansen at the 2025 NBA draft Thursday, June 26, 2025. | BYU Photo