There is only one day left until BYU basketball season tips off against Central Arkansas, which means it is the last day for the 10 in 10 season preview.
Egor Demin is the most important player for BYU basketball this season.
Demin is the highest-rated recruit in BYU basketball history and is projected to be a first-round NBA draft pick. The signing of the 6-foot-9 guard from Russia was the first indication that BYU’s program would be different under coach Kevin Young. What sets Demin apart is his court vision. With his size and vision, Demin can see and make passes only the highest-level NBA players can make. He will be the focal point of BYU’s offense this season, even if he is not scoring.
While playing for Real Madrid 2, Demin averaged 13.1 points and 4.1 assists per game last season. What makes Demin special is his efficiency. During his 2023-24 season, Demin was a 33% 3-point shooter and a sizzling 57.1% from 2-point range.
With his size and touch, Demin can finish around the basket and pull up from the midrange with high efficiency. He also never takes a bad shot and is as polished of a player coming into college as anyone in the country. The box score numbers might not always stand out with Demin, but his play will. Demin has already shown NBA veteran-level pace and fluidity in operating BYU’s offense and consistently makes the right play.
In the small sample size that Demin has played at BYU, he has excelled at finding Keba Keita at the rim and many of his teammates wide open in the corners. Specifically, when Demin runs BYU’s screen-and-roll offense, defenses will be forced to give up either Keita lobs, open shooters, or let Demin attack to score. Demin will see a variety of coverages this season and will need to process how teams cover him from possession to possession.
First look at Egor Demin at the BYU blue/white scrimmage. Combined 12 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds for the 6'9, 18-year old projected lottery pick. pic.twitter.com/FLQjnzPuRb
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 10, 2024
Some nights, Demin might take very few shots like he did against Colorado Christain, where he scored 0 points on three field goal attempts but dished out 11 assists. On other nights, teams may force Demin to beat them with his scoring, and his scoring and field goal attempts will be much higher. Playing alongside Dallin Hall will help Demin immensely.
As the two continue to build their chemistry together, it will make both of their lives easier. Neither Demin nor Hall will have to force too many possessions, and having the other on the opposite side of the floor to be a secondary playmaker will always keep the defense on its heels.
For Young, this is a college version of what he experienced coaching Phoenix Suns’ players Chris Paul and Devin Booker for many years. While different types of players, having two high-level playmakers and scorers allows teams to always run quality offense and stagger minutes.
It will be scarce this season when neither Demin nor Hall are on the floor. BYU should always have one of Demin or Hall on the floor unless either of them is in foul trouble. Very few teams in the country have the type of playmaking and passing ability this backcourt duo has on top of the talent surrounding it.
The most important duo for the Cougars success this season is their backcourt of Demin and Hall; if these two can play off one another without taking away the other's strengths, BYU is poised to have a special season in Young’s first at BYU.