An emotional Egor Demin left the court after BYU's Sweet 16 loss with a big decision to make
NEWARK, N.J. — In the final seconds of BYU's Sweet 16 loss to Alabama, One player could be seen on the Cougars' bench visibly heartbroken: Egor Demin.
The Russian freshman, who came to BYU after last playing for Real Madrid, was the Cougars' biggest recruit ever when he chose to commit to newly hired coach Kevin Young's squad last June.
In the locker room after Thursday's loss, a watery-eyed Demin had to answer the one question that was on everybody's mind.
Will he come back for a sophomore season?
"I'm not really trying to make a decision right now," Demin told the media after Thursday's loss. "I'm not even trying to think about it, because I'm trying to take some time to enjoy the moment."
At one point in the season, this wasn't even considered an option. Demin was going to the draft. During non-conference play, NBADraft.net had Demin slotted as the No. 2 draft pick in its mock draft.
But shaky conference play saw Demin's stock slide. Now he is slotted anywhere from late lottery to mid-20s.
With the No. 1 recruit coming to Provo next season and leading scorer, Richie Saunders, likely to return, the idea of playing one more college season is more and more appealing.
"AJ is an amazing player and for me, it is super attractive to have a chance to play with him on the same team," Demin said. "He could be one of the reasons I want to come back next year."
Demin really took to American, college and BYU culture as well.
"I feel wanted here and I feel as a part of the family," Demin said. "Coming here wasn't a mistake at all."
What could make his decision easier was how he performed during his three games in the NCAA Tournament.
Against VCU in the first round, he scored 15 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep — something he struggled with all season — and had a near triple-double in BYU's historic win over Wisconsin.
Even in a game where it seemed nothing could go right for the Cougars, Demin scored 15 points, dished out seven assists and only had one turnover against Alabama.
These three games on a national stage could solidify decent draft position come June.
Whether or not Demin decides to stay in Provo for one more year, he has already solidified himself as a core part of BYU's basketball history.
It will not be an easy decision.