BYU’s Egor Demin is rocketing up draft boards already

Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) passes during the game against the Queens Royals at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

When the college basketball season was getting ready to start just two weeks ago, incoming BYU Cougars freshman Egor Demin was widely considered a very good prospect but perhaps not an elite one. Mock drafts had him pegged in the 8-23 range (there are 30 picks in the first round).

That has quickly changed thanks to Demin’s outstanding start.

The Cougars have played in just four games and all of them have been against competition well below what they’ll face once Big 12 Conference play starts Dec. 31, but Demin has been nothing short of spectacular.

The 6-foot-9, 18 year-old Russian has averaged 17 points, 7.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game while making 11 of his 20 3-point attempts. He has earned both of the Big 12′s Newcomer of the Week honors so far.

All of that has led to Demin shooting up draft boards.

Here’s a look at how some prognosticators have him ranked now.

Bleacher Report

Ranking on Nov. 5: 14th

Ranking now: 4th

“While the Cooper Flagg hype came built in after years of coverage and NBA accessibility, no player has generated more NBA buzz on his own so far than Egor Demin,” wrote Jonathan Wasserman.

“BYU coach Kevin Young has given the freshman an ideal role to showcase his on-ball upside, and the Russian has capitalized, looking like a legitimate 6′9″ initiator creating advantages and setting up teammates with his handle, size and passing IQ. So far, he’s looked fluid and convincing enough for scouts to start feeling confident in his ability to continue playmaking at a high level in the NBA.”

ESPN

Ranking on Nov. 5: 11th

Ranking now: 7th

“Few freshmen have been more impressive than Demin, who is utilizing a tremendous platform at BYU to showcase his outstanding size, spectacular court vision, shotmaking prowess and all-around talent against, thus far,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/byu-egor-demin-rocketing-draft-221644581.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-11-19 22:16:00

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