A Clear Path from BYU to the NBA

BYU stands out among big‑school programs because it keeps athletes away from the usual campus distractions. The school follows a strict honor code that bans alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and it does not encourage the kind of partying seen at many other universities. Egor Demin, a 18‑year‑old from Russia, chose BYU to spend one season before heading to the NBA. He said that the campus environment fit his focus on basketball and helped him stay away from temptations. The Russian guard talked with other players, like Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf, on a podcast about how they all found their way in college. He praised the older teammates for setting good examples, saying they became close friends who still keep in touch.During BYU’s Sweet 16 run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Demin called the school his “home. ” He thanked fans for welcoming him and noted that when he was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, many people didn’t recognize his name at first. Now a rookie in Brooklyn, Demin is seen as a key piece of the team’s rebuild. His college stats—13. 7 points, 5. 7 assists and 4. 7 rebounds in March Madness—show his growth, and he continues to improve in the NBA. His time at BYU laid the groundwork for his professional career, giving him a disciplined foundation that carries over into the next level.