BYU’s Egor Demin Earns NBA Draft Green Room Invite originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In a moment loaded with history, pride, and the promise of what’s to come, former BYU basketball guard Egor Demin has been invited to sit in the NBA Draft green room, marking a rare and prestigious honor for the program.
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The 6-foot-8 Russian-born guard becomes the first Cougar since Jimmer Fredette in 2011 to receive an NBA green room invitation. That night, Fredette was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to the Sacramento Kings. Now, 14 years later, it’s Demin’s turn to hear his name called on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Demin was included in the first wave of green room invites, a coveted early list usually reserved for the most likely lottery picks. The selection process, heavily influenced by feedback from NBA general managers and team executives, is a strong indicator of how the league views Demin’s professional potential.
This year’s NBA Draft takes place June 25–26 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Demin, who played just one season at BYU, will likely be a key figure on the opening night televised by ESPN.
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Demin’s journey to draft night has been anything but conventional. Before setting foot on campus in Provo, the versatile guard was already a seasoned pro. He began playing in the Real Madrid organization at just 15 years old, gaining valuable experience on one of Europe’s top clubs.
But his impact at BYU was immediate and unmistakable. In the 2024–25 season, Demin averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, helping lead the Cougars to their first Sweet 16 appearance since Fredette’s iconic run.
Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) drives to the net against VCU Rams forward Luke Bamgboye (9) as forward Jack Clark (4) defends in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
His performance didn’t just elevate the program’s national profile, it vaulted BYU to its highest AP Top 25 finish since 2011, bringing the Cougars back into the mainstream college basketball conversation.
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Demin’s green room invite represents more than personal validation, it’s a watershed moment for BYU basketball. It proves that the program can attract, develop, and launch international talent onto the NBA stage.
His combine numbers were equally impressive: a 6’8 1/4” frame with a 6’10 1/4” wingspan and a high basketball IQ that impressed scouts. ESPN’s latest mock draft projects Demin going No. 11 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers, which would make him BYU’s highest pick in over a decade.
And just like that, BYU fans have reason to tune into the NBA Draft not just as observers, but as believers.
Related: Why BYU’s Egor Demin Could Be Orlando’s Hidden NBA Draft Gem
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
