Jimmer Fredette Predicts Bright Future for Freshman Star Egor Demin

Jimmer Fredette understands what it’s like to perform under the intense pressure of March Madness at BYU better than anyone.

And when Fredette watches the current team, he’s confident that at least one player is bound for the NBA.

That player is freshman Egor Demin, a 6-foot-9 playmaker hailing from Russia.

“BYU is now a legitimate choice for top-10 NBA draft prospects coming into college for their first year, the true one-and-done player,” Fredette remarked when Demin signed with the Cougars. “That’s what (Demin) could be, and because of that, people are viewing us differently. They’re saying, ‘Wow, this kid is going to BYU?’ That makes it a viable option because we know he’s going to be an NBA talent.”

Demin has averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in his freshman season.

In a 80-71 victory over 11-seed VCU, the 6-seed Cougars advanced to face 3-seed Wisconsin, with Demin contributing 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3FG), four rebounds, and two assists.

Demin generated significant draft buzz early on but has slowed somewhat in recent games, though he remains a strong NBA prospect.

“I want to see him be aggressive,” Fredette said on the Y’s Guys podcast. “He has great size (6-9) and a solid build. I want him to attack his defenders first, use their aggression against them.”

Fredette attended BYU’s win over VCU and may also be present for the upcoming matchup with Wisconsin.

Regarded as BYU’s greatest player ever, Fredette won the National Player of the Year award in 2011.

Fredette finished his BYU career with 2,599 points, 515 assists, 367 rebounds, and 167 steals, averaging 28.9 points per game to earn the NPOY honor.

Fredette spent six seasons in the NBA, averaging 6.0 points per game, before becoming a major star in China.

Demin, who developed his skills within Real Madrid’s system and adapted to the professional environment there, is expected to be well-prepared for the next stage of his career.

“First and foremost, he’s been playing professionally with Real Madrid, which is one of the top, if not the top, clubs in Europe,” Fredette explained. “Though he wasn’t on their top team, the expectations to perform at a high level within that environment are incredibly high.”