Potential NBA Lottery Pick May Return to BYU to Join Forces with Top NCAA Recruit
BYU had an impressive basketball season and could once again be a strong contender for the championship next year.
The Cougars had a stellar start to the season but experienced a mid-year slump. Despite this, BYU ended the season on a high note, entering the tournament as one of the most formidable teams in college basketball.
They then pulled off an upset by defeating third-seeded Wisconsin in the second round before ultimately losing to Alabama in the Sweet 16, capping off their remarkable season.
BYU was led by junior forward Richie Saunders, but it was freshman guard Egor Demin who truly captured attention this year.
Demin is expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, but a recent report suggests he might opt to return to college.
As per Evan Sidery of Forbes, Demin could stay at BYU for another year, bolstered by an NIL offer and the opportunity to team up with top recruit A.J. Dybantsa to pursue a title next season.
Demin wrapped up his freshman season with averages of 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc.
The 19-year-old guard remains a developing NBA prospect who could benefit from another year in college, though passing up a possible lottery pick in the upcoming draft may be difficult.
Should Demin return for his sophomore season, BYU would certainly be a favorite for the title, particularly if Saunders chooses to return for his senior year.
With BYU adding Dybantsa, who is projected as the top pick in the 2026 draft, and potentially retaining Demin and Saunders, the Cougars could become a dominant force next season, aiming for the first championship in school history.
