Kevin Young and the BYU Cougars have plenty to be excited about next season. Their Sweet 16 appearance was memorable, but the arrival of five-star recruit AJ Dybantsa and the return of key players like Keba Keita and Richie Saunders raise expectations even more in Provo. A critical piece of the puzzle is Egor Demin. The freshman guard is reportedly considering his future, with a “lucrative” NIL deal on the table. A projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Demin may opt to remain at BYU. Playing another year next to potential 2026 No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa could position the Cougars as serious title contenders.

Demin originally joined BYU with the intention of playing one season before heading to the NBA. However, Dybantsa’s commitment may shift his plans. The potential lineup of those four players could be among the most formidable in college basketball, possibly eclipsing more established programs. But for that to happen, Demin must delay his NBA dreams and commit fully to another year. As a likely lottery pick in 2025, returning could strengthen his draft position. Under Young’s NBA-style system, another season might boost his stock into the top five. He put up averages of 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, shooting 41.2% overall and 27.3% from deep. If Demin stays for what would likely be his final year, it could mark the beginning of a championship-caliber run in the Big 12.