Patrick Kinahan: Demin's experience shows BYU basketball not primarily about money

PROVO — Despite him being on campus for less than one year, Egor Demin's impact at BYU extended well beyond his basketball accomplishments.

The baby-faced Russian arrived in Provo as a ballyhooed player, the best prospect since 7-foot-6 Shawn Bradley ventured up from the tiny town of Castle Dale three decades ago. Demin, then an 18-year-old gangly 6-foot-9 point guard, committed last spring as a future can't-miss high NBA draft pick.

All along, the plan was to play one season for the Cougars before renouncing his remaining three years of eligibility. Demin did exactly that, even if his lone college year was shaky at times during BYU's first run to the Sweet 16 since 2011.

Most likely, based on his tantalizing potential, Demin will realize his dream of getting picked in the first round during the June draft. His advisors believe he will go between 5th and 15th, thus netting in the vicinity of a $20 million deal.

Demin will become the first draft choice since Jimmer Fredette was the talk of college basketball during the 2010-11 season.

Demin averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game this season and became the ninth freshman in NCAA Tournament history to have at least 10 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in a game in BYU's win over Wisconsin.

Yet, for all his exploits, he will be better known as perhaps the best example of a non-Latter-day Saint basketball player flourishing at BYU. His bore witness to it during a press conference last week to declare for the NBA.

"I was coming here with faith, and I am leaving here with a bigger faith, and a stronger faith, in God; and good can happen if you believe in that, and if you pray and dedicate it to the Lord and if you trust Him," Demin said.

All the countless number of returned missionaries in BYU basketball history couldn't have testified any better. It ranked right there with those Tuesday devotionals.

Understandably, Demin's remarks further strengthened his bond with the BYU administration and passionate fan base. Especially in the era of NIL, in which players now can get significant financial compensation, BYU can make a strong case that Demin's choice was more than about money.

"I am just super happy I made the decision I made to come to BYU; and another thing I want to say about BYU is that this place is amazing for development," Demin said. "And to the young guys who are (considering) BYU, this place is full of smart people and dedicated people who are putting in the work into the process for you and trying to make you better, not just on the court, but off the court, and again, it is about everybody — not just coaches and teammates — but everybody in this program and this huge BYU family."

Over the past week, as coach Kevin Young was in the process of securing Baylor transfer Rob Wright to replace Demin next season, several people associated with BYU have sought to downplay money as the primary reason recruits choose to become Cougars. Skeptics scoff at the premise, but it's hard to ignore Demin's testimony.

Take it from former BYU star Travis Hansen, who has repeatedly stated Demin's experience is the model and not the exception. Hansen, who played professionally in Russia and knows the player's family, has served as a mentor to Demin before he arrived in Utah.

As Young and his staff continue to stockpile talent that doesn't fit the typical BYU profile, they can point to Demin's experiences. The money and faith-based emphasis is proving to be a solid combination.

"I told Egor, you can sign the biggest NIL deal in the country and still feel empty," Hansen wrote on X. "Or you can come to BYU, focus your life on Jesus Christ, and find joy that lasts far beyond your playing days."

Amen, brother.

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