The Next Big Thing in College Basketball: Egor Demin

Egor Demin, the highly touted Russian basketball star, has committed to BYU, and former Cougar Travis Hansen couldn’t be more excited. Hansen, who played professionally in Russia, knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and he believes Demin has all the tools to dominate in the NCAA.

“He’s the real deal,” Hansen said in a recent podcast. “He has size, skill, IQ, and the ability to disrupt and completely destroy a defense no matter what schemes and methods and calls you throw at him.”

Demin’s journey to BYU is an interesting one. Growing up in Russia, he moved to Madrid to develop his basketball skills with Real Madrid’s junior team. Now, he’s set to bring his talents to Provo, Utah, and Hansen thinks he’ll thrive in the Cougars’ system.

“He’s been really well developed,” Hansen said. “Real Madrid does not mess around. You had better be a top talent if they are going to bring you into their program.”

Hansen, who played professionally in Russia, knows firsthand the differences between European and American basketball styles. He believes Demin’s European upbringing will serve him well in the NCAA.

“European kids that are well coached and have been in really good programs, and there are a lot of them over there, their basketball IQ is off the charts,” Hansen said. “They don’t have the physical attributes that they can rely on when things get tough. They can’t bully their way to the hoop.”

Former BYU star Travis Hansen

Hansen, who played for Dynamo Moscow, knows a thing or two about adapting to new environments. He thinks Demin will fit right in at BYU, especially with the large number of returned missionaries on campus who speak Russian, Spanish, and English.

“He’ll love it,” Hansen said. “He will feel at home.”

As Demin prepares to take the NCAA by storm, Hansen is excited to see how he’ll develop. With his size, skill, and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for the young Russian star.

“I think the best thing about some of these young talents is when you don’t know,” Hansen said. “I don’t think he knows what he can turn into. I don’t think we know. I don’t think anyone knows.”

Egor Demin, the future of BYU basketball

One thing’s for sure: Egor Demin is going to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. And with Travis Hansen in his corner, he’s got the guidance and support to reach new heights.