Egor Demin Nears NBA Dream Amid Political Turmoil With Home Country

In three weeks, former BYU point guard Egor Demin is expected to hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. But as the 19-year-old prepares for the life-changing moment at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, controversy looms from his home country of Russia.

On Tuesday, The Moscow Times reported that Russia’s Ministry of Justice added Brigham Young University to its list of “undesirable” organizations. The rare designation carries criminal penalties for any Russian nationals affiliated with such groups. Under Russian law, this could put Demin at legal risk if he returns to home.

Despite the news, Demin remains closely tied to BYU. The Moscow Times report left BYU faculty stunned, including Jeff Hardy, a professor specializing in Soviet history. “Complete shock,” Hardy told Sam Foster of BYU's Universe Sports. “This appeared to come out of nowhere."

Experts speculate the blacklisting may be linked to a February panel at BYU titled “Russia as a Global Threat,” hosted by a U.S. State Department official. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors BYU, was not named on the list, according to the report from Foster. 

The Russian government has not explained why BYU was blacklisted, and the school has not released an official response.

On the court, Demin’s NBA stock is trending upward. Many NBA Draft analysts have said that Demin “looked great” during the NBA Combine and may be peaking at the right time. Demin, who helped lead BYU to the Sweet 16, is praised for his rare size and elite passing but must prove his shooting can be consistent.

Despite political tensions, Demin continues to publicly embrace BYU. He still lists “@byumbb” in his Instagram bio and has expressed intentions to finish his degree with the university in the future. During an April interview, he said, “I was coming here with faith, and I am leaving with a bigger faith.”

While his path to the NBA is set, what lies ahead in his relationship with Russia remains uncertain. Whether Commissioner Adam Silver utters “BYU” on draft night may hold more significance than anyone expected.