BYU Point Guard Egor Demin Delivers Stellar Performance with 15 Points in NCAA Tournament Victory

DENVER — Dallin Hall had a feeling about his teammate. At a team dinner, he told freshman point guard Demin that he was ready to shine during the NCAA Tournament. Hall’s intuition was spot on. Demin scored 15 points, leading sixth-seeded BYU to an 80-71 victory over 11th-seeded VCU in their first-round matchup at Ball Arena.

Demin started the game shaky with a turnover but quickly found his groove. This was a big moment for him, playing in an NBA arena for the first time after missing a previous game due to injury. Scouts were in the audience, watching closely.

“I told him that many people underestimate him, but he is talented and hard-working,” Hall said. It’s clear that Hall believes in his teammate.

Demin made three of his three-pointers in the first half, pushing BYU to a 39-28 lead at halftime. His energy was contagious. Keba Keita, another teammate, expressed excitement for Demin’s shots, saying, “It’s great to see him succeed.”

While Demin had two assists and four turnovers, Hall emphasized how his play lifts the whole team. “He’s a great teammate and learns quickly,” he noted. Even though Demin struggled at times, his confidence is inspiring.

“We want him to succeed,” Hall said. “He has worked hard.”

Fellow guard Trevin Knell highlighted the pressure Demin faces as a freshman expected to enter the NBA draft. But Demin enjoys his time at BYU and values teamwork over individual accolades.

“He’s carrying a lot on his shoulders,” Knell shared. “But he handles it so well.” Demin himself put the focus back on the team after the game. “What matters most is how much effort we give and how much we want to win,” he said.

Coach Young mentioned they had a productive film session before the game to discuss shot selection. “His rhythm tonight was good,” Young noted.

Demin just turned 19, and his future looks bright. With hard work and the right mindset, he may have a chance to go far in his career. As Hall stated, “Whoever gets him in the NBA draft will be very lucky.”

This performance reflects a significant trend in college basketball. More freshmen are making their mark early, with many being drafted after just one year. According to a recent report by the NCAA, almost 70% of players who declared for the NBA draft in the last few years were first-year players. This pushes young athletes to perform under pressure and adapt quickly.

In today’s competitive sports culture, the blend of teamwork and individual talent like Demin’s is crucial. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue this impressive start.



Source link

news-feed-local