SHOCKING NEWS: BYU Cougars Men’s Basketball Player Egor Demin Quits, Decides Not to Pursue Pro Career
Provo, UT – March 14, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, Egor Demin, one of the brightest young stars on the BYU Cougars men’s basketball team, has decided to walk away from the game and not pursue a professional basketball career. The stunning news was confirmed by BYU’s athletic department this morning, sending shockwaves through the basketball community.
Demin, a 6’8” forward from Russia, had been one of the standout players for the Cougars over the past two seasons, earning praise for his impressive skills, versatility, and work ethic on both ends of the court. As a key contributor to the team’s success, Demin was widely regarded as a future prospect for professional leagues, with many speculating that he could make a smooth transition to the NBA or European basketball. However, in a move that no one saw coming, Demin has announced that he will be stepping away from the sport entirely.
A Star Player’s Sudden Departure
Demin, who transferred to BYU in 2023 after playing a season overseas, quickly made a name for himself in Provo with his all-around game and ability to impact both offense and defense. This past season, he averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, and was a key player in BYU’s impressive run through the NCAA tournament.
Despite his success on the court, Demin’s decision to quit basketball and forgo his professional future came as a complete surprise to coaches, teammates, and fans alike. The official statement from BYU read, “Egor Demin has informed the coaching staff that he has decided to step away from basketball and will not pursue a career in professional basketball. We fully support Egor in his decision and are grateful for the contributions he made to our program during his time at BYU.”
Why He Walked Away: Egor Demin Speaks Out
In an exclusive interview with BYU Sports Network, Demin opened up about his decision to leave basketball behind. “Basketball has been a huge part of my life for many years, but recently I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching, and I’ve come to realize that I need to pursue a different path,” Demin explained. “It’s been a difficult decision, but I feel that it’s the right one for me. I’ve given everything I have to the game, and now I need to focus on what truly makes me happy.”
Demin admitted that his decision was not an easy one, especially given the momentum he had built in his basketball career. “I love my teammates, I love the fans, and I’m grateful for everything that BYU has given me. But the pressures of living up to expectations, the constant grind, and the physical toll it takes—it’s something I’ve been struggling with mentally for a while,” he said.
While Demin did not elaborate on specific future plans, he did mention an interest in pursuing a career in business and education. “I’m passionate about helping people, and I want to make a difference in other ways,” he said. “Basketball has been incredible, but there are other opportunities I want to explore.”
Reaction from Coaches, Teammates, and Fans
The response to Demin’s decision has been one of shock, with many expressing their surprise and support for the young forward. BYU head coach Mark Pope offered a heartfelt statement, saying, “Egor has been an incredible player and leader for our program. His decision to step away from the game is one we respect, and we will always support him as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. He will always be a part of the BYU family.”
Teammates, who had grown close to Demin during his time with the Cougars, were equally supportive. Jackson Blevins, a fellow forward, expressed his feelings in a social media post: “Egor has been an incredible teammate and friend. It’s tough to see him go, but I know he’s doing what’s best for him. We’ll miss him on the court, but we support him no matter what.”
Fans of BYU basketball have also voiced their shock and support. The Cougars’ social media channels were flooded with messages of gratitude and well wishes for Demin, who had become a fan favorite during his two seasons with the team.
The Future of BYU Basketball
Demin’s departure leaves a significant hole on the BYU roster, particularly in the frontcourt, where he had been a major contributor. However, the Cougars are known for their depth and strong recruiting, and Coach Pope will no doubt work to fill the gap left by Demin’s unexpected exit.
BYU’s basketball program has a history of developing talent both on and off the court, and while Demin’s decision represents a setback, the Cougars will continue to focus on building for the future. With a talented core of players returning next season and new recruits expected to join the team, BYU will look to stay competitive in the NCAA tournament.
What’s Next for Egor Demin?
As for Demin, the next chapter of his life remains uncertain. While he has expressed an interest in business and education, the details of his future plans have not been made public. Fans, however, are hopeful that Demin’s legacy at BYU will extend beyond his basketball career, and that he will continue to inspire others with his journey.
For now, Demin’s decision serves as a reminder that athletes, even those with immense potential, are human beings with their own personal struggles and dreams. His decision to walk away from basketball may mark the end of one chapter, but it is clear that his story is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates on Egor Demin’s future endeavors as we learn more about his next steps.
