The 2025 NBA Draft is still days away, but things are already heating up for Egor Demin, a 6’9″ guard from Brigham Young University (BYU). This Russian-born freshman has drawn attention to his size and playmaking ability.
This has led Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman to draw a striking comparison between Demin and Chicago Bulls standout Josh Giddey. It’s a bold take, and it’s got draft analysts and fans debating what Demin could bring to the NBA, as recent mock draft projections have linked him to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Egor Demin’s Unique Path to the NBA Spotlight
At 19 years old, Demin, hailing from Russia, honed his skills with Real Madrid’s youth team before crossing the Atlantic to join BYU. His lone season with the Cougars gave a glimpse of what he’s capable of: 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a standout 5.5 assists per game.
Demin’s move to BYU, with new head coach Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant, he found a system that let him shine as a playmaker. He’s got a smooth handle and can see plays developing before they happen, often threading passes through tight windows. But his three-point shooting was a shaky 27.3%, and that’s something scouts are watching closely.
Breaking Down the Josh Giddey Comparison from Wasserman
When Jonathan Wasserman dropped the Giddey comparison, It wasn’t an empty claim. It’s a compelling parallel. Giddey, drafted sixth overall in 2021, came into the league at 6’9″ with a reputation as a wizard with the ball.
Now with the Bulls, he’s averaging around six assists per game in his career, using his height and court sense to pick apart defenses. He’s a big guard who’s probably more of a broad ballhandler in the NBA, rather than a specific backcourt denomination, and can make plays in transition or in the pick-and-roll.
Both players thrive as facilitators, often running the show in ways smaller guards can’t. They see the floor differently, and that’s their superpower. During his BYU stint, Demin showed he could push the pace or slow it down and dissect a defense, much like Giddey does now.
Huge fan of Egor Demin’s upside as a complimentary wing
6’9” jumbo playmaker – on the Giddey/Anthony Black spectrum – jumper looks good, really strong vision & fluidity.
Will thrive in a refined role in the league – should not slip out of the lotterypic.twitter.com/u8I9Ef5pIX
— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) May 16, 2025
But there’s a flip side. Giddey’s shooting took time to develop; he’s still not a sniper, and Demin’s got the same hurdle. Wasserman noted, “Poor shooting and struggles making contested shots have kept Egor Demin from reviving the early excitement.”
Turnovers were an issue too, especially when Demin tried to do too much. Giddey had similar growing pains early on. The question is whether Demin can polish those rough edges like Giddey has started to.
Why the Timberwolves Might Target Demin in 2025
The Timberwolves Mock projects Minnesota selecting Demin, a logical choice with 37-year-old Mike Conley Jr.’s career nearing its end. Minnesota needs a succession plan, and Demin could be it.
The mock draft says, “Demin is the type of mature court general that could play with anyone, especially a player like Anthony Edwards, whom Demin could feed at all. His 5.5 assists during his lone season of college basketball tell the story.”
Edwards averaged 25.9 points last season, and a pass-first guard like Demin could take some pressure off him.
KEEP READING: 2025 NBA Draft Watch: 5 College Basketball Stars Who Could Go Undrafted, Including PJ Haggerty
Minnesota’s already got a young guard in Rob Dillingham, but Demin’s size and style bring something different. He’s not a pure scorer; his 10.6 points per game show that, but he could orchestrate an offense and keep the ball moving. The Wolves love to play fast, and Demin’s transition playmaking fits the vibe.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
