IRVING, Texas – BYU’s Egor Demin has been named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, the conference announced on Monday afternoon.
The 6-foot-9 guard shared the weekly accolade with Kansas’s Zeke Mayo after Demin averaged 19.0 points, 9.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game, leading the Cougars to a pair of victories in the opening week of the season. He shot 62.5 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3-point range.
In the season-opening victory over Central Arkansas, Demin became just the second freshmen in Big 12 history to finish with 10+ points and 10+ assists in his collegiate debut, going for 18 points and 11 assists to go along with four steals. His 11 assists are also the most in a debut performance in program history and already ranks him as one of six BYU freshmen with 11 or more dimes in a game.
According to sports-reference, the native of Moscow, Russia also became the second BYU freshman since 2010-11 to have 10+ points and 10+ assists in a single game.
He followed it up with 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds in BYU’s win over UC Riverside. He went 8-of-11 from the field against the Highlanders, including a perfect 6-of-6 from inside the arc.
Egor Demin aka my favorite player in CBB https://t.co/5uKOrKfW6A
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) November 9, 2024
Through the opening week of the 2024-25 season, Demin is the only freshmen in the nation and one of eight players total to be averaging at least 15.0 points and 8.0 assists per game (min. 2 games played).
Three freshmen have led college basketball in assists. I'd bet BYU's Egor Demin becomes the fourth. Had 11 in his debut. Every pass is on target and with touch. Sees everything. Controls the defense with his eyes. Shot is pretty too. Just an awesome talent. pic.twitter.com/ygxuRlBRCz
— CJ Moore (@CJMooreHoops) November 6, 2024
BYU returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when it hosts Queens at the Marriott Center. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.