NBA has existed for almost eight decades, but not a single Russian has still been chosen in the top 10 draft. Even stars such as Andrei Kirilenko (24th draft of the 1999), Sergey Karasev (19th, 2013) or Timothy of the Brain (unspoxted but winning the title in the NBA), did not rise so highly.

In 2025, this barrier can be broken. 19-year-old Egor Demin not only decided to participate in the talent fair, but also entered the so-called “green room”-a place where the 13 best young players surrounded by relatives and friends will follow the draft ceremony.

This is a clear signal from the league – you should carefully monitor this guy.

Who is Yegor Demin?

Egor Demin is a native of Russia who has gone to one of the most discussed European avenues. In the season-2024/2025, he played for a team from the university in NCAA, and already during the championship it became clear that Demin is not just a gifted young player, but a unique playing with an excellent physical form and intelligence, which make him special even by the standards of the NBA.

Egor Dyomin / Photo: © Dustin Bradford / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

With a height of 206 cm (without shoes-198) and a scale of the hands of 210 cm, he is the largest playing out of his draft class. According to the A Athletic Drawing Analytic Sam Veseni, Demin is the best grazing in the class 2025. Its average indicator of productive programs per game (5.5), although it looks modest, is a matter of poor implementation of partners. Viya also noted that the Russian team scored 17 points more when Demin was on the floor. Statistically, his influence on the game is obvious.

The NBA website characterizes it as “General Parquet”, capable of leading the attack of the team, managing the defense and creating moments for partners. Especially emphasizes its creativity and the ability to use growth for cutting gears.

Egor Dyomin (in the center) / Photo: © Lance King / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The main growth zone for Yegor is a throw. According to The Athletic, in the attack he more often prefers the role of the organizer than a sniper. Although at the ring it acts confidently (61.6% of the implementation), its distant throw is still unstable. This is what can affect the desire of the teams to choose a Russian in the first ten. Nevertheless, given the general direction of the development of the NBA and the popularity of universal defenders, Demin’s chances to break into the top 10 are still real.

Invitation to the “green room” – like a signal

Dyomin entered the list of 13 basketball players, who were invited to the Green Room to the 2025 draft. This is a kind of approval by the league, because the players are not called “for a checkmark” there. His company is serious: Cooper Flag, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and other main avenues. Probably, the Frenchman Noah Esseng will also join them, but so far he is participating in the Bundesliga matches.

According to The Athletic, Orlando Magic can choose Demin under the 25th number. However, in the last days before the draft, players’ ratings are often changing, especially given the interest of many teams in playing with high game intelligence.

Everything will be decided on the night of June 25 to 26, when the NBA-2025 draft will pass. And if at least one team decides that it is worth risking and choosing a “playmaker of the future” already in the first ten, then the history of Russian basketball can be replenished with a truly significant moment.