Basketball
The Russian rewrote the history of the NBA. Great day for our sport
The highest draft pick in the history of Russia.
Russian basketball entered the new era-19-year-old defender Yegor Demin was chosen Brooklyn Nets under the eighth number in the NBA draft of 2025. This is the highest peak in the history of Russian basketball: previously the record belonged to Yaroslav Korolev, chosen by the 12th in 2005 by the Los Angeles Clippers club.
The draft ceremony, held in Brooklyn, became special for the entire Russian sport. Demin, a native of Moscow, has become a symbol of hope and a breakthrough for the whole generation of young players who dream of NBA.
Season in NCAA: confident numbers and attention scouts
Egor spent the past season at the team of Brigham Yang, where he showed a mature game on both sides of the site. On average, he scored 10.6 points, made 5.5 gears, 3.9 selection and 1.2 interceptions at 41% of the implementation from the game and 27.3% due to arc. Brooklyn General Manager Sean Marx explained the choice:
– We focused on his IQ. We watched how he plays, how he moves the ball, involves his teammates in the process. Obviously, he has excellent dimensions for his position. Its growth is 206 cm, and it can move and play without a ball.
We liked to watch him in NCAA in his team, and then we had many opportunities to see him in Brooklyn and meet him. His defense is magnificent, he is perfectly defended against peak-n rolls. He has many good qualities, – citizes the words of Marx, journalist Eric Slater on his page on social networks.
Tens of millions
According to the SPOTRAC portal, the standard contract of the eighth draft of the draft is designed for 4 years, its amount is $ 31.3 million, of which 13 million are guaranteed. Detailing by year:
- 1st year: $ 6.889 million
- 2nd year: $ 6.233 million (guaranteed)
- 3rd year: $ 7.578 million
- 4th year: $ 9.639 million
This is not just a huge amount for a young athlete – this is confirmation of the status, level of trust and expectations from the club.
“Now this is my house”: the first appeal to the fans “Nets”
Immediately after choosing in the draft, Yegor turned to the fans.
– Fans of NTS, how are you? My name is Yegor. Grateful for the opportunity to be here. I just realized that now it was my house, ”Demin said.
You will not often meet such confidence among beginners from Europe – especially considering the linguistic and cultural barrier. But Demin is already showing charisma and willingness to be part of a large project in the NBA.
When asked by journalists, with which of the stars he would like to play in the debut season, Yegor answered with a smile.
– With Luke Donchich. We will swear in Spanish, ”Demin said.
The answer speaks not only about the sense of humor, but also about the readiness for competition. Demin is not afraid to meet the best, from the first days he declares himself as a fighter.
Now all of Russia will monitor the development of his career in the NBA. The only question is in one thing: will Yegor Demin become for those who were not only chosen enough, but will also really play at an elite level? Judging by the first impression, he has every chance – talent, physical preparation, character.
Source: Sportbox
I am a sports journalist who has been writing for a news website since 2015. My work primarily focuses on sports news, but I have also written about other topics such as technology and the arts. I have an extensive background in journalism, having worked as a reporter for a local newspaper before moving to a news website.