From Provo To NBA Draft Boards: BYU’s Egor Demin And Kanon Catchings Impress In Season Opener

PROVO, Utah– BYU men’s basketball kicked off its season with a resounding victory over the Idaho State Bengals Monday night, but it was two freshmen who stole the show and put themselves on NBA Draft radars.

Egor Demin: A Towering Force

Russian big man Egor Demin made his presence felt immediately, scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting in just 23 minutes. He also grabbed seven rebounds, blocked three shots, and dished out two assists.

Demin’s performance was particularly impressive on the defensive end. He protected the rim with authority, altering shots and disrupting the Bengals’ offense.

Kanon Catchings: A Dynamic Athlete

Wing Kanon Catchings, the son of former WNBA star Tamika Catchings, showcased his athleticism and versatility in the season opener.

Catchings scored 12 points, including a thunderous dunk in transition. He also grabbed six rebounds, dished out four assists, and had three steals.

NBA Draft Buzz

Following their impressive debuts, both Demin and Catchings have caught the attention of NBA scouts.

“Demin has all the tools to be a force in the NBA,” said ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony. “He’s got good size, length, and athleticism. He can defend, rebound, and has a nice touch around the rim.”

“Catchings is a dynamic athlete with a high ceiling,” said The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie. “He’s a strong shooter, good defender, and has the potential to be a high-level playmaker.”

Looking Ahead

BYU will continue its non-conference schedule next week, hosting the Tarleton State Texans. It remains to be seen if Demin and Catchings can sustain their high level of play, but they have undoubtedly put themselves on the map for NBA scouts.