GREAT NEWS: BYU Cougars Men’s Basketball Star Guard Egor Demin Stuns NCAA World, Rejects $5.4 Million NIL Offer from Auburn, Alabama to Remain with BYU
In a jaw-dropping development that’s rocking the NCAA men’s basketball landscape, BYU Cougars’ sensational guard Egor Demin has made a bold and unexpected decision: he’s turning down a staggering $5.4 million NIL offer from SEC powerhouses Auburn and Alabama to stay with the BYU Cougars.
The 6’9” Russian-born guard, who dazzled fans with his versatile playmaking and clutch performances this past season, was heavily courted by top programs looking to lure him away with one of the largest NIL packages in recent NCAA history. Yet, in a stunning twist, Demin reaffirmed his commitment to BYU and new head coach Kevin Young.
“I came to BYU for a reason. It’s more than basketball here,” Demin said in a statement released Wednesday morning. “Coach Young’s vision, the culture, the fans — this is where I want to be. The money was tempting, but I’m chasing greatness, not just a paycheck.”
Sources close to the program confirm the NIL offer included luxury endorsements, national branding deals, and guaranteed media exposure. Despite that, Demin opted to remain in Provo, cementing his status as a true Cougar.
Head Coach Kevin Young, who was recently hired from the NBA ranks, praised Demin’s loyalty and drive. “Egor made a legacy decision, not just a business one,” Young said. “He’s a cornerstone of what we’re building here. I promised him if he stayed, I’d make him the centerpiece of a system that will prepare him for the NBA better than anywhere else.”
With Demin’s return, BYU fans are buzzing with Final Four dreams. His decision sends a powerful message across college basketball: loyalty and vision still matter.
