Where Does BYU Go Next to Replace Egor Demin?

Egor Demin officially announced Tuesday morning that he is leaving BYU and declaring for the NBA Draft.

With Dallin Hall in the portal as well, getting a starting point guard is a clear priority one for BYU. While coaches can contact players right now, players can’t come on campus for visits until the dead period ends April 10,

Is Dallin Hall a possibility to return?

Never say never, especially in the NIL age, but I believe Dallin Hall will go elsewhere. Teams like North Carolina, Arizona, Iowa State, Indiana, Gonzaga, and many others have all reached out to Dallin and drove his NIL price into the seven-figure range, according to sources. I believe BYU and Dallin are both set on different paths.

Targets I’m watching

BYU has several more point guards on their board, but below are three players I am watching.

Rob Wright, Baylor — The Baylor point guard reportedly entered the transfer portal yesterday after a standout freshman season. Wright made the Big 12 All-Freshman team after averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 assists on 42% shooting from the floor and 35% from three. He scored 22 points in Baylor’s overtime loss to BYU.

Industry sources tell me that BYU was prepared to make a “significant” NIL offer to Wright yesterday shortly after he news broke he intended the portal. I wouldn’t be surprised if Wright is at the top of BYU’s board right now. He has All-Big 12 potential and would be one of the top guards in the Big 12 if he returned to BYU. Egor has higher NBA potential and is a better passer, but Wright is a more advanced scorer and is a willing and capable passer in his own right.

Xaivian Lee, Princeton — The 6-foot-4 point guard entered the transfer portal last week after three years at Princeton. Lee is one of the top point guards in the portal. He is coming off as season when he averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 44% shooting from the floor and 37% from three. Sources tell me that BYU has been in contact with Lee.

Sergio De Larrea, Spain — The Spanish point guard plays for Valencia of the Spanish Liga ACB. De Larrea is 19 YO and could declare for the NBA Draft; some pundits have given him a first or second round grade. De Larrea has some similarities to Egor in terms of size. A 6-foot-6 guard with point guard skills, De Larrea isn’t an explosive athlete but shows good vision and scoring ability.

One industry source told me that De Larrea’s agent has been talking with college teams to gauge interest and NIL value. With some of the similaties between De Larrea and Egor, I’m watching Sergio as one to watch depending on who BYU adds in the portal.