BYU’s Egor Demin, Richie Saunders Ready to Return Against ASU
PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball kicks off Big 12 play on Tuesday, welcoming back two key players from injury.
Starters Egor Demin and Richie Saunders are expected to rejoin the lineup as BYU faces Arizona State on New Year’s Eve.
“Barring anything unforeseen, those guys should be available [against Arizona State],” said BYU head coach Kevin Young on Monday.
Demin sustained a knee contusion early in BYU’s road loss at Providence on December 3. Saunders suffered a concussion during the opening possession of BYU’s win over Wyoming at the Delta Center on December 14.
Thanks to a lighter December schedule, Demin missed just three games, while Saunders sat out only one.
Both players now aim to be at full strength as BYU begins the grueling Big 12 Conference schedule.
Demin and Saunders Ready for Arizona State Clash
Coach Young noted that Demin and Saunders have looked strong in practice leading up to the matchup against the Sun Devils.
“They look good. Still monitoring those guys to make sure everything checks out,” Young said. “I wish we could have played even more, honestly, just to get those guys more run. But I know they’re both eager and ready to get back out there with their teammates.”
Demin, a potential NBA lottery pick, has excelled in his first college season. The 6-foot-9 guard is averaging 13.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Saunders, a 6-foot-5 forward and Riverton native, has found his stride as a starter. He’s averaging 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
BYU vs. Arizona State Details
Date: December 31, 2024
Tip-off: 2 p.m. (MST)
TV: ESPN2
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)