Yegor Demin reacts to the announcement of the rising stars of the All-Star weekend

The Brooklyn Nets haven’t been on par with rookie talent since their move from New Jersey in 2012. However, they perhaps he found a guardian in Yegor Demintheir first lottery pick since 2010. Demin was one of 10 rookies selected by NBA assistant coaches to participate in the Rising Stars competition at All-Star Weekend.

The eighth pick reacted to the news ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

“I was actually reading my book on the plane and listening to music, and then I saw some cameras in front of me and I was confused as to what was going on. Some of the coaches were announcing something… When I took my headphones off, I heard that I had arrived at a Rising Stars game,” said Yes Network’s Megan Triplett. “That’s a goal for anybody, just to get to All-Star weekend in any division. It’s an honor. For me, just being announced to be a part of it means a lot.”

Demin is the first selection of the Nets on the rise from Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kuruks in 2019. The BIU product has been a huge positive for Brooklyn because of his three-point shooting, decision-making and defense.

Egor Demin selected for the Rising Star competition at All-Star Weekend

Demin averaged 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 40 appearances with 33 starts. He shot 39.7 percent from three on 6.2 attempts per game. Demin, Kon Kneupel and Tre Johnson are the only NBA rookies shooting over 39 percent from distance in over 80 attempts.

“Obviously, shooting,” Demin said of his main area of ​​improvement this season. “Coming from last season (shooting) 25 percent from three in college to where I am right now, I feel very, very confident in that aspect of the game. That makes me happy. And obviously, a lot of work has gone into my defense. I think I’m improving there. … Obviously, it could take me a while to be more consistent than that, but I think I’ve been more consistent than that this season, which is the most important thing.”

Former Nets great Vince Carter elected Demin in the draft of 21 NBA players selected for the competition. Carter, Carmelo Anthony and Tracy McGrady picked the teams. The Rising Stars event will take place on Friday, February 13th.

“Very well deserved,” Jordi Fernandez said of Demin’s selection. “I’m very happy for him. Not just for him, but for his teammates and everyone who worked with him during this first part of the season. It’s going to be quite a season for him, because he’s so special. And that’s why we believed in him from the beginning. It’s special to achieve something like that. I just continued to challenge him (CarVi challenge him well). Also, so we can have that connection with the Nets, but I hope it will be a special day.