The Utah Jazz will soon be beneficiaries of the Minnesota Timberwolves in this year’s 2025 NBA Draft, thanks to the Rudy Gobert trade back in the summer of 2022. In that deal, the Utah Jazz got a plethora of draft capital, including the pick where we selected fan favorite point guard, Keyonte George (16th pick in 2023). The Timberwolves’ pick is currently slotted at the 16th pick in the upcoming draft but are only two games away from being tied for the projected 9th overall pick in the draft! Let’s take a closer look at two prospects the Utah Jazz could select.
After a scorching hot start, the BYU Cougars 6’9 point guard, Egor Demin, has begun to fall in mock drafts due to poor performance vs high-level competition. Egor Demin was a highly touted prospect coming into the draft, and in his first few weeks of action with the Cougars he was projected as a top 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Showing a display of phenomenal court vision, precise passing, great athleticism, and the ability to finish around the rim, many draft analysts fell in love with his tools and unteachable abilities which launched him in draft conversations early. However, his recent play has drawn negative buzz, and analysts are asking themselves if Demin is even worthy of being selected with a lottery pick.
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So, what went wrong? Why is Demin not projected to go top 5 anymore, let alone inside of the top 10? Now, Demin can be drafted in the top 10 because all it takes is one team, and who knows, that team could be the Utah Jazz. Egor has not been playing like it since his matchup on December 3rd vs Providence where he tallied 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, and shooting a total of 0/10 FG, 0/5 from 3, and 6/6 FTM. This was by far the worst performance anyone has seen out of the projected top 5 picks in the draft, and possibly the worst out of every projected lottery pick thus far. Things have gotten better since then, but not by much. He struggles to create his own shot meaning he cannot generate anything without a screen. His 3-point struggles have been apparent, and the FT% indicates that he is further behind on the shot than what we once thought. If he cannot do these things, should we consider him a point guard or a lead ball-handler? I think not. I believe that Egor Demin is a point forward or a wing who can be utilized as a connective passer.
Another important consideration with Egor is his current status as a questionable primary ball handler which I stated earlier. His limited offensive bag raises concerns about his ability to create offense in isolation or under pressure. This lack of a complete offensive game could mean that Demin will need to transition to more of an off-ball role in the NBA, at least in the early stages of his career.
However, this shift to off-ball play brings up an additional question: if Demin struggles to shoot consistently, what will his overall offensive impact be at the next level? In today’s NBA, off-ball players often rely on their shooting ability to space the floor, and without a reliable jumper, it becomes harder to contribute meaningfully during games. His inability to stretch the floor could limit his definitiveness, especially if opposing defenses can sag off him and give him less space to operate — essentially giving him “the Ben Simmons treatment”.
Though these concerns and questions are scary, they are not permanent either. They can be improved upon, and even if they don’t get better there is still a legitimate path for him to find success in the NBA despite it being harder, trickier, and possibly more unconventional. We see connective wings in today’s NBA that have a questionable shot such as guys like Kyle Anderson, Draymond Green, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Josh Giddey, so let’s not write him off just yet.
Why would Egor Demin be worth taking if you are the Utah Jazz?
Egor Demin is a truly exceptional athlete whose physical tools, combined with his advanced basketball IQ, make him a standout prospect. His unteachable passing ability sets him apart, as he consistently makes the right reads and demonstrates an innate understanding of the game. This rare combination of vision and court awareness allows him to operate effectively in a variety of offensive sets, creating opportunities for his teammates and maintaining fluid ball movement. In addition to his playmaking, Demin has shown flashes of impressive finishing ability, showcasing his ability to get to the basket and play above the rim. His explosiveness and agility make him a potent threat when attacking the hoop, and with some refinement, he could develop into a truly versatile offensive player.
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One of the most compelling aspects of Demin’s game is his size and length, which are well-suited for his position. At his current stage, he fits the exact type of positional size the Utah Jazz have been targeting in recent years. his physical attributes allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His length provides him with the ability to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, making him a potential defender with time and development. His size will also allow the Utah Jazz to crash the glass at a much higher rate on both ends, ultimately bringing more possessions to the Jazz.
Despite his raw talent and promising traits, Demin is still a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His development will depend heavily on refining certain areas of his game, particularly his ball handling and shooting consistency. If he can improve his ability to control the ball in tight spaces and become more consistent with his shot, he has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends of the floor. His raw tools combined with his basketball intelligence make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.
For the Jazz, Demin represents a unique opportunity to add a player with tremendous upside. With the right developmental structure and a focus on improving his weaknesses, he could evolve into a star who contributes significantly on both ends of the court.
BYU alums, Danny Ainge and Ryan Smith’s connection with BYU and their coaching staff is very strong. Back in 2022 as the Jazz were hunting for a coach, current BYU Head Coach, Kevin Young, made it far into the interview process but did not end up getting the job over current Utah Jazz HC Will Hardy. This connection between the two organizations provides the Jazz with inside information on everything about Egor Demin & his progression which could lead to smoother and faster development at the next level
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Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
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Ben Saraf: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Ben Saraf’s stats: 12.8 PPG | 4.2 APG | 3.1 RPG | 1.2 SPG | 48% FG | 28% 3FG | 73% FT
Ben Saraf is a 6’5 left-handed guard that is playing for Ratiopharm Ulm, a club based in Germany. He broke onto the scene during the 2024 U18 Fiba Euro Cup where he averaged 28.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 5.3 apg, 4.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, on 45% FG and 36% from 3 leading Israel to 4th place in the tournament.
Ben Saraf is a player who has grown on me over time. Initially, I had him ranked lower than I should have, though I’ve always recognized his all-around game. His versatility, poise, and maturity for his age are standout qualities that have me rethinking where he stands among this class of prospects. Despite having positional questions in the past, I now see him as a highly dynamic player who can impact the game in multiple ways. The more I watch him, the more I believe he’s a potential top 8 talent, though it’s still early in his development. Most boards have him ranked around the middle of the first round.
Saraf brings a lot to the table on both ends. Not only does he boast good positional size and natural tools, but his feel for the game is also very impressive. He plays with more craft than he does explosiveness — even though he showcases his athleticism often — making him a unique player. He showcases impressive skill standing at 6’5 and solid strength, which allows him to play with versatility. His playmaking ability stands out, as he has a natural feel for creating opportunities for others and makes the right reads. Saraf excels in the pick and roll, showing a great understanding of how to manipulate defenders and deliver precise passes. His ability to snake dribble, score, and play off of two feet in the pick-and-roll adds to his dynamism and potential as a draft prospect. Saraf also displays a strong ability to absorb contact and finish in traffic at an effective rate.
His basketball IQ is another key aspect of his game, as he consistently makes smart decisions on both ends of the floor. Although he’s not considered a standout defender, his size and instincts should make him more manageable defensively than many other guard prospects.
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He relies on his left hand extremely often and needs a lot of work to finish on the right side of the basket. However, his overall game shows a solid foundation, and with further development, Saraf has the potential to elevate his ceiling in the coming years.
Averaging 28 points in 33 minutes, Ben Saraf was nearly unstoppable for long stretches of the U18 Eurobasket. It’s difficult not to be bullish about his NBA outlook, considering his sheer productivity, scoring instincts, competitiveness and excellent feel for the game. pic.twitter.com/2AZ1VgKzBC
Playing for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Saraf is competing against some of the best talent Europe has to offer. The BBL is one of the premier domestic leagues in Europe, featuring a blend of established veteran players, young rising stars, and NBA-caliber talent. For Saraf, the level of competition is already much higher than what many NCAA prospects face. The players in the BBL are often seasoned pros with years of experience playing against elite teams in European competitions like the EuroCup and Euro League.
This exposure to high-level basketball gives Saraf an edge when it comes to preparing for the NBA. Unlike college players who may only face tough competition in a handful of games each season, Saraf is playing in a league where every game is against experienced players. The defensive schemes in the BBL are also more advanced than those in many college systems, forcing Saraf to constantly adjust and refine his offensive game.
“In Euro League it’s obviously just as tough [as the NBA]. The guys are athletic, maybe the spacing is a little different.” – BasketNews “Carsen Edwards Ranks Hardest Leagues To Score In” on YouTube
Playing overseas gives Saraf and advantage in terms of maturity and experience. The pace of the game in Europe is similar to the NBA, but the IQ and physicality of the players overseas force players to think through situations more thoroughly compared to how you would do it in college. This type of experience is invaluable as it prepares Saraf for the transition to the NBA, where strategic execution and adaptability are very important.
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21 points in 25 minutes for Ben Saraf in his German BBL debut in Ulm’s road win over Chemnitz. The 6’6, 18-year old Israeli guard was MVP of the U18 Eurobasket and is starting to show his productivity translates vs men also. pic.twitter.com/XKZFIdgT9I
Both Demin & Saraf could add a lot to the table for the Utah Jazz as they continue to rebuild. If they were to land one of these guys with the Minnesota Timberwolves pick and pair them with whoever the Jazz select with their projected top 5 pick, I would be very optimistic about the direction of the franchise. Which one would I prefer between the two? Ben Saraf (Sorry, BYU fans).
SALT LAKE CITY — A groundbreaking documentary — conceived, filmed, and produced entirely by inmates at the Utah State Prison—is giving the public an unprecedented look at life behind bars.
The film, Breaking Chains, follows six incarcerated men and women as they confront their pasts, reflect on their choices, and work toward rebuilding their lives.
The Utah Department of Corrections collaborated with the One Kind Act a Day initiative to secure funding and equipment for the inmates. The result is a raw, emotional film that highlights a little‑known educational program operating inside the prison.
The documentary opens with a stark confession from participant Casey Vanderhoef.
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“When I was incarcerated in 2021, I had no more answers,” Vanderhoef says in the film. “I knew I was broken in a way I couldn’t fix.”
Vanderhoef, now living in a halfway house as he completes his sentence, says revisiting his past on camera wasn’t easy.
“There are certainly regretful decisions—and sometimes embarrassing ones—that are definitely part of my story,” he explains.
The project was coordinated from outside the prison by filmmaker and educator Bo Landin, who says the decision to have inmates interview one another created a level of honesty he didn’t expect.
“It’s authentic. It’s raw. It’s emotional,” Landin says. He admits he became emotional himself while transcribing the conversations. “I think it’s important because it is their voice. They are telling us a story.”
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The program began with roughly 18 to 20 students learning the fundamentals of filmmaking, storytelling, and production.
The One Kind Act a Day initiative—created by philanthropist Khosrow Semnani—donated the professional equipment used to make the documentary. The Semnani Family Foundation will now support an ongoing media program integrated into the prison’s career‑training and productive‑time initiatives. Semnani hopes the effort encourages compassion in a place where it can be hard to find.
“Human nature is born with kindness,” Semnani says. “But in prison, it’s not there.”
For Vanderhoef, the experience has been transformative.
“As I look back at the mistakes that were made, I have some regret and embarrassment,” he says. “But I have a lot more gratitude.”
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Semnani says he recently spoke with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about expanding the program nationally, potentially bringing similar opportunities to prisons across the country.
Breaking Chains debuted at the Utah International Film Festival and won the Audience Choice Award. Landin now hopes to promote it at film festivals worldwide in hopes of getting it in theaters for the public to see.
Nina Dobrev‘s bathrobe photo has fans checking in from Park City, Utah, during Sundance weekend. She posted it 18 hours ago, tagged Park City, and wrote, “Final Sundance in Park City, Utah? bittersweet doesn’t begin to describe it…” Nina’s carousel from the Sundance Film Festival reads like downtime between screenings. The post shows about 480.8K likes and 888 comments.
Nina Dobrev shares a bathrobe photo from Utah during Sundance Film Festival
Have a look at Nina Dobrev in a bathrobe:
Photo Credit: Nina Dobrev Instagram
The “Vampire Diaries” alum wears a plush white hotel robe, loosely cinched at the waist. It falls open at the neckline. Her hair looks half-done, pinned up at the crown, with loose lengths down.
The warm bathroom lighting highlights marble counters and polished wood doors. The photos also landed after she discussed recovering from a dirt bike injury. Fans replied fast, with one writing, “Such a cutie,” another said, “Gorgeous,” and a third added, “THE DIVA”.
The killings took place in a region exempt from federal gray wolf protections.
(Dawn Villella |AP) A gray wolf is pictured in 2004 in Minnesota. Utah officials recently killed three wolves after they were seen near livestock in Cache County.
In a rural stretch of southwestern Cache County, state officials killed three wolves earlier this month after the animals were spotted near livestock, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed Tuesday.
The wolves were shot Jan. 9 by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, said DWR spokesperson Faith Jolley, a move allowed because the animals were found in a small corner of northeastern Utah exempt from federal gray wolf protections.
The region, which lies mostly east of Interstate 15 and extends roughly as far south as Ogden, is considered part of the greater Yellowstone region, where the predator is in recovery. It is the only part of Utah where the state is allowed to manage wolves.
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(Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Across the rest of the state, the animal is considered an endangered species. It’s illegal to hunt, harass, trap, shoot or harm them without permission from the federal government.
Jolley said state law directs DWR to prevent wolves from breeding in the delisted area. While the animals were not considered a pack, she said they were believed to be traveling together.
“Lethal removals ensure they don’t establish breeding populations in Utah,” Jolley wrote in a text message.
Caroline Hargraves, a spokesperson for the state agriculture department, said the wolves were found near Avon, a small census-designated community in Cache County of about 500 residents, surrounded mostly by farmland.
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Utah leaders have long been hostile to wolves for preying on livestock and thwarting hunters. The state has doled out millions in taxpayer dollars in an effort to get gray wolves removed from the federal endangered species list.
Most confirmed wolf sightings in Utah have involved lone wolves, Jolley said, though small groups have been documented on a few occasions since the first confirmed sighting in 2002.
During the past year, she said, a handful of lone wolves have migrated into Utah from Wyoming and Colorado.
Wolves from Wyoming and Idaho have made their way into Utah at least 21 times since 2004, according to DWR. In September, the agency said it was aware of at least one lone male wolf present in the state.
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