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).
George returned from a right ankle sprain that kept him out six straight games.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) The crowd reacts as Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) hits a 3-point shot at the Delta Center this season.
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy didn’t need to see much from his young point guard in his return.
“Making shots, missing shots, it’s not anything that’s in question for me,” Hardy said about Keyonte George. “I just want to see him exert himself physically and competitively.”
In that case, mission accomplished.
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After missing nine games in the last month with two different ankle sprains, George returned against the Pelicans on Saturday.
The Jazz lost 115-105.
George’s numbers were fine, scoring 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 23 minutes. But Hardy saw enough mobility from George to make him comfortable moving forward.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz Center Mo Bamba sits next to Keyonte George and Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. on the bench in NBA action between the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Delta Center on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
“I thought he made some athletic plays in small spaces. I was more concerned with his willingness to slam on the brakes,” Hardy said. “And I thought he had a couple possessions where he did, where he really pushed it athletically.
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“He’s like any player, he’s frustrated. He feels like he should have made a few more shots,” he continued. “But that’s not what I was watching.”
George was on a restriction of 20-24 minutes and he wants to be cautious in the days ahead. Utah plays Denver on Monday before heading on the road.
“Feet are the most precious thing for any athlete. So I want to make sure I feel good, not feeling off balance or nothing like that,” George said. “Just want to be cautious with the ankle injuries and stuff like that.”
But for his return, it was good enough.
“I feel like my pop was there. I didn’t want to force anything,” he finished. “I just wanted to play the game. I feel like I did a decent job tonight.”
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SALT LAKE CITY — “If you don’t think you’re a reader yet, it’s because you haven’t found the right book.”
Utah author Sara B. Larson believes there is a book out there for everyone that can make someone love reading. She and dozens of other authors gathered at StoryCon this weekend to teach and inspire young kids to love reading and writing.
“It’s hard to see the drop in literacy that has happened, but it’s also encouraging to see so many people banding together to try and combat it and help our youth,” Larson said.
StoryCon is a literature conference that brings together authors, educators, teens, tweens and everyone in between to focus on the power of literacy. Around 3,500 people flocked to the Salt Palace Convention Center for workshops on writing concepts, shopping for book merchandise, author signings, and even panels about Brandon Sanderson’s famed fantastical universe known as the Cosmere.
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Sanderson, one of the most well-known fantasy authors to come out of Utah, said writing can feel isolating because it is such a solitary activity. He attended a conference similar to StoryCon in Nebraska when he was 18, and the opportunity to connect and meet with real authors was “so invigorating.”
“It was so powerful to just have a community. So I’ve always tried to do what I can to support communities, particularly for young people,” he said.
Aspiring writers don’t need to stress about writing the perfect book immediately, Sanderson advises. While some authors get lucky, like Christopher Paolini, who wrote “Eragon” at just 14 years old, most of the time writing is about exploring genres and just improving your skills over time, he said.
Brandon Sanderson speaks to thousands of people who attended the 2026 StoryCon literacy convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Saturday. (Photo: Cassidy Wixom, KSL)
Sanderson himself didn’t love reading at first until between his eighth and ninth grade years.
“I went from being a C student to an A student because of books. This was partially because I found myself in the books; I had a reason to care, but your reading comprehension going up helps in all aspects of life,” he said. “Having a fluency with reading, reading for the love of it, which will just build those muscles in your brain, is extremely important.”
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Brandon Mull, author of the “Fablehaven” series, said he also didn’t like reading as a kid until he read “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” which made a “light go on.” He now feels he owes C.S. Lewis the credit for how his life turned out.
“When I learned to read for fun as a kid, it changed the trajectory of my life,” Mull said. “I’m a practical example of how big a difference learning to love reading can make for someone.”
Authors Sara B. Larson and Brandon Sanderson speak to StoryCon CEO Jennifer Jenkins at a meet and greet during the 2026 StoryCon literacy convention in Salt Lake City, Saturday. (Photo: Cassidy Wixom, KSL)
Mull focuses on children’s literature and said he tries to write stories that children and families can enjoy. Reading fiction helps children develop “a rich inner life,” learn how to be empathetic and develop their minds to be a place ideas can be explored.
The Utah author will soon be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his book “Fablehaven,” which will include a special illustrated edition of the beloved children’s book, a dramatized full-cast audiobook, and the premiere next year of a film based on the novel. He also will be releasing a new series this year called “Guardians” that he believes is some of his best work.
With so many things competing for kids’ attention every day, it’s crucial to teach them to read, Mull said.
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“If we don’t get kids to learn how to read a book and turn it into a story in their head, they are missing an aspect of education that makes them good consumers of information and good consumers of stories,” he said.
Larson agreed with that sentiment, saying people’s brains are being “hijacked” and getting stuck in a loop of only having a 3-second attention span because of social media. Larson has written more than eight fantasy books, including the popular “Defy” trilogy.
“This phenomenon that is happening to our kids, they are losing the ability to focus, losing the ability to even think with any sort of deep analytical process. It’s so vital to get to these kids and help them realize you have got to put down the phone and pick up a book and train yourself to focus,” she said.
There is wealth, knowledge, joy, happiness, peace and calm to be found when you put social media away and instead dive into a book, she said. Reading helps children grow up to be successful adults who can pursue goals, constantly learn and successfully contribute to society.
StoryCon CEO Jennifer Jenkins said it has been overwhelming to see the success of the event. StoryCon was created by the nonprofit Operation Literacy last year and has become the biggest literacy-focused event in Utah.
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Growing up, she felt there wasn’t a place for writers compared to athletes or dancers who always had camps and conventions, so she helped found Teen Author Boot Camp, which evolved into StoryCon.
“Kids need to know they are being taken seriously. They need to be validated and know they are being encouraged,” she said. “That’s the why behind all of this. We really want to put them before anything else. These kids are the heart of everything we do.”
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
Arizona State basketball is at a crossroads. After back-to-back road losses to Baylor and TCU, the Sun Devils are suddenly fighting just to stay above .500.
Now, with Utah coming to town Saturday afternoon, this isn’t just another conference game. It feels bigger than that. It feels like the moment that decides whether this season still has life or if it quietly fades away.
The Danger of Falling Below .500
All season long, Arizona State has had one strange pattern.
Every time they dropped to .500, they responded with a win. They never let things spiral.
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But now they’re sitting right on the edge again.
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A loss to Utah would push them below .500 for the first time all year. That might not sound dramatic, but it matters for team morale.
Teams feel that shift. Confidence changes. Urgency changes. And with only a few games left before the Big 12 Tournament, there isn’t much time to recover.
That’s why this Utah game feels different.
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Feb 21, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Isaac Williams (10) scores a basket over Arizona State Sun Devils guard Anthony Johnson (2) during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Utah Is Playing Better — Especially on Defense
When these two teams met a few weeks ago, Utah was struggling.
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Since then, they’ve improved. They’re still built around their top scorers, who combine for around 40 points per game, but the real difference lately has been defense.
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Utah has started putting together more complete defensive performances. They’re contesting shots better. They’re finishing possessions. They’re not folding as easily in the second half.
That matters because Arizona State’s biggest issue right now isn’t effort, it’s physical depth.
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Feb 21, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley disputes a call with an official during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
The Real Niche Problem: Guard-Heavy and Worn Down
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: Arizona State’s roster balance is off.
Because of injuries, especially the likely season-ending absence of Marcus Adams Jr., the Sun Devils are extremely guard-heavy right now. More than half of the available players are guards. That creates matchup issues, especially against physical teams.
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We saw it against TCU. They got to the free-throw line 36 times.
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They won the physical battle. Even when their best scorer struggled, they still controlled the game inside.
ASU just doesn’t have the same frontcourt depth.
With only a few true bigs available and some undersized forwards playing bigger roles than expected, the team can get worn down.
Late in games, that shows up in missed rebounds, second-chance points, and tired legs.
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It’s not about hustle. It’s about bodies.
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Why Saturday Truly Matters
If Arizona State beats Utah, everything changes.
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Suddenly, you’re heading into Senior Night against Kansas with momentum. Win that, and you’re talking about a possible 7–11 conference finish and a much better Big 12 Tournament matchup.
From there? Anything can happen.
But if they lose Saturday, the math and the hope get much harder.
That’s why this game isn’t just about Utah.
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It’s about belief. It’s about roster limitations. And it’s about whether this team has one more push left in them before the season runs out.
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