Ege Demir (pronounced Egg-eh) committed to the Ducks Monday, a 6-10, 250 international player from Kaduna, Nigeria who has lived and played basketball in Turkey since he was 14.
He turns 21 on August 15. Still raw and learning the game, Demir is strong and broad-shouldered with a 7'3" wingspan. He's powerful around the rim and moves well on the pick-and-roll, a fierce shot blocker but as yet a liability at the free throw line, where he shoots 38%.
In the Turkish BSL and in European Tournaments, Demir plays against grown men and former NBA players. He's been in the league since he was 16.
At this level he's a bench player, averaging just over 15 minutes a game. Over half his shots are dunks, finishing with power. Opponents typically make a business decision to keep their arms and hands out of the way.
Really like 🇹🇷 Ege Demir
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) June 6, 2025
The 2004-born 6-10 250 pound center is a freak of nature, that’s a force in the paint and a very active rebounder
The 20-year old has been on loan this season and has seen solid minutes in the BSL averaging 5.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per… pic.twitter.com/YawzjvDThy
Demir played soccer in his native state of Kogi in North Central Nigeria until he was 13. A friend invited him to a basketball game. He told Fiba basketball, "He took me with him to the game, and I didn't like basketball because I didn't understand the game. But after the game I was given some nice shoes and a bag and from then now I started to go to the basketball gym. And later I liked the game."
Later he attended a youth basketball camp sponsored by Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors.
Scouts asked if he wanted to play basketball in Turkey.
Ege told the reporters from Fiba, "I didn't even know there was a country called Turkey. I didn't research it all. I was just happy I was going to play basketball and going to school in Europe. I could be a better player, so I was just happy."
He misses home, though having returned to Nigeria twice as he pursues a future in the sport. Far away from family, from home-cooked meals, pounded yam or Egusi soup.
At Oregon he'll play for Dana Altman, who has displayed a deft hand in teaching international players and helping them develop their games. Along with senior center Nate Bittle he gives the Ducks a twin towers option in the middle, or a rim protector off the bench. And he and Jackson Shelstad can perfect the lob and the pick and roll.
Does anyone have a good recipe for Egusi soup?