Honestly? Even when I was typing that, it felt strange. Like I was watching someone else’s story unfold.
But this is my story.
Tomorrow is my first NBA game. Brooklyn plays Charlotte.
I’m healthy for the start of the season – and that preseason game against Toronto was my first with the main Nets roster. (To everyone in Russia who watched that one – thank you for the support!)
Sometimes I just want to hear my native language, sit down with friends and family, and talk. To stay connected with fans from Russia, I started this blog here on Sports.ru and run my personal Telegram channel. There’s also a VK community where my team and close friends will share the latest updates – make sure to subscribe!.
In my first few weeks in the U.S., I realized how important it is to be not only physically ready but also mentally flexible.
An athlete’s life here isn’t just about basketball – it’s constant movement: from the gym to interviews, from interviews to team meetings, then recovery, sleep… and repeat.
When I first arrived in New York, I started filming a bit on my personal camera – it helps me unwind and switch off.
Whenever I get the chance, I spend my free time walking around, cycling when the weather’s good, and exploring the city’s landmarks. New York is full of energy – crowded, vibrant, alive.
My first day at Brooklyn’s training facility feels like ages ago now – but honestly, it was like opening a door into another world.
The speed of the game, the attention to detail, the tempo – there are no small things here. Every pass, every step, every glance is instantly read.
Years of work in Russia, seasons in Spain, international tournaments – all of that was the perfect preparation.
Yes, the pace is faster. Yes, the competition is tougher. Yes, the pressure is huge.
But this is exactly the kind of environment I’ve always wanted to be in.
On the court, I didn’t feel fear – I felt excitement.
A desire to fit in, to prove myself, to grow. You don’t think about the fact that you’re playing against superstars – you just do what you’ve trained for your whole life.
When I first picked up a basketball, I wasn’t thinking about the NBA. I was just playing – with friends, on the street, in the gym.
Then came tournaments, trips, first wins and losses, tough practices… and eventually, it all lined up into a single path.
Now I understand: I’m representing more than just myself.
Behind me are my parents, family, friends, coaches, agency, and fans. And the entire Russian basketball school.
Everyone who worked with me, supported me, believed in me – you’re part of this journey. Thank you.
I promise – this is just the beginning.
I have no illusions: there’s a lot of hard work ahead. I need to keep improving my shot, my dribbling, gain strength, and work every day in the gym.
But that’s exactly what I wanted – challenges, growth, development, top-level basketball.
In the upcoming posts here on Sports.ru, I’ll take you behind the scenes of this new life – practices, daily routine, team life, the city, and my first games.
I’ll try to tell it like it really is – a living story, not just highlights.
🎁 To celebrate the launch of my personal blog “I Am Demin” on Sports.ru, I’m giving away a game jersey with my autograph together with my Telegram channel – follow along and stay tuned. I’ll do my best on the court!
