By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Promising prospect Ben Saraf declared for the 2025 NBA draft.
“This is the right time for me,” the 19-year-old Israeli combo guard told ESPN, revealing his decision on Friday, “After playing against the highest levels of competition in European basketball, I am ready and excited for the draft, but first we need to finish the season strong in Ulm.”
At ratiopharm Ulm, Saraf competed in the 2024-25 edition of the BKT EuroCup, tallying 12.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest over 16 appearances, including ten starts.
His side is currently focusing on Germany’s easyCredit BBL. Putting in 11.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per contest, his efforts helped place the Sparrows in second place in the standings at 19-9, trailing leading FC Bayern Munich by 1.5 games, with four outings remaining in the Regular Season.
“We’re working really well in Ulm,” he said, “They aren’t afraid to give a platform here to young players. They’ve put trust in us, and we’ve paid them back with wins.”
In addition to the club level, his career expanded into the senior national team of Israel with four caps through the Qualifiers of the EuroBasket 2025. Earlier FIBA experience at the junior level included being named Most Valuable Player of the U18 EuroBasket 2024, following appearances with the U16 squad.
The next NBA draft is set to take place in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on June 25 and 26.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net