Ben Saraf, Israel PG/SG: Rising Star Making Waves in International Basketball
Ben Saraf has rapidly emerged as one of international basketball’s most intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6’5″ combo guard from Israel has been turning heads with his play for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga. He showcases a versatile skillset that translates well to the modern NBA game. Currently, NBA scouts are traveling to Europe in increasing numbers to see him play.
Saraf’s combination of playmaking vision, scoring touch, and basketball IQ at just 19 years old has him projected as a mid-first round selection. The young Israeli guard brings impressive physical tools to the table, with good size for either backcourt position at 6’5″ and 200 pounds. What separates Saraf from other international prospects is his advanced feel for the game. He demonstrates poise beyond his years against professional competition. His draft stock has risen significantly after strong performances in international play, with mock drafts now consistently placing him between 18th and 29th overall.
Born April 14, 2006, Saraf will be just over 19 years old on draft night, making him one of the younger prospects in the 2025 class. While his technical skills continue to develop, scouts are particularly drawn to his basketball intelligence and decision-making abilities. The Brooklyn Nets currently project as a potential landing spot at the 18th pick, where Saraf’s playmaking could provide immediate value to their backcourt rotation.
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Biography of Ben Saraf
Ben Saraf has emerged as one of Israel’s most promising basketball talents, displaying exceptional skills as a point guard with impressive playmaking abilities and court vision. His journey from a small Israeli moshav to becoming an international prospect is marked by dedication and natural talent.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 14, 2006, in Israel, Ben Saraf grew up in a modest setting. Though originally from Moshav Ometz in central Israel, his family relocated to nearby Moshav Gan Yoshia when he was very young.
Unlike many international prospects who choose the NCAA route, Saraf made the deliberate decision to bypass college basketball. This choice reflects his independent mindset and confidence in forging his own path to professional success.
Standing at 6’6″, Saraf’s height gives him a significant advantage as a point guard, allowing him to see over defenders and make plays that smaller guards simply cannot.
Rise to Prominence in Basketball
Saraf’s basketball journey accelerated when he signed with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, choosing European professional competition over the American collegiate system. This decision has proven beneficial for his development, allowing him to compete against seasoned professionals.
NBA scouts have taken notice of his unique skill set. Saraf’s draft profile highlights his crafty scoring ability and natural playmaking. His game features an impressive first step and excellent stop-start capability, making him difficult to defend in one-on-one situations.
| Attribute | Rating | NBA Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Playmaking | High | Creative floor general |
| Size for Position | Excellent | 6’6″ point guard |
| NBA Draft Projection | 2025 First Round | Lottery potential |
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Saraf continues to rise on draft boards, with many analysts projecting him as a potential lottery selection.
Professional Career
Ben Saraf’s professional journey has already shown impressive development as he transitions from European basketball to potential NBA stardom. His growth with German club Ratiopharm Ulm, draft stock rise, and possible fit with the Warriors demonstrate why scouts are increasingly intrigued by this talented Israeli guard.
Achievements with Ratiopharm Ulm
Saraf has established himself as a key contributor for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany during the 2024-25 season. The 6’5″ point guard has impressed coaches with his basketball IQ and versatility on both ends of the floor.
In EuroCup competition, Saraf has showcased his ability to compete against high-level European talent despite his youth. His left-handed playmaking and scoring touch have become valuable assets for Ulm’s offense. What separates Saraf is his motor and competitive drive. He’s not content with simply being on the roster at 18 years old—he actively contributes meaningful minutes.
Saraf’s 2024-25 Performance Stats with Ulm
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Points | 9.3 PPG |
| Assists | 3.6 APG |
| Rebounds | 2.8 RPG |
| Minutes | 22.1 MPG |
2025 NBA Draft Projection
NBA draft analysts are increasingly bullish on Saraf’s potential as the 2025 draft approaches. Currently projected around 18th overall (potentially to Brooklyn), his stock continues to rise with each impressive European performance.
Scouts particularly value his combination of size (6’5″, 200 lbs) and guard skills. Saraf has demonstrated advanced pick-and-roll decision-making that translates well to the modern NBA game.
His ability to create his own shot off the dribble while maintaining efficiency has raised eyebrows. Saraf’s high motor and shot creation skills make him an appealing prospect, especially for teams needing backcourt creativity. What might push Saraf into lottery consideration is his continued development as a three-point shooter and defender. These skills will determine whether he’s viewed as a rotation player or potential starter.
Potential with the Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have emerged as an intriguing landing spot should Saraf slide beyond his projected draft position. His playmaking abilities would complement their established system that values court vision and basketball intelligence.
Saraf’s international experience makes him more NBA-ready than many prospects his age. He’s already proven capable of adjusting to professional demands and contributing immediately.
The Warriors’ developmental program has successfully integrated international players before. Saraf could benefit from Steve Kerr’s guard-friendly offense while developing behind established veterans.
His potential fit is reminiscent of how the Warriors have utilized combo guards previously—players who can initiate offense but also work off-ball when needed. This versatility aligns perfectly with Golden State’s motion-based system.
Positional Analysis
Ben Saraf brings versatility and skill to his dual role as a point guard and shooting guard. His 6’6″ frame and basketball IQ allow him to shift between both backcourt positions effectively, creating matchup advantages against smaller guards.
Playing as a Point Guard/Shooting Guard
Saraf’s positional flexibility is perhaps his most intriguing draft attribute. At 6’6″ and 200 pounds, he possesses excellent size for a lead guard while maintaining the scoring punch needed at the two. His height advantage allows him to see over defenses when initiating offense.
When running point, Saraf showcases natural playmaking abilities and court vision. He can orchestrate an offense with patience beyond his years, finding teammates in scoring position.
In the shooting guard role, he leverages his scoring instincts more freely. Scouts have compared his potential outcomes to Caris LeVert or even a Manu Ginobili-type player if he develops optimally.
His projected draft position continues to rise as teams see value in combo guards who can play both backcourt spots effectively.
Skills and Technique
Saraf’s technical toolkit is impressive for a young prospect. He possesses a good first step and excellent stop/start ability, allowing him to create separation from defenders. His crafty finishing around the rim stands out in game footage.
Defensively, he’s known to press up when defenders pick up the ball, getting his hands in passing lanes. This defensive intuition translates across both guard positions.
| Attribute | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Playmaking | High | Natural court vision and passing ability |
| Scoring | Above Average | Crafty finisher with developing shot |
| Size | Excellent | 6’6″/200lbs with good frame |
| Defense | Developing | Shows good instincts, active hands |
Born in 2006, Saraf has been developing his game with Ulm in Germany, giving him valuable professional experience against older competition. This European seasoning has refined his basketball IQ and technical fundamentals.
Socio-Cultural Impact
Ben Saraf’s emergence as a top prospect from Israel has significant implications both for international basketball perception and for aspiring players looking up to established stars.
Perception of International Players in the NBA
The rise of Ben Saraf represents a continuing shift in how international players are viewed in NBA circles. While European players once faced skepticism, Saraf enters the draft landscape at a time when international talent is highly valued.
Scouts no longer view Israeli prospects as novelties but as legitimate NBA contributors, with Saraf potentially becoming the highest-drafted Israeli player ever. The 6-foot-5 combo guard’s visibility has significantly increased interest in Israeli basketball.
Saraf’s success at the Euro U20 championship, where he won MVP at just 18 years old, demonstrates the quality of development occurring outside traditional American pathways.
Current 2025 Draft Projection:
| Analyst | Saraf Ranking | Notable Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 12-18 range | Bigger Tyrese Maxey |
| The Ringer | Top 15 | Less athletic Dončić |
| Draft Express | Lottery | Combo guard with vision |
Influence of Figures like ‘Melo’ on Upcoming Talent
Saraf openly acknowledges basketball influences that shaped his development, including admiration for crafty scorers with size. He has expressed desire to play alongside established stars, showing his confidence and ambition.
His game shows traces of international players who came before him, but with his own distinctive flair. Many compare his confidence and swagger to Luka Dončić, even down to wearing the signature No. 77 jersey.
What separates Saraf is his well-rounded skill set. Few prospects combine his passing vision, scoring touch, and defensive instincts. This versatility reflects how modern international players develop with fewer positional restrictions.
Beyond Basketball
Ben Saraf’s impact stretches far beyond the hardwood courts of professional basketball. The young Israeli prospect has shown remarkable dedication to improving healthcare and advancing medical research in his community.
Contributions to Graduate Medical Education
Saraf has established himself as a passionate advocate for medical education in Israel. During off-seasons, he visits medical schools and teaching hospitals, sharing his experiences about sports medicine and injury recovery. His personal foundation, launched in early 2024, has already funded three scholarships for aspiring sports medicine physicians.
“Medicine and basketball both require discipline and teamwork,” Saraf explained during a recent hospital visit in Tel Aviv.
The 18-year-old point guard has worked closely with Ratiopharm Ulm’s medical staff to develop educational programs for young doctors. These initiatives focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques specifically designed for athletes.
His efforts have received recognition from Israel’s Ministry of Health, highlighting how athletes can positively influence healthcare education.
Research on the Aging Brain
Saraf has developed a surprising interest in neuroscience. He particularly focuses on brain health in aging populations. This interest stems from his grandfather’s struggle with cognitive decline.
The Israeli guard partners with researchers at Tel Aviv University. He helps fund a study that examines the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in seniors.
Saraf regularly visits retirement communities in his hometown of Moshav Gan Yoshia. He organizes light exercise sessions designed by neurologists to promote brain health.
“Basketball taught me about mental sharpness. I want to help others maintain that throughout life,” Saraf noted during a fundraising event.
His foundation has pledged €150,000 toward longitudinal studies. These studies track the benefits of structured physical activity on brain health, demonstrating his commitment to this important area of research.
