Israeli guard Ben Saraf officially declares for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old standout, ranked No. 23 by ESPN, currently plays for Germany’s ratiopharm Ulm.
Israeli guard Ben Saraf, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young players, has formally declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he confirmed to ESPN on Friday.
“This is the right time for me,” Saraf said. “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.”
Saraf, who currently sits at No. 23 on ESPN’s list of top draft prospects, has been a standout performer for ratiopharm Ulm, a German club competing in both the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) and the EuroCup. Standing at 6-foot-6, the 19-year-old point guard has posted averages of 12.2 points and 4.3 assists across 41 appearances, playing 24 minutes per game.
“We’re working really well in Ulm,” he told ESPN. “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. We’re in second place in the BBL and hoping to win a trophy this season. The coaches and staff have helped me improve so much since I got here. It’s been a win-win situation for everyone.”
Saraf gained widespread recognition last summer after earning MVP honors at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, where he delivered an electrifying performance, averaging 28.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals per contest. His efforts led Israel to a historic fourth-place finish and secured the nation’s first-ever berth in the FIBA U19 World Cup.
In February, Saraf advanced to the senior ranks, making his debut for the Israeli national team during the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers. He was in the starting lineup for matchups against Portugal and Slovenia.
Known for his court vision, scoring prowess, and maturity beyond his years, Saraf has become a key name among international prospects. His command in pick-and-roll situations and ability to control the pace of the game have impressed scouts as the NBA draft process begins to heat up.
The NBA Draft Combine will be held in Chicago from May 11 to 18, ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft scheduled for June 25-26 in New York City.
Should he drafted by an NBA team, Saraf will become the second Israeli currently playing in the NBA, joining Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers. Avdija, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, spent his first four NBA seasons in Washington before being traded to Portland before the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a career year this past season, including becoming the first Israeli player to record a triple double in the NBA.
