Israeli guard Ben Saraf told ESPN on Friday that he will declare for the 2025 NBA draft after playing this season with ratiopharm Ulm in Germany.
Saraf is averaging 12.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 45.8% shooting from the field in 43 games this season across all competitions in the BBL and EuroCup. He has registered four 20-point games, including a season-high 24 points and five assists on April 6.
The 6-foot-6 standout was the 2024 Israeli League Premier Rising Star after emerging as the best young player with Elitzur Kiryat Ata. He was also the Israeli National League Rising Star and Sixth Man of the Year with Elitzur Netanya in 2023.
Saraf is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick, given his scoring ability, playmaking and court vision. He dazzles with his passing and innate ability to make pinpoint, cross-court passes off drives and in pick-and-roll situations.
The 19-year-old put himself on the radar with a tremendous showing last year in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket with Israel. He was named the Most Valuable Player, averaging 28.1 points, 5.3 assists, five rebounds, four steals and one block on 36.2% shooting from 3-point range.
Saraf will be a late arrival to the United States for the predraft process, with ratiopharm Ulm on track to qualify for the playoffs next month. He will likely have the opportunity to participate in a draft combine in June for prospects still playing with their international teams.
The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
