Ben Saraf

Ben Saraf is an Israeli professional basketball player and rising NBA star. Born on April 14, 2006, in Moshav Ometz near Netanya, Saraf became the fifth Israeli ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft when he was taken 26th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2025. At 19 years old, Saraf is regarded as one of his generation’s most promising international guards, known for his elite passing, court vision, and on-ball creativity.

Saraf began playing professionally at age 16 with Elitzur Netanya in Israel’s second division before advancing to the Premier League with Ironi Kiryat Ata, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors for the 2023–24 season. That same year, he led Israel to a fourth-place finish at the FIBA U18 European Championship and was named tournament MVP, averaging 28.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals per game.

In 2024, Saraf signed with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga, helping the team reach the league finals. He averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 assists per game in EuroCup play during the 2024–25 season and drew praise for his slashing ability, high IQ, and flair as a playmaker.

Saraf’s game has been likened to that of NBA guard D’Angelo Russell, with analysts citing his blend of height (6’6”), poise, and passing instincts. Though his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, his left-handed shot mechanics and strong mid-range confidence suggest room for growth. He wears jersey No. 77 in honor of the Hebrew word mazal (luck) and cites Luka Dončić as his favorite NBA player.

Saraf made history alongside American-Israeli Danny Wolf when both were selected in the first round by the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first Israeli duo ever drafted by the same NBA team in a year. Their arrival marks a significant moment for Jewish representation in professional basketball and has sparked excitement across Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide.

With guaranteed contracts and the opportunity to develop in a rebuilding franchise, Saraf is expected to debut in the NBA Summer League before joining the Nets for the 2025–26 season. As he embarks on his NBA career, he hopes for a growing Israeli basketball legacy and a vibrant Jewish fanbase.

Source: “2025 NBA Draft Profile,” NBA. 
“Ben Saraf International Stats,” Basketball Reference.
“Israeli hoopsters Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf taken by Nets in first round of NBA draft,” Times of Israel, (June 26, 2025).
“Saraf and Wolf make history as Israeli back-to-back first-round picks by Nets,” Jerusalem Post, (June 26, 2025). 
Jacob Gurvis, “Brooklyn Nets pick two Jewish players in NBA draft,” JTA, (June 26, 2025).

Photo: Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.