On Wednesday, Israeli guard Ben Saraf and 17-year-old Noa Essengue made their mark in an NBA preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers while playing for Ratiopharm Ulm. Both are promising 2025 NBA Draft prospects, and they seized the opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.
Noa Essengue Shines at 17
Essengue, just 17 years old, turned heads with an impressive all-around performance. He recorded 20 points on 6-for-14 shooting while adding eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 34 minutes. His energy and versatility were vital in keeping Ulm competitive, despite ultimately losing by 11 points. Essengue’s mature play for his age has raised eyebrows among NBA scouts, and this game further solidified his potential.
Ben Saraf’s Strong Start
Ben Saraf also had a notable performance, particularly in the first half. He scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, including knocking down 75% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Saraf finished the game with 16 points, two assists, and two steals. Though he had some struggles with his handle at times, which led to turnovers, Saraf demonstrated his ability to navigate defenses and set up teammates, functioning as one of Ulm’s lead guards. His impressive ball-handling and playmaking ability at just 18 years old make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams.
NBA Draft Stock Rising
Both Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue have been performing well for Ulm in the EuroCup, with Saraf averaging 14.5 points and 6.0 assists over four games. His dominant play in the FIBA U18 tournament, where he earned MVP honors, has translated well to the professional level. NBA decision-makers are surely taking note of these performances as the draft cycle continues.
As these young talents continue to develop, expect to hear more buzz surrounding their names as potential top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Comments