Ben Avraham Saraf Bio
Ben Avraham Saraf is an Israeli professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on April 14, 2006, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to Israel at the age of three. Saraf began his professional career in 2022 and has quickly made a name for himself in the Israeli leagues, achieving notable recognition such as the Israeli Basketball Premier League Rising Star and the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP.
Early Life and Background
Ben Avraham Saraf was born to Israeli parents in South Africa, where his father, Yedid Saraf, worked in the diamond industry. The family returned to Israel when Saraf was three years old. He grew up in Moshav Gan Yoshiya in the Emek Hefer Regional Council in Israel. Saraf comes from a basketball family; his father played one season for Bnei Herzliya Basket in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, while his mother, Ella Amir Sharaf, played for the Israeli women’s national team and in Israel’s second basketball division. He attended Ramot Yam Emek Hefer high school, where he further developed his basketball skills.
Path to Basketball
Saraf began his professional career at the age of 16, playing for Elitzur Netanya in the second division Israeli Basketball National League. During the 2022–23 season, he averaged 14 points, 3.3 rebounds, and three assists per game. His impressive performance earned him recognition as the National League’s Sixth Player of the Season and Rookie of the Year in April 2023. Following this success, he signed with Elitzur Kiryat Ata of the top division Israeli Basketball Premier League on July 11, 2023. Saraf continued to excel, averaging 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and one steal per game in the 2023–24 season, which led to him being named the Israeli Basketball Premier League Rising Star.
Ben Avraham Saraf Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Saraf’s early career began with Elitzur Netanya, where he made a significant impact in the Israeli Basketball National League. His performance in the 2022–23 season set the stage for his future successes. After moving to Elitzur Kiryat Ata, he continued to develop his skills and gain recognition in the Israeli Premier League. In June 2024, Saraf signed with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga, where he played under coach Ty Harrelson. At Ulm, he had a major role on the team, which reached the Bundesliga finals, averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 assists per game in the 2024–25 season.
Breakthrough (2025)
Saraf’s breakthrough came when he was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 26th pick in the 2025 NBA draft on June 25, 2025. This marked a historic moment as he was drafted alongside American-Israeli Danny Wolf, making it the first time two Israeli players were picked by the same team in the NBA draft. Saraf received a guaranteed two-year contract worth $2.4 million for his rookie season and $2.52 million for his second season. On December 15, 2025, he was assigned to the Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, to further develop his skills and gain experience.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his young career, Ben Avraham Saraf has achieved several notable milestones, including being named the Israeli Basketball Premier League Rising Star in 2024 and the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP in 2024. His rapid ascent in the basketball world showcases his potential and dedication to the sport.
Ben Avraham Saraf Award Nominations
Ben Avraham Saraf has received several nominations throughout his career, particularly in the Israeli Basketball National League and the Israeli Basketball Premier League, where he has been recognized for his outstanding performances.
Ben Avraham Saraf Awards Won
Saraf has won multiple awards, including the Israeli Basketball National League Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 and the FIBA U18 European Championship MVP in 2024. His accolades reflect his talent and contributions to the sport of basketball.
Ben Avraham Saraf Family
Ben Avraham Saraf comes from a supportive family that has a strong background in basketball. His father, Yedid Saraf, played professionally, and his mother, Ella Amir Sharaf, also played at a high level, contributing to his early interest and development in the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Ben Avraham Saraf’s personal life remain private, focusing primarily on his basketball career and achievements. As he continues to grow in the sport, more information may become available about his life off the court.
