TAMPERE (Finland) - Ben Saraf's 40-point performance in the Round of 16 at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket sent shockwaves through the basketball world, not only due to the quality of his play but also, because of who he did it against: a star-studded Spain that had reached the Final in four of the last five tournaments.
The hardest part about having the game of your life? Having to do it all over again the next day. Saraf, however, rose up to the challenge, putting up 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in an upset win against France and their stifling defense.
As Israel prepares to face yet another giant, Serbia, in the Semi-Finals, we take a look at Saraf's masterful play during the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in this Player Spotlight.
Offense
Saraf is one of the most impactful scorers we have seen in recent years in FIBA Youth competitions. His statistical output has been exceptional: Saraf was the leading scorer at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket two years ago and he's replicating that success in this year's FIBA U18 EuroBasket, where he's averaging 26.2 points per game on impressive efficiency - shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three.
Beyond the scoring volume and the efficiency, there's the way in which he does it, and looking at the tape it's clear that few, if any, players at his age possess the scoring arsenal that Saraf does.
It all starts with his ability to get downhill and drive to the basket. Saraf is an advanced ball-handler who possesses an array of dribble moves to initiate drives from the perimeter, making the most of convincing crossovers, hang dribbles and changes of speeds to beat defenders. His long arms allow him to keep a tight dribble, which he combines with his footwork and spatial awareness to navigate through traffic.
Saraf plays at his own pace. His speed with the ball in his hands and his willingness to play through contact make him difficult to stop for opposing defenders. He's quick to change speeds and he generates a ton of momentum on his way to the rim, but he's just as masterful at decelerating, which allows him to convert floaters and other difficult finishes in the paint.
However, while Saraf can drive the lane with tremendous momentum, he's not someone who explodes off of one foot and finishes consistently with force over defenders, being more reliant on tough, off-balance finishes around the basket. Saraf has shown moments of versatile finishing and his long arms allow him to keep the ball away from rim protectors and make extension finishes, however, he's still vulnerable to get his shot blocked by centers around the basket due to the aforementioned lack of elite vertical pop.
With some of those finishing limitations, it's good news that his three-point shooting during the tournament has been incredible. Saraf had always shown a knack for self-created jumpers, but he was clearly more comfortable from the mid-range. This year, however, he has become a pull-up threat from beyond the arc as well, utilizing his quick footwork and his suddenness as a ball-handler to create space against defenders and hit tough, contested jumpers from deep range.
Similarly, Saraf has improved as a playmaker for others. Despite his scoring profile and the high-usage role he plays for Israel, the recent Ratiopharm Ulm signee is far from being a selfish player. He's leading Israel in assists, racking up 5.4 assists per game in comparison to just 2.0 turnovers.
On a primary level, Saraf is a reactive passer on the move who leverages his scoring gravity to draw multiple defenders, both in transition and in half-court drives, creating open shot opportunities for teammates. Then there's the flashes of advanced passing, where he's able to recognize cutters, run pick-and-rolls with timing and accuracy and find teammates on the weak side of the floor with skip passes that make the entire defense shift.
Defense
Saraf has shown noticeable improvement as a defender. Despite carrying a heavy offensive load, he has been a significant defensive contributor, creating events at a good rate, as he's averaging 2.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Standing at 1.99m with long arms and quick feet, Saraf effectively stays in front of opponents as an on-ball defender, covering drives, contesting shots and anticipating passes. When he defends off-the-ball, he's quick to jump the passing lanes and come up with steals and deflections.
Saraf is also an active help defender on drives and post-ups, being quick and timely to double team opponents who get in the lane. There is, however, a downside to it: he tends to overcommit as a help defender, leaving his primary defensive assignment wide open, which opposing teams have been able to capitalize on.
Outlook
Saraf's play in Tampere has more than lived up to the hype that he built over the past five year of performances in FIBA Youth competitions, invitational tournaments and the Israeli BSL, showing the most complete scoring package in his age group, while also contributing as a playmaker for others and perimeter defender.
Once the FIBA U18 EuroBasket wraps up, Saraf will head to Germany to join Ratiopharm Ulm, where he'll team up with fellow projected NBA Draft pick Noa Essengue. If his performance in Tampere is any indication, he should be one of the first international players off the board in the 2025 NBA Draft and, in time, become a significant piece for the Israeli senior national team, where his scoring upside complements Yam Madar's primary playmaking and Deni Avdija's defensive versatility.
FIBA