The Brooklyn Nets have reason to celebrate after the franchise used picks 26 and 27 in the draft to select two promising Israeli players – Ben Sharaf and Danny Wolf – who will combine their talents in the coming season.
Ben Saraf – Rising from central Israel to American basketball glory
Ben Saraf, whose basketball lineage includes his mother, Ella Sharaf, a former Israeli national team player, started his career in Hapoel Emek Hefer's youth program. At just 16 years old, he shocked observers by transitioning to adult competition with Elitzur Netanya in the National League, rapidly establishing himself as one of Israeli basketball's most promising young talents.
His lone Israeli Premier League campaign (2023/24) proved extraordinary. Leading Ironi Kiryat Ata, he guided an unheralded squad to the playoff semifinals while capturing Discovery of the Season recognition. Currently competing in Germany's top division, he has gained valuable European experience through EuroCup participation and presently battles for the German championship title in finals action against Bayern Munich.
On the international stage, he has demonstrated exceptional ability from an early age. Leading Israel's under-16 national team to fifth place in the European Championship, he earned All-Tournament team selection while claiming the scoring championship. The following summer, he maintained that excellence with the under-18 squad, advancing to the European Championship semifinals.
Danny Wolf – Ascending from Yale to professional basketball
Danny Wolf grew up in Illinois, born in 2004 into a Jewish-American family with basketball in their DNA – his father and two older brothers were all players. When he arrived at prestigious Yale University in 2022, he made an immediate impact, earning the school's Discovery of the Season award in his debut year.
His career's pivotal moment occurred in Israel. During summer 2023, coach Elad Hasin recruited him for Israel's under-20 national team ahead of the European Championship, and Wolf maximized this opportunity brilliantly. Though the squad lost to France in the championship game, Wolf secured All-Tournament team honors and claimed the rebounding title – establishing his reputation throughout basketball circles.
Returning to Yale brought entirely different expectations. As a sophomore, he evolved into a regular starter and the team's offensive leader. While interest in his abilities intensified, he opted to continue his collegiate career by transferring to prestigious Michigan – a decision that proved exceptionally beneficial.
At Michigan, his excellence continued as he propelled the team to the NCAA Tournament's Round of 16. Following his April declaration for the NBA draft, recent projections consistently placed him among first-round selections. Standing 7 feet tall, he represents a unique talent with exceptional versatility – demonstrating elite ball-handling, passing, and shooting capabilities.
