The Israeli national basketball team concluded its EuroBasket qualifying campaign with consecutive victories in Riga over Portugal and Slovenia, securing first place in its group. While the team had already clinched its spot in this summer’s European Championship, set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia, its strong finish has heightened expectations for the tournament.
This optimism largely stems from a new generation of standout young players, ages 18 to 20, who are excelling overseas and fueling speculation about a potential powerhouse Israeli squad. Among them are Danny Wolf and Emanuel Sharp, both making an impact in the NCAA; Shon Abayev, earning praise in American high school basketball; and Ben Saraf, who is turning heads in Germany and is widely projected as a high pick in this year’s NBA draft.
With several Israeli prospects on track to reach the NBA, the dream of seeing multiple Israeli players in the world’s top league is closer to reality than ever before.
Age: 18 | Height: 6-foot-5 | Position: Guard | Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
2023-24 Basketball Bundesliga Stats: 12.1 points, 4.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds
His club, Ratiopharm Ulm, sees him as a temporary stop before bigger opportunities. ESPN’s latest mock draft projects Saraf as the No. 17 overall pick, potentially heading to the Orlando Magic. "He continues to rack up points, assists, free throws, and steals at an impressive rate for a guard of his height competing at this level," ESPN’s scouting report noted.
Saraf has also begun to establish himself within Israel’s national team. In the recent EuroBasket qualifiers, he started both games, scoring 11 points with five assists against Portugal and adding eight points against Slovenia. Despite the team missing several key players, head coach Ariel Beit-Halahmi made his belief in Saraf clear: "I really want Ben Saraf at EuroBasket." However, his NBA draft status could ultimately determine whether he is available for the tournament.
The rising star recently earned a spot on FIBA’s list of the top 20 young European talents, alongside projected 2024 NBA draft lottery picks Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), and Tidjane Salaun (Charlotte Hornets). Saraf’s standout performance at last summer’s Under-18 European Championship further cemented his reputation—he was named tournament MVP after averaging 28.1 points, 5.3 assists, five rebounds, and four steals per game.
Age: 20 | Height: 7 feet | Position: Forward/Center | Team: Michigan Wolverines
2023-24 College Stats: 12.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 blocks
After spending two years at Yale, Wolf transferred to Michigan this season and has continued to elevate his game. His leadership and production were on display in a recent win over Purdue, where he contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, and clutch baskets down the stretch.
NBA draft analysts have taken notice, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony ranking Wolf as the No. 16 pick—one spot ahead of Saraf. "He’s one of the most unique players in college basketball and the best pick-and-roll big man in this draft class," Givony wrote. "He possesses excellent ball-handling, passing, and finishing skills with both hands, while also shooting 37% from three."
Age: 20 | Height: 6-foot-3 | Position: Guard | Team: Houston Cougars
2023-24 College Stats: 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Sharp, the son of Israeli basketball legend Derrick Sharp, first gained attention at 15 when he led Israel’s under-16 team in scoring at the European Championships. Since then, he has developed into one of the top guards in U.S. college basketball.
Now in his sophomore season at Houston, Sharp has been a key contributor for a team currently ranked fourth in the nation. He made headlines in last year’s NCAA Tournament, dropping 30 points, including seven three-pointers, to lead Houston past Texas A&M into the Sweet 16.
Sharp is an elite shooter, hitting 43.1% from beyond the arc and 91.8% from the free-throw line. "He’s probably the most physical guard we’ve ever had here," said Houston assistant coach Kwanas White. "His shooting is elite, and he’s only going to get better."
Israel’s basketball federation is keeping a close eye on Sharp’s international future, as he also holds Canadian citizenship through his mother. Canadian officials have reportedly expressed interest in recruiting him for their national team.
Age: 18 | Height: 6-foot-8 | Position: Guard | Team: Calvary Christian (High School, USA)
2023-24 High School Stats: 22.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Though the least known of the four, Abayev may have the highest ceiling. Playing in the “Overtime Elite” high school league, he recently put up 34 points in a game, drawing comparisons to a young LeBron James from some scouts.
Originally from Hadera, Israel, Abayev moved to Florida as a child and developed into a highly touted prospect. He has already committed to play at the University of Cincinnati next season and is projected as a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft. "Top six," according to ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla.
A dynamic scorer, Abayev was named MVP of a prestigious Tennessee high school tournament, pouring in 120 points over four games. He also hit a game-winning shot in front of an impressed Shaquille O’Neal.
Next month, Abayev will take part in the McDonald’s All-American Game, an event featuring the best high school players in the U.S. and a proving ground for future NBA stars. "The most important thing for Shon is winning," said his coach, Wes Miller. "He’s a great scorer, but people don’t realize how well he creates for others. When the ball is in his hands, he’s a fantastic playmaker."
