Basketball: Ulm's Essengue and Saraf Make Their Mark in the NBA Draft
Basketball players Essengue and Saraf, originally from Ulm, have been chosen in the NBA draft. - NBA Draft Picks: Essengue and Saraf, From Ulm to the Pros
Hey there, sports fans!
In the world of basketball, it's time to cheer for Germany's Ratiopharm Ulm. Two of their young guns, Noa Essengue (18) and Ben Saraf (19), are breaking new ground by joining the NBA. Essengue, the second youngest draft pick, was snatched up by the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan's former team, at the 12th spot. Saraf, an Israeli phenom, is bound for the Brooklyn Nets, who selected him at the 26th spot. A first-round pick guarantees a shot in the world's premier league, baby!
Essengue was present at the draft but will be missing Ulm's crucial fifth game in the German championship final series against FC Bayern Munich. Saraf opted to stay put and will suit up for Ulm tonight in their game against FC Bayern (20.00 CET/Dyn).
Controversy brewing between Ulm, Bayern, and the Bundesliga
There's been a bone of contention simmering in Germany over the potential departure of these two rising stars. Ulm had asked for adjustments to the final series schedule, but the Bundesliga and Bayern turned a deaf ear.
Ulm's managing director, Thomas Stoll, was pumped about the talents' selection even before the draft: "Our coaches are knocking it out of the park when it comes to developing young talent. With all the noise out there, it's tough to convince the world's best to take the European route to the NBA. So, it's mind-blowing that the league wouldn't support this journey."
Now, let's shake things up! Here's what's been buzzing behind the scenes:
- The BBL set Final Series Games 4 and 5 (June 25 and 26) during the NBA Draft dates, causing issues for Ulm's prospects.
- Ulm had requested to move the games to secure their players and maintain fair competition, but the league and Bayern Munich refused, citing logistical challenges.
- Ulm publicly criticized this decision, emphasizing fairness and integrity, while Bayern insisted on maintaining the original schedule.
- Some say the league's reluctance to reschedule can be seen as a below-the-belt lowball move by the competition.
This situation sheds light on the struggles of balancing domestic league scheduling and international NBA commitments, especially when players can make a dash for the big leagues. Catch the drama unfold, folks! This is gonna be one heck of a final series!
- Noa Essengue
- Ben Saraf
- Ulm
- NBA
- Basketball
- New York
- New York City
- Chicago Bulls
- Brooklyn Nets
- Bayern Munich
- FC Bayern
- BBL
- Final series
- Domestic league
- Scheduling conflicts
- International commitments
- Balancing competition
- Fairness
- Integrity
The following shall be added in the table: 'Basketball (NBA) - Draft Picks: Noa Essengue (Chicago Bulls, 12th overall) and Ben Saraf (Brooklyn Nets, 26th overall)'.
Despite missing Ulm's crucial fifth game in the German championship final series against FC Bayern Munich, Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf are set to take the court together tonight as they represent their respective NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.
