NBA-Bound: Ulm's Essengue and Saraf Make History in Draft
Basketball Journey: Saraf and Essengue Drafted from Ulm to the NBA - NBA Draft Sees Ulm Duo, Essengue and Saraf, Get Selected
Ever dreamt of seeing your favorite local basketball stars shining bright on the world stage? Well, that's exactly what's about to happen with Ratiopharm Ulm's Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf. During the recently concluded NBA Draft in New York City, these two young talents were selected to play for the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets respectively, filling us with a wave of hometown pride!
The 18-year-old Frenchman, Essengue, found himself being picked 12th by the Bulls – a team once graced by the legendary Michael Jordan. On the other hand, Saraf, a 19-year-old Israeli, will represent the Nets, who'll be his new squad at the 26th position. Being chosen in the first round ensures a contract in the premier basketball league, the NBA, a dream come true for these young stars!
Despite the excitement, Ulm's Essengue won't make it to the crucial fifth game of the German championship final series against FC Bayern Munich, as he was present at the draft. However, Saraf, who decided against traveling to New York, will be available for today's game against Bayern (20.00 CET).
Controversy in Germany's Basketball Scene
Amid the celebrations, there was quite a stir in German basketball concerning the potential departure of these two outstanding players. Ulm had requested a rearrangement of the final series schedule, a request denied by the BBL and Bayern.
Thomas Stoll, Ulm's managing director, voiced his discontent even before the draft, expressing his belief that the success of these athletes is a testament to the hard work put in by the coaches to develop young talent. It's becoming increasingly challenging to convince top talents to make the leap from Europe to the NBA, he said, making it all the more incomprehensible that authorities would stand in the way of their development.
- Highlights:
- Two Ratiopharm Ulm players – Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf – were selected in the NBA Draft for the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets respectively.
- Essengue, picked at the 12th spot, will miss Ulm's game against Bayern due to the draft.
- Saraf, chosen at the 26th spot, will be available for the game despite not attending the draft.
- There was controversy in Germany regarding the potential departure of the two professionals and the refusal to adjust the schedule of the final series by the BBL and Bayern.
- The NBA Draft is a critical event for Ulm, given the NBA prospects on their roster, and the timing of the final series games overlapped with the draft.
- Ulm's General Manager Thorsten Leibenath criticized the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) for not considering the reality of their teams and expected them to compete in the national title without two of their best players due to the calendar.
- The stakes are high in the German basketball finals, with Bayern aiming to reinforce their dominance and Ulm seeking to defend their championship and showcase their youth development success.
The following shall be added in the table: sports, basketball, nba. With the recent NBA Draft, Ulm's Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf have been added to the NBA roster, playing for the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets respectively.
