Two Ulm stars in a dilemma: final or NBA draft? Make up your mind!

Two Ulm stars in a dilemma: final or NBA draft? Make up your mind!

In the exciting final series of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), Ratiopharm Ulm and Bayern Munich are fighting for the title. But between powerful games and cheering fans there is also a tricky point of contention: the clash of dates between the NBA draft and the BBL final. This particularly affects the talented players from Ulm, Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf, whose decisions these days are up to their necks.

The BBL has rejected a request from Ulm to shorten the fixture list, meaning Essengue (18) and Saraf (19) are under enormous pressure. Both could try their luck in the NBA in the fall, which leaves many basketball players in an unfortunate dilemma: finals or draft? Participation in the draft is not compulsory, but it is an established tradition and a crucial moment in the careers of many athletes. [SWR] reports that Saraf recently stated that, for the sake of his career, he wanted to concentrate entirely on the final phase of the season. Saraf has also averaged 12.8 points in the current EuroCup season and is ranked No. 14 on Wasserman's rankings, while Essengue also has great ambitions to be traded high in the draft.

The pressure is increasing

A quick look at the first final game: Ulm suffered a 66:82 defeat against Munich. Essengue and Saraf were unable to reach their full potential on this occasion, which further complicates the situation. The team now has to prove that it is capable of emerging triumphantly from the difficult situation without its two key players.

Experts report that both players are said to have great talent. Saraf, who has won the MVP trophy at the U18 European Championship several times as a creative playmaker, is a sought-after player. [BBL Pros] highlights that Essengue, as an explosive power forward, can impress with his good defensive work and a solid rebounding instinct. Both players have the potential to be selected in the first round of the draft, which makes their inner conflict all the more acute.

Next Steps

The NBA Draft will take place on June 25th at Barclays Center. For Essengue and Saraf, this means that quick decisions are required. Essengue has made it clear his desire to be selected as early as possible, and it wouldn't be surprising if we see him among the top 10 picks soon. Saraf, who is well integrated after his academic career at Ulm, remains optimistic, despite the turbulent circumstances. [Bleacher Report] is impressed by his achievements, which point to a promising future.

In a sporting environment in which career arc goes against team spirit, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop for Ulm and his two talents. Ultimately, the pressure will be felt on both sides - for the team in the title race and for the players who could potentially seal their basketball fate in the upcoming draft.