Ben Saraf impresses as Nets’ unexpected starting point guard

Oct 6, 2025 12:50 PM

The Brooklyn Nets tipped off their preseason on Saturday in emphatic fashion, cruising past Hapoel Jerusalem with a 123–88 victory.

While the lopsided score left little drama in terms of the result, there were still plenty of intriguing storylines for fans to follow – especially the question of who would run the show at point guard, writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

With top-10 pick Egor Demin sidelined as he recovers from a plantar fascia tear, the Nets handed the starting job to fellow rookie Ben Saraf, selected 26th overall in this year’s draft.

Saraf seized the opportunity with a poised and efficient performance, posting nine points, six assists, and just one turnover in his unofficial debut.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez was quick to praise the 19-year-old’s maturity.

“He plays like a vet. He was good with the ball taking care of the ball, which at times in camp it was something he hasn’t been as good at,” Fernandez said.

“With five fouls, that’s the thing that he’s going to clean up a little bit more. But I was very, very happy even though he had those fouls early in the game, his mind was in the game and he kept playing and he was not really affected by it. So it tells you who he is, how mature he is at his age. He’s just going to keep getting better.”

Though Saraf’s long-term role is still uncertain – particularly once Demin returns – his preseason start was noteworthy not only for his production but also because he was trusted ahead of other young guards.

Both Nolan Traore, the 19th overall pick in the same draft, and recently acquired third-year guard Kobe Bufkin were available, yet it was Saraf who earned the nod.