2025 Draft Watch: Evaluating Sarem Jafari in a 2024 Iranian Superleague Game

October 20th, 2024

Sarem Jafari is a 6-9 Iranian big man that was selected first overall in the 2024 G-League International Draft by the Texas Legends, so I decided to take the time to watch him play in a February 13th Iranian Superleague game for Foolad against Limondis, with thanks to YouTube via BballBeyondBorders. Jafari is a mobile, skilled big man that has an emerging face-up game, can knock down threes, and can provide rim protection on the court, and he could be an interesting prospect to watch this year. Here are my thoughts on how he fared in this game, and how his skills may translate to the NBA. Also, for those that are interested in the box score of this game, here is the link.

Sarem Jafari is a mobile, skilled forward that had a decent showing in his team’s win in this game. He showed off promising face-up skills, as he can knock down shots off the catch or dribble. Early on, Jafari drove hard to the basket to score on a thunderous dunk. Later on, Jafari also made a quick, open spot-up three off the catch. Plus, he also was able to get the ball on a cut to score on a high-arcing layup. On the downside, he would sometimes miss on contested shots in transition, as he doesn’t possess elite foot speed.

He also showcased satisfactory playmaking skills. Jafari is an unselfish player that will quickly find the open man to set up scoring chances for his teammates, and he also was able to throw an accurate bounce pass to a cutter on the move. On one play though, he threw an inaccurate pass that bounced out of bounds.

Also, Jafari showcased fairly solid rebounding skills, as he would leap up to haul in and chase down defensive boards. On one play though, he tried to get a defensive board, but the ball bounce off his hands and went to an opponent, as he didn’t secure the ball that time. Defensively, he looked to be about average at best. For the positives, Jafari will use his length and position to block shots, and he will look to play angles to cut off penetration. On the downside, he would sometimes play too aggressively or would be late on his rotations, and sometimes he would get beat off the dribble by quicker players, which would lead him to commit fouls and allow scores.

In general, Sarem Jafari showed off an interesting set of skills, as he is a mobile forward that can score in a variety of ways, and showcased the ability to be a plus-level defender in the future. He’ll need to be more assertive on offense and will need to be a more disciplined defender in games, but if he can play well in the G-League or overseas in front of NBA teams and scouts, he could end up being a serviceable role player in the NBA.

Mohammadamin Khosravi is a mobile, energetic 6-7 forward that played fairly well for Limondis in his team’s loss in this game. He showed that he can score off the dribble, out of the post, as well as on hustle plays. He used a pump fake to drive hard to the hoop to score on a strong, two-handed dunk. Khosravi showed a knack for scoring in transition and on rolls to the rim, as he has good balance, body control, and finishing ability to do so. He also would make strong moves out of the post, and he can use timely ball fakes to score and get fouled to get to the free throw line. On the downside, he didn’t make any of his threes, and he will need to add a reliable jump shot to his arsenal.

He was a bit turnover prone in this game. For the positives, Khosravi can make drive and kick passes to find open shooters, and he will also set screens to help his teammates get open driving lanes to give them better chances to score the basketball. On the downside, sometimes he would struggle to protect the basketball, especially when facing considerable ball pressure, which would lead him to commit ball-handling turnovers.

Khosravi was able to get his fair share of rebounds in this game, as he would haul in defensive boards, and he was able to bring the ball up once. He also played adequate defense in this game. Khosravi was able to rotate to alter a shot to prevent an opponent from scoring at the rim. He also would use his length to deflect passes and contest threes to get stops for his team. On the downside, sometimes he would play too aggressively, which would lead him to be out of position. Other times, he would struggle to guard quicker players, which would lead him to commit fouls and allow scores.

Overall, Khosravi played well in this game, and he is a mobile, energetic combo forward that can score and defend in games. However, he’s undersized to play inside, and he will need to extend his range and add a reliable outside shot to his arsenal to be able to make the jump to play at the NBA level. Even if he isn’t able to make it to that level someday, Khosravi is a productive player in his current league, and he could end up being a very good player in the Iranian Superleague for years to come.

All in all, those are my thoughts on how Jafari and Khosravi fared in this game. Thanks for reading.