After a dynamic offseason led by Bill Self, the Kansas basketball squad is poised as a top contender for the 2024-25 national championship. The roster upgrades, including standout transfers AJ Storr, Zeke Mayo, and Rylan Griffen, alongside the return of Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams, and Dajuan Harris, have elevated KU into early championship discussions.
As the offseason winds down, Jayhawk supporters eagerly await the verdict of one player: Johnny Furphy. The 6-foot-9 guard hasn’t disclosed whether he’ll return to Lawrence or remain in the NBA Draft pool. Currently, he’s exploring his options, with a deadline set for May 31. However, the chances of his return seem slim.
The prospect of Johnny Furphy rejoining Kansas basketball appears increasingly unlikely. Coach Self, signaling the team’s direction through a series of offseason maneuvers, doesn’t anticipate Furphy’s return. At the team’s banquet, Self made it clear he wouldn’t delay plans for Furphy’s decision and secured Griffen as his replacement.
There are compelling reasons why Furphy should or shouldn’t return. Despite being part of a relatively weak draft class, he’s still expected to be a first-round pick this summer. Another season at Lawrence might not significantly bolster his draft standing beyond the 20s-30s range.
Furthermore, being an Australian native, Furphy faces unique challenges regarding NIL benefits, unlike American players. He can only capitalize on name, image, and likeness benefits back home in Melbourne, complicating matters further. Opting for another season in college would mean sacrificing millions of guaranteed dollars for further skill development, something he could pursue in the NBA or G League.
Furphy’s freshman season showcased his potential with above-average athleticism and shooting prowess. However, despite his on-court promise, sacrificing his lifelong dream to risk potential injuries or other uncertainties doesn’t seem pragmatic.
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