The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball program is well represented at the current NBA Combine in Chicago, with Johnny Furphy and Kevin McCullar, both products of KU, receiving invitations to the seven-day pre-NBA Draft event, continuing until May 19.
Most NBA mock drafts project both players as late first-round picks. Furphy has until May 29, 10:59 p.m. Central Time, to withdraw his name from the 2024 draft pool should he opt to return for a sophomore season at KU. At present, Furphy is fully engaged in the pre-draft process.
On Monday, his measurements revealed a height of 6 feet, 7.5 inches (without shoes), weight of 188.8 pounds, standing reach of 8 feet, 8.5 inches, and wingspan of 6 feet, 8 inches. Meanwhile, McCullar measured 6 feet, 5.25 inches without shoes, weighing 205.5 pounds, with a standing reach of 8 feet, 7 inches, and a wingspan of 6 feet, 9 inches.
Neither Furphy nor McCullar participated in Tuesday’s scrimmage, a notable observation. Typically, players abstain from scrimmages if they have received positive feedback from NBA teams and aim to protect their draft status. Furphy’s absence suggests he is likely being targeted by one or more first-round teams and signals a potential commitment to remaining in the draft.
According to a source close to the situation, Furphy’s decision hinges largely on his first-round prospects. However, his father, Richard Furphy, did not dismiss the possibility of his son returning to KU, emphasizing the value of the current opportunity as a learning experience, regardless of the draft outcome.
Furphy, who averaged 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and earned a spot on the Big 12’s all-freshman team last season, remains a significant prospect. McCullar, despite his final college season being cut short due to a left knee bone bruise, showcased his talent with averages of 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game last season, earning him All-America honorable mention from The Associated Press.
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