Bill Self and Kansas basketball have consistently produced NBA-caliber wing players in recent years. Last year, Gradey Dick was selected in the lottery, while former low-ranked recruits like Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun have become significant contributors at the professional level. It’s no surprise that the Jayhawks could potentially see another pair of wings make the jump to the NBA next month.
Kevin McCullar, who led the Big 12 in scoring this year, and Australian freshman guard Johnny Furphy are both projected as first-round picks in the upcoming draft. While McCullar opted to use his final year of eligibility for a super-senior season at Kansas, Furphy is considering leaving after just one year. He faces a decision on whether to return to school or pursue his NBA dream.
As speculation mounts about Furphy’s decision, he has garnered increased attention from professional scouts. Jon Chepkevich, the Director of Scouting for DraftExpress, recently provided a quick profile of the Melbourne native on social media.
“Observing Johnny Furphy closely ahead of the NBA Draft Combine. The young Aussie swingman has seen a remarkable rise since his standout performances at last summer’s NBA Academy Games. He exceeded expectations as a freshman at Kansas and is now considered a likely first-round pick.” – Jon Chepkevich
Initially a member of the 2024 recruiting class, Furphy’s stock soared after impressive showings at the NBA Academy Games. He joined Kansas late in the season and quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup during conference play. His outside shooting ability and length on the wing immediately caught the attention of scouts.
While Furphy’s breakout in the 2023-24 season was unexpected, he is now highly regarded by NBA analysts. Many mock drafts project him to be selected in the latter stages of the first round. Although there are areas for improvement, the 19-year-old offers immense potential for any team willing to take a chance on him.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Furphy fits the mold of a prototypical 3-and-D wing in the NBA. Despite some defensive concerns, his long wingspan suggests promise as an on-ball defender. He showcased a 35.2% three-point shooting accuracy on 3.8 attempts per game last season and demonstrated an ability to knock down contested shots. Furphy is primarily a spot-up shooter rather than a player who creates shots off the dribble.
The NBA Draft Combine, which began yesterday, will likely play a pivotal role in Furphy’s decision-making process. Jayhawk fans will be closely monitoring his performances during the combine to see if there’s still a chance of him returning for a sophomore season at KU.
