Johnny Furphy, a Kansas wing player, has decided to enter the NBA Draft after receiving Big 12 All-Freshman honors in his first season with the Jayhawks. Despite his promising potential and late enrollment in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Furphy will maintain his collegiate eligibility throughout the pre-draft process, leaving open the possibility of returning to Kansas.
Originally from Australia, Furphy became a key player for Kansas, averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in Big 12 competition. While he needs to add strength to compete in the NBA, his skills and length make him a prototypical NBA wing player. Furphy expressed gratitude to Coach Self and his teammates for their support and the opportunity to improve his game at Kansas.
Furphy’s NBA Draft projection ranks him at No. 32 in the 2024 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings by CBS Sports. With his size, skill set, and shooting abilities, Furphy is seen as a player with high potential but needs to focus on defensive development and physicality to succeed in the NBA long-term.
The decision to enter the draft could impact Kansas, as the team would benefit from Furphy’s return due to the lack of depth and the departure of key players. However, with the ’24 draft class perceived as weak, it may make sense for Furphy to pursue his NBA dreams. As Kansas looks to rebuild, incoming freshmen and transfers like Zeke Mayo and Riley Kugel will play significant roles in the team’s future success.
