Who is Johnny Furphy? Australia’s next NBA Draft pick

Australia might just be on the brink of producing another basketball superstar, with Melbourne-born Johnny Furphy generating buzz ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Furphy has been making waves after a standout season with Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks, where he quickly emerged as a key player for one of college basketball’s powerhouse teams. His impressive performances have put him on the radar of NBA scouts and fans alike.

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But who exactly is this rising Aussie star, and how far can he go?

Johnny Furphy’s journey to the top began in Melbourne, where his natural talent and dedication to the sport were evident from a young age. His move to the United States to play for Kansas allowed him to showcase his skills on a bigger stage, and he did not disappoint. Furphy’s combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility on the court has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.

With his draft stock rising, Furphy is poised to follow in the footsteps of fellow Australians who have made it big in the NBA, such as Ben Simmons and Patty Mills. His potential is sky-high, and if he continues to develop his game, there’s no telling how far he can go. The 2024 NBA Draft could very well be the moment the world gets to see Australia’s next basketball sensation take his first step onto the global stage.

 

Who is Johnny Furphy?

Johnny Furphy is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft, emerging from his standout freshman year at the University of Kansas.

Early Career and Background

Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Furphy honed his skills at the AIS Centre of Excellence, a renowned Australian basketball academy that has produced stars like Josh Giddey, Dante Exum, and Dyson Daniels. During his final year at the CoE, Furphy averaged 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He also represented Victoria at the Australian U20 National Championships, where he impressed with averages of 13.3 points and 5.0 rebounds over six games.

Freshman Season at Kansas

Furphy’s freshman year at Kansas started slowly, but he found his stride in 2024. He was named a starter for the first time against Oklahoma on January 13, and quickly became one of the Jayhawks’ most exciting players. As a starter, his stats jumped to 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, lifting his season averages to 9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Furphy starred in Kansas’s March Madness run, delivering a standout 16-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist performance in their opening win over Samford.

Draft Prospects and Projections

At 19 years old, Johnny Furphy has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. His recent form has propelled him up the draft boards, earning him an invitation to the Draft’s green room, signaling expectations for a lottery pick. Most mock drafts predict Furphy will be selected in the middle to end of the first round:

  • ESPN and USA Today: 18th pick
  • The Ringer: 24th pick
  • Yahoo: 26th pick
  • NBADraftNet: 29th pick

Sporting News’ Kyle Irving projects Furphy at the 20th pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighting his potential as a floor spacer and his high ceiling. Irving notes, “The Cavaliers need a floor spacer to take pressure off Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Furphy only shot 35.2 percent from 3 as a freshman but had hot streaks that teased his capabilities. He might not be ready to play in the NBA from Day 1, but he is still an intriguing fit as a 6-8 sharpshooting forward.”

Johnny Furphy’s journey from Melbourne to the cusp of the NBA is a testament to his hard work and talent. With his combination of size, shooting ability, and versatility, Furphy has the potential to be a significant player at the next level. As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on this rising Australian star to see how far he can go.