Several mock drafts had former Kansas guard Johnny Furphy getting selected in the first round in the 2024 NBA Draft, however that did not happen.
The 6-foot-8 forward was selected No. 35 overall to the Indiana Pacers after posting 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in his freshman season with the Jayhawks.
ESPN’s final NBA mock draft predicted Furphy to get drafted No. 18 overall to the Orlando Magic, so falling to Day two was not expected.
The Pacers had a very successful campaign in 2023-24, making the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the NBA Champion Boston Celtics.
Furphy joins a very young and talented back court with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Ben Sheppard.
Indiana made a trade to move up one spot to select the former Jayhawk, as he is one of the best three-point shooters in the draft, making 35.2% of his threes last season.
He helped Kansas reach an overall record of 23-11, finishing fifth in the Big 12 Conference before falling to Gonzaga in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Furphy led KU to a 74-69 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats with a career-best 23 points on Jan. 22.
