The Kansas Jayhawks were hopeful to get one more season out of Johnny Furphy in Lawrence, but it wasn’t meant to be as the Australian announced on social media on Wednesday night that he would be staying in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Furphy shared on X that, “Playing in the NBA has always been a lifetime goal of mine. With that, I’ve decided that now is the time to pursue that dream.”
The Australian forward finished his freshman men’s basketball season averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds and was voted to the Big 12’s all-freshman team.
It was believed Furphy would return to KU if he wasn’t a projected First Round pick, but between a good combine showing and a weak 2024 NBA Draft Class, Furphy is now projected to be as high as a mid-First Round NBA Draft selection.
Furphy improved as the season progressed in Lawrence as well. Furphy’s best game as a Jayhawk came against Cincinnati when he scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 37 minutes. It was also three games into a stretch where Furphy scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games.
The first round of the NBA Draft will take place on Wednesday, June 26.
