KU’s Furphy remaining in 2024 NBA Draft

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - After going through the pre-draft process, Kansas guard Johnny Furphy has decided to keep his name in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Kansas head coach Bill Self said May 6 Furphy’s departure from Lawrence was the expected outcome for the Australian Jayhawk.

“Johnny probably had a better freshman year than what anyone would ever imagine,” Self told Andy Katz in early May.

On Wednesday, Self said Furphy informed the program he wouldn’t return for his sophomore season.

“Johnny informed us today that he will remain in the 2024 NBA Draft,” Self said. “We appreciate his contributions in the year that we had him. He has matured and accelerated at a very quick pace as a player during the past year. We understand and support Johnny’s decision.

“We should all be excited for him and look forward to his progress as an NBA player.”

Furphy averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 35 percent from 3-point range in his year with the Jayhawks.

READ MORE: KU guard Johnny Furphy named to initial Australian Olympic basketball team

When he announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft in April, Furphy released a statement via the Kansas basketball Twitter account. He did the same Wednesday after making his departure from Lawrence official.

“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,” Furphy said. “I can’t say thank you enough to Coach Self, the entire coaching staff, and every single person associated with our basketball program. I have the most amazing teammates I could have ever asked for and I want to wish them the best of luck going forward.

“And to Jayhawk nation, thank you for being the greatest fanbase in the world. Rock Chalk.”

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said Furphy is ESPN’s 18th-ranked prospect in this year’s draft class.

“He toyed with the idea of returning to Kansas, but ultimately got the assurances he was looking for regarding his draft stock,” Givony said.

The 2024 NBA Draft will take place on June 26-27, 2024, with the first round happening on Wednesday, June 26 in Brooklyn and the second round taking place on Thursday, June 27.

Along with Furphy, Kansas guard Kevin McCullar is also expected to be drafted in this year’s draft.

To replace Furphy, Kansas has added help via Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen and Wisconsin transfer AJ Storr, who also went through the NBA Draft process.