KU’s Furphy declares for NBA Draft while maintaining collegiate eligibility
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy announced Tuesday he’s entering the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility.
Furphy arrived in Lawrence as a late-enrollee in the summer ahead of the 2023-24 season and wound up starting 19 of the 33 games he participated in for the Jayhawks.
The 6-foot-9 wing from Melbourne, Australia, shared the news in a statement via the KU basketball Twitter page.
“I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2024 Draft while maintaining my college eligibility,” Furphy said. “I am so grateful to Coach (Bill) Self and the whole team at KU for the opportunity they gave me to be a part of this incredible program.
“From moving to a new country, to participating in the NCAA Tournament, this year has flown by faster than I could have ever imagined.”
READ MORE: KU guard Johnny Furphy named to initial Australian Olympic basketball team
Furphy averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from 3-point range. He was also named a Big 12 All-Freshman selection for his play during a 23-11 season for KU.
“I love my teammates and am so proud of everything we accomplished this season,” Furphy continued. “Everyone at Kansas has made me feel at home. What I have learned at Kansas has changed the way I think about basketball, and no matter what happens from here, I’ll always be a Jayhawk.
“Thank you and Rock Chalk!”
Furphy is maintaining his collegiate eligibility and could return to Kansas for a sophomore season if he doesn’t like the he receives in the NBA Draft process. Last week, CBS Sports had him projected as the 26th pick in this June’s draft.
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