The Jayhawks got a disappointing update regarding standout freshman Johnny Furphy's future from recent comments by Bill Self. Furphy is testing the NBA waters and Self believes the high-flying youngster will ultimately choose to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft.
While Kansas is still considered championship favorites by betting markets, losing Furphy is a big blow. He only averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, but he shot over 35% from beyond the arc and routinely made huge plays in transition.
Furphy is a projected first-round pick in a relatively weak draft class, though he could have given the Jayhawks a huge boost as he continued to develop his game.
Bill Self Says Johnny Furphy Unlikely to Return to Kansas
Self on Furphy: Chances are he will probably stay in the draft, I think because he will probably go in the first round. #KUbball
— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) May 6, 2024
Pretty much the sense I got from talking to his dad as well, the NBA Combine could help him rise a bit too. https://t.co/ZKIwYzOMw3
It's easy to see why NBA teams would covet Furphy. He's a 6'9" guard with great bounce and shooting touch and at only 19 years old, his potential is off the charts.
Kansas' core is staying together with the news that Hunter Dickinson would return for one more year. Dajuan Harris and K.J. Adams are both back and Self did a great job in the transfer portal, so it's possible that Furphy sees this as his best chance to be a first-round draft pick.
I was hoping to watch Furphy for one more year as a Jayhawk and see him compete for First-Team All-Big 12 honors, but I can't begrudge a player for wanting to chase his dream as a professional athlete.
Still, it's unfortunate news for Jayhawks fans. Kansas will still be just fine in the long run and there's still a chance that Furphy comes back, though it sounds like Self is already preparing himself for life without the exciting freshman.
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