Australia might have another basketball superstar on its hands, with Melbourne-born Johnny Furphy currently making a name for himself in the NCAA. 

Currently starring for Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks, Furphy has emerged in a big way this season, quickly becoming one of the key players on one of college basketball’s most powerful teams. 

But who is this up-and-coming Aussie, and how far can he go?

Who is Johnny Furphy? Career and bio 

Johnny Furphy is currently a freshman at the University of Kansas. 

Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Furphy attended the AIS Centre of Excellence – the Australian basketball factory that produced names like Josh Giddey, Dante Exum, and Dyson Daniels.

While at the CoE, he averaged 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in his final year and also represented his state of Victoria at the Australian U20 National Championships, where he averaged 13.3 points and 5.0 rebounds through six games. 

Johnny Furphy March Madness updates

Furphy and the Kansas Jayhawks are through to the second round of the NCAA tournament, after defeating Samford somewhat controversially in the opening round. 

Furphy had 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists for Kansas, as they escaped with a 93-89 win, despite a controversial foul call down the stretch. 

He will now take on the five-seed Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round. 

Johnny Furphy season stats

Despite a slow start to his college career, Furphy came on in a huge way at the start of 2024, being named a starter for the first time against Oklahoma on January 13, and quickly becoming one of the Jayhawks’ most exciting players.

Furphy averaged 8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game during the season, but after becoming a starter those numbers rose to 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

How old is Johnny Furphy?

Johnny Furphy is 19 years old, born on December 7, 2004.

When will Johnny Furphy be drafted?

Currently 19, Furphy will be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. 

The Australian’s recent form has seen him rocket up draft boards, with draft expert NBA Draft Room currently projecting him at pick No. 16, while many others have begun to consider him an early-to-mid first-round pick.