The list of Australians in the NBA was expected to grow today, with Johnny Furphy predicted to have become the latest to hear his name called at the NBA Draft. 

Furphy, who just completed his freshman year at Kansas, was even extended an invite to the Draft’s green room, along with 23 other hopefuls expected to be taken in the first round.

However, things didn’t go as planned for the Aussie, who failed to be selected with any of the first 30 picks in the draft. 

MORE: NBA Draft grades and analysis for every pick

Did Johnny Furphy get drafted?

Despite being predicted as a mid-first round pick by nearly all experts – Sporting News’ Kyle Irving listing him at 20th in his mock draft – Furphy was not drafted in the first round. 

The Australian, alongside Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, were the only two attendees of the green room who did not get drafted, as the NBA moved to a two-day Draft structure for the first time.

The 19-year-old from Melbourne had a rapid ascension at Kansas, which led most to believe he was a shoe-in for a first round pick, but he will have to wait one more day to realise his NBA dreams. 

Australians in NBA Draft

The lone Aussie in the NBA Draft, Furphy’s exclusion will see Australia’s first round pick drought continue, with Dyson Daniels in 2022 the last Australian to be taken in the first 30.

However, it was not all bad news for the Australian basketball community, with NBL Next Stars Alex Sarr (pick 2) and AJ Johnson (pick 23) both selected in the first round, continuing the NBL’s highly successful NBA pathway.

When is the second round of the NBA Draft?

Furphy and the other prospects still seeking the NBA will not have to wait long for their chance, with the second round of the draft being held on Friday, June 28 Australian time. 

Coverage will start at 6 am AEST, and it will be shown on ESPN via Foxtel, and streamed on Kayo.

Johnny Furphy’s rise at Kansas

An alumni of Australia’s basketball factory, the Australian Institute of Sport Centre of Excellence, Furphy’s draft stock rapidly rose during his freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks. 

After working his way into the starting lineup at the beginning of 2024, his production steadily increased, putting up 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals on 45.9 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from the 3-point line, starting 18 of the Jayhawks’ final 19 games of the season. 

Furphy’s best game of the season came against Cincinnati, putting up 23 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the 3-pint line. His first taste of March Madness saw him record 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists against Samford, before the Jayhawks bowed out in the Round of 32 against Gonzaga. 

Johnny Furphy college stats

• 33 games
• 24.1 minutes
• 9.0 points 
• 4.9 rebounds 
• 1.0 assists
• 46.6 field goal percentage
• 35.2 3-point percentage
• 76.5% free throw percentage