The 2024 NBA Draft did not unfold as anticipated for Kansas basketball standouts Johnny Furphy and Kevin McCullar. Both individuals found themselves in the position of waiting as their names were not called during the initial round of selections on Wednesday.
Furphy was undoubtedly taken aback by this turn of events. His outstanding performance throughout the season had generated expectations of being chosen in the mid-to-late first-round. Despite being identified as the top-rated prospect as the draft progressed, Furphy remained unselected. Over the course of the season, he exhibited his talents by averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds, earning him a spot on the Big 12’s all-freshman team. His efforts were acknowledged through workout sessions with seven teams within the pick range of Nos. 9-20. Adding to the intrigue, he even attended the NBA Draft accompanied by his family. Furphy participated in individual workouts with the Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Similarly, McCullar also encountered the letdown of not being chosen in the first round. Despite prognostications positioning him as a late first-round to early second-round selection, McCullar’s name remained unannounced. He had demonstrated his skills on the court by averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists for the Jayhawks, significantly contributing to the team’s performance. His journey was not without challenges, as he grappled with a bone bruise in his left knee throughout the season, leading to his absence from the NCAA Tournament. Nonetheless, his determination and talent were acknowledged with an All-America honorable mention by the AP.
With the first round of the draft concluded, the attention now turns to the second round, which is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. Central on Thursday. We hope for improved fortunes for both Furphy and McCullar as they await their turn in the forthcoming selections.