KU basketball’s Johnny Furphy, Kevin McCullar not picked in 1st round of 2024 NBA Draft

Kansas forward Johnny Furphy and guard Kevin McCullar were not selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.

For Furphy, the result was unexpected. Most mock drafts had him slated as a mid-to-late first-round selection. He spent much of Wednesday’s ESPN broadcast as the No. 1-rated prospect remaining — particularly during the final 10 picks.

Furphy averaged 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds and was voted to the Big 12’s all-freshman team in his lone season in Lawrence. He told The Star he worked out with seven teams in the pick range of Nos. 9-20. Furphy even attended the NBA Draft with his family on Wednesday.

Furphy reportedly had individual workouts with the Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was more anticipated that McCullar would have to wait for the second round to hear his name called. He was projected as a late first-round to early second-round pick. McCullar averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Jayhawks this past season.

McCullar battled a bone bruise in his left knee throughout the season which caused him to miss the NCAA Tournament. Still, he was named an All-America honorable mention by the AP.

The second round of the 2024 NBA Draft will start at 3 p.m. Central on Thursday.