LAWRENCE – Kansas basketball will not be without representation this year at the NBA Draft Combine, according to a Friday release.
The Jayhawks’ Johnny Furphy, a freshman guard last season, was invited. His Kevin McCullar Jr., a graduating senior guard last season, was also invited. It’s another step in the pre-draft process for the two that could very well see them selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
Furphy burst onto the scene as a rookie last season and emerged as Kansas’ starter during Big 12 Conference play. His 3-point shooting ability and athleticism helped make him a valuable member of the Jayhawks’ rotation. He averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6% from the field and 35.2% from behind the arc.
McCullar, had he been fully healthy last season, likely would have become an All-American. One of the best defensive presences in the Big 12, not to mention the country, is someone who excels on both ends of the floor. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
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Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association Sportswriter of the Year for the state of Kansas in 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal: NBA draft combine invites Kansas’ Johnny Furphy, Kevin McCullar Jr.
