For several decades, NCAA student-athletes were immediately deemed ineligible if they hired an agent for the NBA Draft. Doing so would forfeit their collegiate eligibility, erasing the option to return to school after going through the draft process.
However, that rule changed three years ago with the introduction of NIL. Here is the rule in the NCAA rulebook: "Under the change, if student-athletes use an NCAA-certified agent while gathering information on whether to enter the NBA draft, they retain their college eligibility if they choose to return to school." Players can now hire NCAA agents while maintaining eligibility and receiving professional advice.
Because of this, Kansas basketball fans should not worry too much when learning that Australian guard Johnny Furphy hired an agent. However, it is yet another step closer for him to go pro. Shreyas Laddha of The Kansas City Star reported the news yesterday.
Per source, #Kubball freshman Johnny Furphy has hired an agent.
— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) April 11, 2024
Here's more on that, plus the timeline for when his decision could come out and the latest on the process. https://t.co/Ug47gY7DPw
Johnny Furphy inches closer to entering his name into NBA Draft pool
Furphy is expected to enter his name into the draft pool, as he is a projected first-round pick this summer. This move takes him one step closer to carrying that out. He will receive advice from the professional scout, who will most likely suggest he participate in the draft combine and private workouts before making an official decision.
The 6-foot-9 wing started 19 of 33 games for Kansas as a freshman, averaging 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 threes made on 46.6% shooting (35.2% 3-point shooting). He became a mainstay in the rotation by conference play and was a pivotal player for the Jayhawks down the stretch.
While his length, athleticism, and outside shooting make him an intriguing draft prospect, he is still extremely raw and saw his draft stock fall after a disappointing finish to the season. Laddha mentioned in the aforementioned article that he still remains undecided on his decision.
Furphy has until Apr. 27 to enter the NBA Draft and May 29 to withdraw his name from the pool. Jayhawk fans will learn his decision eventually.