Former Kansas Jayhawks shuffle in recent mock as NBA Draft approaches

The Kansas basketball program has sent off a plethora of talent to the NBA in past years, with 33 draft picks in the 21st century alone. It will be no different later this month when the 2024 NBA Draft ensues, as two former Jayhawks are expected to hear their names called at the podium on draft night.

Both Johnny Furphy and Kevin McCullar had breakout seasons during the 2023-24 campaign that put them on the map with professional scouts. Most outlets have them being drafted in the first and second rounds, respectively. As of June 17, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor projects Furphy to go No. 24 overall to the New York Knicks and McCullar No. 46 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kevin McCullar slips while Johnny Furphy stays put in NBA Mock Draft

The Australian phenom has hovered around the 20-30 range in the draft for the majority of the year. He averaged 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds in 33 games, growing into a much better player as the year progressed. He displayed his above-average outside shooting stroke and length during his one-year stint in Lawrence. Here is what The Ringer has to say about the Melbourne native:

"Furphy is one of the biggest risers of the pre-draft process. Though he’s incredibly raw, he’s a worthy project for the Knicks to take on considering they have multiple picks."

- The Ringer NBA Mock Draft

Furphy will likely be taken that a team that does not need win-now players and can sacrifice a year or two of development. Given his age and inexperience, he is more of a long-term project but can bud into an outstanding role player over time.

While McCullar once sat near the lottery in some way-too-early mock drafts, his stock dropped over the course of the year due to a midseason shooting slump. He later dealt with a knee injury that affected him for the final two months of the season and kept him out of the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. This is what The Ringer wrote in his report:

"The Clippers could use someone with some bite, especially at the wing and forward spots. McCullar would fit what they need, providing a versatile defender to replace Paul George if he leaves in free agency."

- The Ringer NBA Mock Draft

He might not be the man who will replace a superstar like PG13, but he would be a serviceable piece in Los Angeles. Unlike Furphy, McCullar is an experienced college veteran who can provide immediate contributions to a team with defensive needs on the wing. The question is whether his knee will hold up in addition to his injury-riddled past.

These are two very realistic landing spots for each of these former Jayhawks. Fans will find out where they wind up in just over a week when the draft begins on June 26.