Australian wing Jacob Furphy has committed to UConn over Illinois, as Furley announced on social media Tuesday night.
Furphy’s recruitment went under the radar, with many not knowing about UConn recruiting him until he committed.
“I believe I have the style of play and work ethic to fit in seamlessly with the Huskies and their championship culture,” Furphy told NJ Advance Media. “I’ve already built great relationships with the coaching staff, which I think will serve as a great foundation to my continued growth as a player.”
Furphy, 18, is considered the top prospect in his class from Australia. The 6-foot-5 lefty is from Tasmania and developed his game at the Basketball Centre of Excellence and the NBA Global Academy in Australia. The Centre of Excellence, abbreviated as “CoE,” plays in the NBL1—the G-League equivalent of the NBL. That means Furphy has played against strong competition in Australia.
He is an excellent shooter, making 13 of his 28 3-point attempts during the FIBA U18 Asian Cup. His 3-point shot is most effective at the top of the key and on the wings, but he can shoot from the corner too. Furphy, not related to former Kansas guard Johnny Furphy, averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game, helping Australia win the tournament.
The NBA Academy has produced a handful of talented players, including Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin, Bulls guard Josh Giddey and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. College basketball players include Duke center Khaman Maluach and Indiana center Oumar Ballo.
Furphy has strong court vision, constantly feeding his teammates on cuts, which will fit well with the offense UConn head coach Dan Hurley runs.
“I think that this recruiting class for us in ‘25 is to bring in high-end talent, players that potentially will be early-entry level players that we can bring into this class,” said Hurley last week at Big East Media Day.
What also stands out in the film, aside from his 3-point shot and court vision, is Furphy’s ability to finish at the rim. On film, he is seen playing well without the ball in his hands, making cuts to the rim to help find a window for an easy layup.
Furphy’s shooting and basketball IQ make up for not being as physically gifted or athletic as some of his future teammates.
I pride myself on basketball IQ, which allows me to make great reads out of the pick and roll and create for myself and teammates, as well as my competitive nature to help impact winning.
Jacob Furphy, UConn Men’s Basketball Commit
“His work ethic, ability to understand basketball concepts and character as a teammate will allow him to elevate and fit in seamlessly with any high-level program,” Greg Collucci, NBA Director of Elite Basketball Recruiting & Alumni Relations, told NJ Advance Media.
Furphy’s commitment puts the Huskies over the current scholarship limit of 13. However, the limit is expected to increase to 15 next year, though the decision has not been finalized yet. The limit might not be needed with NBA scouts interested in Alex Karaban, Liam McNeeley, Jaylin Stewart and Samson Johnson.
He visited UConn and Illinois in late September/early October before making his decision roughly a month later.
“I pride myself on basketball IQ, which allows me to make great reads out of the pick and roll and create for myself and teammates, as well as my competitive nature to help impact winning,” said Furphy to NJ Advance Media’s Adam Zagoria. “I’m also a confident shooter which helps space the floor.”
Hurley loves players who pride themselves on their competitive nature, so Furphy, rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, should fit right in with the Huskies. He will join Darius Adams, Braylon Mullins and Eric Reibe in Storrs, Connecticut next fall.