During his teenage years, Furphy competed in various basketball leagues across Australia, including semi-professional competitions.[5] He played in the Big V for two seasons from 2021 to 2022. During the 2021 season, he played for the Hawthorn Magic in the Championship division, appearing in just two games before the season was cancelled midway due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That season, he averaged 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.[6] The following year, he started the 2022 season playing for the Melbourne University Black Angels in the Division One, appearing in nine games and averaging 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.[7] Midway through that season, Furphy relocated to Canberra to join the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (CoE), competing in the NBL1 for two seasons from 2022 to 2023.[8] Furphy appeared in three games for the CoE in July of the 2022 season and remained with the team for the 2023 season, during which he averaged 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over 12 games.[9][10][11]
On 2 August 2023, Furphy committed to play college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks in the United States.[12] He made his collegiate debut as a true freshman on 6 November in the season opener against North Carolina Central, recording six points and five rebounds in a 99–56 victory.[13] Furphy made his first career start on 20 November against Chaminade, contributing four points and two rebounds during an 83–56 win.[14] On 22 January 2024, he delivered his best college performance, posting season highs of 23 points and 11 rebounds in a 74–69 victory over Cincinnati.[15] Throughout the season, Furphy played a significant role as a reserve wing,[16] appearing in 33 games with 19 starts and averaging 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.[17] His performance was recognized with a selection to the All-Big 12 freshman team.[18]
After the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Furphy declared for the 2024 NBA draft on 16 April 2024, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.[15][19] He later received an invitation to the draft green room.[20] Having grown up as a fan of the NBA and particularly admiring LeBron James, he expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to fulfill his long-held dream of competing on the same court as his basketball idols.[2]
Professional career
Indiana Pacers / Mad Ants (2024–present)
On 27 June 2024, Furphy was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft. On the same night, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the 36th overall pick, Juan Núñez, and cash considerations.[21][22] He signed with the Pacers on 7 July.[23]
2024–25
During his rookie season, Furphy was frequently assigned to the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers' NBA G League affiliate, moving between the Mad Ants and the Pacers' bench.[5][24] He primarily served as a substitute to provide rest for starters and to gain playing time in the closing minutes of games with decided outcomes.[5]
Furphy made his National Basketball Association (NBA) debut on 25 October 2024, at the age of 19 in a game against the New York Knicks. He entered the game late in the fourth quarter with 4:59 remaining, while the Pacers were trailing 113–83. Despite his efforts, he did not score, going 0-for-3 from the field and missing his only three-point attempt. The Pacers ultimately lost the game 123–98.[25]
On 11 April 2025, Furphy recorded a career-high 17 points, six rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes played during a 129–115 loss to the Orlando Magic.[26]
2025–26
Furphy started the 2025–26 season with limited playing time due to an ankle injury.[27] On 3 November 2025, during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he sprained his left ankle after falling on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter. He was later seen leaving the locker room on crutches following their 117–115 loss.[28]
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