Imago
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley speaks at a press conference during practice before the 2024 Final Four of the NCAA Tournament at State Farm Stadium on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Imago
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley speaks at a press conference during practice before the 2024 Final Four of the NCAA Tournament at State Farm Stadium on Friday, April 5, 2024.
“We’ve just lost seven NBA players over the course of two years, which is a lot,” shared Dan Hurley. To “replenish” this loss of high-end talent over two years and then Alex Karaban next season, the coach is tasked with integrating the 2025 recruiting class early on. Over 115 NBA Academy participants have earned Division I scholarships, but Jacob Furphy has become the latest to join their ranks. It wasn’t an easy decision, considering he had incredible offers in hand.
The 6-foot-5 guard visited UConn in October this year and was hosted by Illions just days before. But Furphy ended up choosing Dan Hurley’s roster Tuesday night.“I will be taking my talents to the University of Connecticut,” Furphy shared. This decision came shortly after winning the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in September, where he averaged 16.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
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NEWS: Australian 6-6 guard Jacob Furphy has committed to UConn, he tells @On3Recruits. pic.twitter.com/ikKfZPFEoB
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) October 30, 2024
With 13 of 28 shots made from deep, Furphy helped the Australian roster return home with gold medals around their necks. So, what made this 18-year-old with a significant wingspan make such a big move? It’s his belief in fitting into the two-time national champions’ culture.
“I believe I have the style of play and work ethic to fit in seamlessly with the Huskies and their championship culture. I’ve already built great relationships with the coaching staff, which I think will serve as a strong foundation for my continued growth as a player,” he shared. His arrival on the team is highly anticipated, as he’s projected to be drafted in 2028.
Can Furphy help Dan Hurley continue the Huskies’ success road?
Furphy, hailing from Tasmania, an island state of Australia, is likely to be the final piece in the Huskies’ 2025 recruiting class. Known as an excellent shooter, passer, and highly competitive player, he is expected to complement elite guards Darius Adams, Eric Reibe, and Braylon Mullins.
“I pride myself on my 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. I’m also a confident shooter, which helps space the floor,” added Furphy. And he’s right—averaging 16.8 points at an international tournament is no small feat.
The recruiting class, now joined by Furphy, ranks No. 2 in the nation, according to On3Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. It seems the fall season has been fruitful for the Huskies and their head coach on the recruiting trails. However, the preparations are on for the 2028 NBA prospects.
