Why Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self compares Johnny Furphy to KU legend Svi Mykhailiuk

University of Kansas men’s basketball guard Johnny Furphy has a way of making things look effortless on the court.

It doesn’t matter that he’s a freshman. It didn’t matter that it was just his second college basketball game — ever — on Friday. It also apparently didn’t matter that he’d battled shin splints for most of the past month.

Furphy, the young guard from Australia who’s come to Lawrence to play for KU, still made his mark against Manhattan College on Friday night, scoring 15 points in 20 minutes as KU rolled to a 99-61 thrashing of the Jaspers.

As for his shin splints?

“I’m feeling really good at the moment,” Furphy said. “I think I’ve done a really good job treatment-wise, just been staying on top of it. I’m feeling pretty much a 100% at the moment.”

That’s great news for KU. Furphy joined the Jayhawks in August. He picked Self’s Jayhawks over multiple other suitors, including Duke, North Carolina and Gonzaga.

Although he previously excelled at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta and the Sportradar Showdown in Las Vegas, Furphy is still very new to college basketball.

On Friday, he showcased his ability to score in various ways. Every bucket was a confidence-booster for the 6-foot-9 youngster, who said it’s all a work in process.

“I think I’m finding a little bit of rhythm within my game,” he said. “I’m still kind of establishing my role within the team. But, (I’m) definitely feeling more comfortable.”

Furphy said the biggest difference between college basketball here in the U.S. and what he’s experienced overseas is the heightened pace and physicality.

Perhaps, but Furphy’s play has already earned some praise from KU teammate Kevin McCullar.

“He’s super tough,” McCullar said. “He reminds me of myself like as a younger guy: He can do everything. It’s not just about scoring for him. It’s not just one thing about his game. He impacts the game in so many different ways and makes winning plays. That’s going to be huge for us, and we’re definitely going to need him this year.”

KU coach Bill Self even compared Furphy to another international player, not to mention KU legend: Ukraine native Svi Mykhailiuk, who is now playing for the NBA’s Boston Celtics.

“I thought Svi was really smart, and I think Johnny is really smart,” Self said. “I actually think Johnny is more physical than Svi at the same stage … but that would be a terrific pillow-fight if they ever got together. But one thing Johnny can do is he can offensive rebound. He goes after the ball.

“I thought Svi was really good, but I think Johnny probably plays more athletic than Svi did.”

Overall, Self wounded pleased with Furphy’s game.

“I think he looked to shoot the ball and he looked to shoot it as soon as he got in the game,” Self said. “I think that was great.”

But Self, too, indicated that Furphy’s development is a work in progress.

“He’s still not where he needs to be, but he’s gaining on it every day and looks more comfortable to me,” Self said. “I thought his stroke looked good. So I thought he did great.”