Aussie teen becomes instant millionaire in NBA draft
Johnny Furphy, 19, has made it to the NBA, after being selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 35th pick in the draft.
The Aussie teen joins the world's top basketball league after just one year of studying at the University of Kansas.
Furphy was initially selected by the San Antonio Spurs, but was then on-traded to the Pacers who had pick number 36.
The teen received an exclusive invite to the green room for the first round of the draft, but wasn't selected until the second round.
According to Fox Sports, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told Furphy that the franchise is “really excited” to have drafted him, and believe that he is a “great fit” for their team.
“At the end of the day, it’s about wherever the best fit is, and I think Indiana is the spot,” Furphy said.
Prior to the draft, the teen paid tribute to his fellow Australian basketballers with a custom-made suit for the big occasion.
“I will be wearing a suit with all the Australia NBA players, who have played in the NBA and my name will be highlighted,” he told 7NEWS.
According to the publication, the young teen is set to be a millionaire with last year's 35th getting a partially guaranteed $US8 million ($A12m) deal over four years, with similar numbers for those selected either side.
Growing up, Furphy also played Australian Rules in the Yarra Junior Football League for Fitzroy Juniors.
He said that his footy history helped him throughout his NBA career.
“I played until I was about 16. Playing that sport definitely helped my basketball being able to absorb contact,” he said.
The teen has a promising career ahead, with Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze also supporting him.
“(He is) a guy that hasn’t come out of nowhere, but it’s been a meteoric rise for someone now considered a first-round draft pick,” he told 7NEWS.
Image: Matthew Lynch/CSM/ Shutterstock Editorial