Aussie teen becomes instant millionaire in NBA draft
<p>Johnny Furphy, 19, has made it to the NBA, after being selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 35th pick in the draft. </p>
<p>The Aussie teen joins the world's top basketball league after just one year of studying at the University of Kansas. </p>
<p>Furphy was initially selected by the San Antonio Spurs, but was then on-traded to the Pacers who had pick number 36. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>According to <em>Fox Sports,</em> 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. </p>
<p>“At the end of the day, it’s about wherever the best fit is, and I think Indiana is the spot,” Furphy said. </p>
<p>Prior to the draft, the teen paid tribute to his fellow Australian basketballers with a custom-made suit for the big occasion. </p>
<p>“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 <em>7NEWS</em>. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Growing up, Furphy also played Australian Rules in the Yarra Junior Football League for Fitzroy Juniors. </p>
<p>He said that his footy history helped him throughout his NBA career. </p>
<p>“I played until I was about 16. Playing that sport definitely helped my basketball being able to absorb contact,” he said.</p>
<p>The teen has a promising career ahead, with Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze also supporting him. </p>
<p>“(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 <em>7NEWS</em>.</p>
<p><em>Image: Matthew Lynch/CSM/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>
