Kansas Q&A: On Johnny Furphy’s shooting slump, KU’s 3-pointers and March Madness

Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy is in quite a shooting slump.

The Australian sharpshooter is averaging 7.0 points on 10-for-37 shooting (27.0%), including 15.8% on 3-pointers, in the last five games.

His cold streak comes at the worst possible time — the Jayhawks are currently awaiting Selection Sunday to find out their first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament.

Furphy knows he’s got to get out of his slump if the Jayhawks want to make a run in March Madness.

“I’m getting more defensive attention as these last couple of weeks have progressed,” Furphy told The Star. “It’s a learning process. Every game, I am learning more about how to play against more aggressive defensive play styles.”

While the defensive attention has undoubtedly increased on Furphy — likely due to KU’s lack of health and awareness of his abilities — he’s also missed open shots that he typically makes.

“I’ve got to trust myself a little bit more,” he said. “I’ve got to knock down those open shots and help the team. That’s really what I need to do.”

Now it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks mailbag. Thanks for the questions!

Are the 3-point shooting problems physical or mental at this point? — @Irrational41Jay

I think it’s a mix of both.

Shortened rotations due to health issues for KU’s stars have led to tired legs and missed shots for players like Furphy. Add in the extra defensive attention he’s receiving, and his shooting slump is exacerbated.

For a player like Nick Timberlake, it appears primarily mental. He’s shooting 28.4% from deep despite shooting 36.8% on 3-pointers in his career.

In fact, Timberlake shot 40.6% from 3s two years ago and 41.6% last year, on more than twice as many attempts per game as this season.

It’s not like his looks have been contested; most of them have been wide-open. He’s just missing the shots.

Bill Self spoke of KU needing to find swagger and confidence after the Big 12 Tournament. That could be at play, too.

Why do you think McDowell struggles to see the floor? He always seems to play hard and was 1/4 from 3 last night, whereas Furphy/Elmarko/Timberlake/Harris were a combined 1/13 — @adammorrisonfan

It comes down to the level of trust coach Bill Self has in Jamari McDowell. Remember, when he arrived at KU this summer, he was supposed to redshirt. Instead, he challenged for the last remaining starting spot.

McDowell is well ahead of what’s expected of him, and now that the Jayhawks are shorthanded, he’s finally starting to get minutes.

That said, he needs to continue to develop his game.

One example, going back to your question: Timberlake sees the floor more because he has one elite skill — a proven track record of shooting — even if it hasn’t exactly translated this year. But that skill can single-handedly win KU games.

While McDowell is a good shooter, he doesn’t have the career track record that Timberlake brought to KU.

Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if McDowell plays more minutes to give the Jayhawks different looks in the NCAA Tournament. Especially if the injury issues remain for Kansas.

So with Furphy’s horrendous March, he’s coming back, right? He was consistently beat on defense and his offense regressed. Tons of potential but so much to learn, hopefully he learns in college rather than on a G League roster. — @jfos4

It’s too early to say.

Looking at the mock drafts, he’s still in the mid-first to lottery-pick range. I also think it’s a little unfair to judge Furphy’s pro potential because he is playing a different role than most of the season due to KU’s injury issues.

His numbers would undoubtedly be better if Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson were healthy. He’d be in a role that, at this point, would be more comfortable.

Last season, fellow sharpshooter Gradey Dick also went through a little bit of a shooting slump near the end of the season. He was still drafted No. 13 overall by the Toronto Raptors. Furphy isn’t the sharpshooter that Dick is, but the NBA Draft is more about potential than actuality for players his age.

Based on sources close to the situation, I expect Furphy to at least test the NBA Draft waters after the season, though players can do that and still return.

Which #KUfball position group needs to see the most growth in spring ball? — @dtrainkc

I think it’s KU’s offensive line group, as the O-line is very much in flux.

Former starters Dominick Puni and Mike Novitsky are off to the NFL, while Armaj Reed-Adams has transferred to Texas A&M.

Still, the Jayhawks did bring in Rimington Trophy winner (top center in D-II football) Shane Bumgardner from Tiffin University. Michael Ford Jr., Bryce Cabeldue and Kobe Baynes — who started games for KU — will return next season.

Promising freshman tackle Calvin Clements, who started in KU’s bowl win over UNLV, also returns.

That said, there are more holes in the offensive line than the Jayhawks have had in years. KU needs its younger and less experienced players to step up and play well under new coach Daryl Agpalsa.