AMMAN (Jordan) - Australia are on a roll in their second U18 Asia Cup. Jacob Furphy has been a big part of why that's been the case for the Emus.
The 1.93M (6'4") guard started the competition with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a win against Mongolia before going off in the next game.
Against Lebanon, Furphy finished the with 28 points - the most in a U18 Asia Cup game for an Australian player, beating the previous mark set by Kyle Bowen who scored 22 points in 2018 against Japan.
That scoring total is also tied for most so far in this year's competition and only one less than the highest scoring in a game from the 2022 edition of the U18 Asia Cup.
The 18-year-old has been a mainstay on Australia's youth teams whether it was with the Crocs from the U16 Asia Cup 2022, U17 World Cup 2022, U17 Oceania Championship 2023, to this stint with the Emus.
Jacob - not related to the fellow Aussie and 35th pick of the NBA Draft 2024, Johnny Furphy - should have a bright career because of his basketball IQ, which might be a result of a less-known fact he shared about himself. Find out what that is from the #AsiaCup Next Gen youngster himself as he takes the spotlight.
How did your basketball journey begin? What inspired you to start playing?
Furphy: My journey started when I was around six. I just watched my mum play, then got into Aussie hoops, and slowly started juniors.
Who have been your biggest inspirations in basketball?
Furphy: My biggest inspiration would be my mum
What is a cool or interesting fact about you that most people do not know?
Furphy: A cool or interesting fact would be that I can solve rubik's cube.
Is there a current player that you idolize?
Furphy: Probably Josh Giddey and Luka Doncic.
How can you describe your play style? What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Furphy: My play style is being a very methodical facilitator. My strengths would be my basketball IQ and size. My weakness, right now, would be my athleticism.
Do you have any relatives or family in basketball?
Furphy: Just my little brother.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Furphy: Hopefully playing in the NBA and for the Boomers.
FIBA