In the heart of Fayetteville, Darius Acuff showed why he's a force to be reckoned with, even on a night that seemed off by his lofty standards. Missing 11 of his first 12 shots, Acuff might have appeared to struggle, but his resilience shone through as he finished with 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in the No. 20 Razorbacks’ 99-84 victory over Texas A&M.
Despite the rocky start, Acuff found his rhythm, shooting an impressive 6 of 7 down the stretch. His teammate, Trevon Brazile, who contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, noted Acuff’s unwavering confidence: “He's going to go out there and shoot his shots and get to his spots no matter what, and that's what we need him to do.”
Acuff’s season averages of 22.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, along with his shooting efficiency, have been instrumental in Arkansas’ success. The Razorbacks, boasting a turnover rate of just 12.3%, are ranked as the nation’s No. 4 offensive unit, largely due to Acuff’s leadership.
Scoring 99 points with only four made three-pointers against a solid opponent like the Aggies (19-9, 9-6) is no small feat. Coach John Calipari believes Acuff deserves more recognition, especially in the Player of the Year discussions. “He's doing things in the guts of games,” Calipari remarked, highlighting Acuff’s impact in crucial moments.
While Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa lead the race for National Player of the Year, Acuff’s performances have certainly placed him in elite company. His ability to either drive to the rim or make precise passes makes him a dual threat, as Brazile emphasized: “He was just making good passes in the first half, and he was more aggressive getting his shots in the second.”
Acuff's consistency has earned him the No. 10 spot in the KenPom National Player of the Year rankings, and he stands as the only SEC player on the list. He’s also the frontrunner for SEC Freshman of the Year, having won eight weekly awards, a record in itself.
Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan praised Acuff’s determination: “Some of those were tough shots, man. ... That’s what’s made him a good player. He’s a tough offensive player who wants it in that moment.”
Acuff’s journey this season is a testament to his skill and tenacity, and as the season progresses, he continues to make a compelling case for national recognition.