The Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. in the latest mock draft, and his recent on-court heroics are making that choice look even smarter. Known for his scoring prowess, Acuff's 37-point explosion in the Razorbacks' win over the Oklahoma Sooners has only boosted his draft stock further.
Acuff’s Scoring Prowess Shines
Acuff was unstoppable against the Sooners, setting the tone right from the start. He opened with a smooth mid-range shot, followed by a three-pointer, and capped it off with a dunk in transition. His scoring spree was relentless, finishing with 37 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including an impressive 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Remarkably, this wasn't even Acuff's top performance of the season. Just weeks ago, he dropped 49 points against Alabama, showcasing his ability to carry his team into double overtime. Although the Razorbacks fell short, Acuff’s display was unforgettable.
This season, Acuff ranks among the nation’s top scorers, averaging 22.7 points per game and sitting ninth nationally. His versatility on offense is his hallmark, shooting 52.2 percent on two-pointers and 44.3 percent from three, attacking the basket with authority and stretching defenses.
A Perfect Fit for the Bucks
Whether the Bucks continue their journey with Giannis Antetokounmpo or venture into new territory, Acuff could be a perfect fit. With Giannis, Acuff would add a scoring punch, alleviating some of the superstar's offensive burden. Without him, Acuff could emerge as a potential franchise cornerstone.
If Giannis stays, the Bucks might take inspiration from the Spurs, who have built around Victor Wembanyama with a trio of talented guards. Milwaukee could mirror this with a lineup featuring Giannis, Darius Acuff Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Acuff isn’t without his challenges. At 6-foot-3, he’s somewhat undersized for a guard, and there are questions about his defensive intensity.
However, his potential to make a significant impact at the next level is hard to overlook. Regardless of their draft position, the Bucks might just have their sights set on Acuff.