In the world of college basketball, few coaches have the pedigree of Arkansas Razorbacks' John Calipari when it comes to developing elite guards. Names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Derrick Rose jump off the page, and now, freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. is looking to add his name to that illustrious list.
Acuff's offensive prowess was on full display in a thrilling matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite the Razorbacks falling short in a 117-115 double overtime loss, Acuff's performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Lighting up the scoreboard, Acuff dropped a season-high 49 points, shooting an impressive 16-of-27 from the field. He also contributed five rebounds and five assists, showcasing his all-around game. His first-half explosion, where he poured in 22 points in just 20 minutes, set the tone for the night.
Even in defeat, Acuff's heroics didn't go unnoticed. Social media buzzed with praise, including a nod from ESPN Analyst and former NBA star Kendrick Perkins, who dubbed Acuff the "best college guard Calipari has ever coached."
Acuff's scoring ability is undeniable. Before this game, he was averaging 21.2 points per game, ranking him 14th in the nation, and boasting a remarkable 50.3% shooting accuracy. For comparison, both Gilgeous-Alexander and Rose, during their college days, averaged around 14 points per game with slightly lower shooting percentages.
While Acuff has a journey ahead before reaching the heights of his predecessors, his potential is clear. Projections already have him as a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with mock drafts like Tankathon placing him at No. 9 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Under Calipari’s guidance, Acuff is poised to continue the tradition of exceptional guard play, adding another chapter to the coach's storied career in developing NBA-ready talent.