Arkansas head coach John Calipari is making waves with his vocal support for freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr., who delivered a standout performance in the No. 20 Razorbacks' 99-84 victory over Texas A&M. Acuff Jr. has been a force this season, averaging 22.2 points per game, and his recent performances have sparked conversations about his potential as a national player of the year contender.
Despite starting 1-12 from the field against Texas A&M, Acuff Jr. managed to score 22 points, showcasing his resilience and ability to contribute when it matters most. This follows a jaw-dropping 49-point game against Alabama on February 18, which further solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
Calipari didn't hold back in expressing his disappointment that Acuff Jr. isn't being more prominently considered for player of the year honors. "Why isn't [Acuff] in the equation in the player of the year in the country?" Calipari questioned, emphasizing that Acuff's statistics are comparable to other top contenders.
The competition for player of the year is fierce, with names like Duke's Cameron Boozer, who averages 22.7 points per game, and BYU's AJ Dybantsa, leading the nation with 25.1 points per game. Yet, Acuff Jr. is right in the mix, ranking eighth in scoring nationally.
Fox Sports recently placed Acuff third on its Player of the Year ladder, a testament to his impressive contributions on the court. Calipari highlighted Acuff's all-around game, noting his six assists and three rebounds, and praised his ability to deliver in critical moments.
Acuff Jr.'s dedication is evident. He played through pain, sporting a walking boot before his explosive performance against Alabama, and logged all 50 minutes in Arkansas' double-overtime thriller against the Crimson Tide. He's been a consistent presence for the Razorbacks, appearing in all 28 games this season and averaging 34.7 minutes per contest.
Looking ahead, Arkansas faces a significant challenge with an upcoming road game against No. 7 Florida.
Calipari acknowledged the physical demands on Acuff Jr. but expressed confidence in his player's determination. "Should he play down in Florida?
Probably not," Calipari mused. "But if I said, 'You're not playing down there,' he'd bust out laughing."
As the season progresses, Acuff Jr.'s performances will be crucial for Arkansas, and his name will likely continue to circulate in discussions about the nation's top players.